How chiropractic care can help children with common health issues
Alternative Treatments for Children’s Chiropractic and Alternative Therapies
Early in life, the human body starts to develop patterns. Children undergo rapid physical, neurological, and emotional changes from infancy to adolescence. Children can experience many health issues as they grow. These range from digestive problems and frequent ear infection to behavioral issues and spinal misalignments.
Pediatric chiropractic care is a natural, non-invasive method that many parents turn to when they are looking for ways to improve their children’s health. This alternative therapy is aimed at maintaining the proper alignment of your spine and supporting the function of the nervous system, the master control system for the entire body.
This article will examine how chiropractic treatment can help children who have common health issues such as Bedwetting Colic Ear Infections and Spinal Alignment. It will also shed light on the benefits and safety of integrating chiropractic into a child’s wellness routine.
Understanding Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment involves the use of gentle manual adjustments on the spine and joints in order to restore mobility and nerve function. Pediatric chiropractic is adapted according to the size, age and developmental stage of the child.
It is not enough to simply “crack” your spine. You also need to remove subluxations, which are misaligned vertebrae that can interfere with nerve function and communication. The spine’s alignment supports a healthy nervous, which can regulate digestion, immunity and sleep.
Chiropractic adjustments for children are very gentle. They often use the same pressure as you would to test the ripeness in a tomato. It is a drug-free, natural option that allows the body to function and heal optimally.
Nocturnal Enuresis (Bedwetting)
Bedwetting can be a frustrating problem, especially in children who otherwise are healthy and do not have any physical abnormalities. Most children outgrow bedwetting, but some continue to struggle well into adulthood.
Chiropractic care can provide relief to children suffering from nocturnal incontinence, by focusing on spinal nerves that control bladder function. A misalignment in the lower back, particularly in the sacral area, can disrupt the communication between the brain’s and bladder’s functions. It can cause a delay in signaling, or poor control that contributes to nighttime accidents.
Chiropractors use gentle spinal adjustments to improve neurological signals, helping children regain control over their bladders while sleeping. Parents report seeing improvements in their children after just a few sessions. However, consistent care is needed to achieve long-term results.
Colic and Digestive Disorder
Colic is excessive crying that occurs in otherwise healthy babies. It can be caused by gas, digestive discomfort or difficulties self-soothing. Colic can be overwhelming for parents who are exhausted, especially if traditional remedies do not provide relief.
nerve irritation in the upper neck spine may be a contributing factor to the development of colic. This can affect the baby’s nervous system and digestion. Chiropractic adjustments for children are intended to restore balance and ease tension in the digestive system.
Chiropractic care can improve vagal ton – the function of vagus nerve. This is important for digestion and calm responses. It can result in less gas, reflux and better feeding patterns when interference is removed. Parents may notice that their baby sleeps better or seems calmer following chiropractic treatments.
Recurrent Ear Infections
A recurring problem for children is ear infections. Fluid can build up in the middle of the ear after an allergy or cold flare-up. The eustachian tube is shorter and horizontal in young children. This makes it easier for fluids to get trapped.
Antibiotics are prescribed frequently, but their use may lead to resistance. They also do not always work as a preventative measure. Chiropractic care is a natural alternative that targets the upper cervical spine to improve lymphatic drain and nerve function.
Chiropractic care can help children with frequent ear infections by reducing inflammation and adjusting the misalignments of the upper neck. Chiropractic care can provide relief for children with frequent ear infections without the need to use medications or undergo surgical procedures like ear tubes.
Supporting proper spinal alignment and posture
In the digital age, children spend more time than ever hunched or seated for long periods. Even at a young age, poor posture, sports injuries, and heavy backpacks can cause spinal misalignment in children.
Children with spinal misalignment may show the following signs:
- Uneven shoulders and hips
- Head tilted to one side
- Back or neck pain complaints
- Tripping and clumsiness are frequent.
- Sleeping difficulties
Uncorrected imbalances in the musculoskeletal system can cause long-term problems, particularly as the body develops. Pediatric chiropractic care helps to maintain the spine and nervous system of growing children by promoting proper alignment.
Early intervention may also prevent future problems. Regular chiropractic checks can improve posture, balance and reduce sports injuries in children.
Behavioral, Focus and Sleep
Many parents are surprised when they learn that chiropractic treatment can support behavior, attention and sleep patterns. The nervous system is responsible for more than just controlling muscles. It also affects emotional responses, mood and alertness.
Subluxations of the spine can interfere with the parasympathetic system, which is responsible for digestion, rest and relaxation. If a child gets “stuck in the fight-or flight mode”, they are more likely to be:
- Hyperactivity
- Sleep difficulties
- Anxiety or emotional eruptions
- Trouble focusing in school
Chiropractic adjustments are designed to reduce the nervous system interference and help children achieve a calmer state. Chiropractic care is not a cure-all for ADHD. However, parents have reported that their children become more focused, well rested and less reactive following regular chiropractic treatment.
Is Pediatric Chiropractic Treatment Safe?
Parents are understandably concerned about the safety of their child when considering chiropractic treatment. It’s good to know that pediatric chiropractor care is considered safe by most professionals who are trained in working with kids.
The adjustments made for children differ greatly from those done on adults. The adjustments are gentler and often use fingertip pressure, or specialized tools to guide the subtle realignment. There are no loud noises or thrusts.
Growing research shows that chiropractic care is safe and effective for children. This is especially true when it’s used in conjunction with a holistic approach to health. It’s always best to have parents consult both their pediatrician, and chiropractor in order to maintain open communication and a shared decision-making process.
Why Chiropractic Care is Important for Children
From newborns to teenagers, chiropractic care is beneficial for children of all ages and stages of development. Parents may want to schedule a chiropractic visit in the following scenarios:
- After a difficult birth
- If your baby has colic, reflux or a latching issue, you can help them.
- If ear infections or bedwetting persist
- After a car accident, sports injury or fall
- Supporting posture, growth and development
- If you need help with focus, sleep, or emotional regulation
Even if your child seems healthy, a wellness check-up can be a proactive measure to ensure that their spine and nervous systems are developing correctly.
Integrating Chiropractic with other Therapies
Chiropractic care for children is not a replacement for medical treatment, but can be incorporated into a holistic approach to wellness. Children receiving occupational or communication therapy, for example, may benefit from improved neurological function and alignment. This can increase the effectiveness of these interventions.
Chiropractic care can also complement physical therapy and mindfulness practices in order to create an all-round health plan for kids with complex needs.
Final Thoughts
Children are entitled to the best possible start in life, and this includes supporting their developing bodies and minds. Chiropractic care for children is a gentle and safe way to improve spinal alignment and support the nervous system. It also addresses common health issues like colic, bedwetting and posture problems.
Chiropractic care restores balance and reduces discomfort by focusing on the underlying causes of dysfunction, rather than simply treating symptoms. It also promotes overall wellness. Pediatric chiropractic can be an excellent option for parents who are looking for a non-drug way to promote their child’s health and development.
This post was written by a professional at LiveWell Chiropractic. LiveWell Chiropractic, led by Dr. Travis Fisher, a Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate, specializes in auto accident and sports chiropractic care for athletes. Located within Ortho Integrative Medicine, we provide expert, natural treatments for patients of all ages. Our services include chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation therapies, and personalized exercise programs designed to promote recovery and long-term wellness. Whether you’re healing from an injury, seeking an auto accident chiropractor Palm Harbor FL, or aiming to enhance athletic performance, our patient-centered approach ensures the best care possible. Contact LiveWell Chiropractic today to experience expert chiropractic care for pain relief, mobility, and peak performance!