Chiropractic and Children

Although a young spine usually develops perfectly by the end of pregnancy, spinal segments can be pushed out of place or jammed by the position of the baby in the womb. Babies can suffer similar problems during labor from the trauma of the trip through the birth canal or from the birthing process itself. Spinal problems can also occur as a result of the frequent falls experienced by young infants in the first months of life. A fall from a bed, a sudden stop in an automobile, or any significant unsupported movement of the head and neck in an infant can induce excessive movement in the spine causing vertebral subluxations. At the other end of the spine, the act of learning to walk and the number of simple falls encountered in this way can induce trauma to the lower spine.

Signs of Spinal Problems in Young Children

The child's head consistently being tilted to one side
Restricted head or neck motion to one side
Disturbed sleeping patterns where the child sleeps for only an hour or two at a time
Altered mood
Feeding difficulties in a very young infant - difficulty nursing at the breast on one particular side

Causes of Back Pain in Older Children

Poor posture
Trauma
Sports Injuries
Spinal Conditions (scoliosis)
Watching TV - this is linked to prolonged sitting and posture related stresses
Using a computer
Carrying a backpack that is too heavy

Chiropractic Treatment for Children

If your child's pain lasts longer than a few days, they should be examined. At Family Chiropractic Clinic we are trained to perform a thorough evaluation of your child's spine. We use gentle, specific skills to identify, evaluate and treat involved spiral areas. Spinal adjustments involve light finger-tip pressure. The "popping" sound heard with adjustments are not always heard when children's spines are adjusted. Children's spines are a lot more flexible and usually require only a few adjustments. The actual number varies depending on the condition.

Common Childhood Conditions That Chiropractic Can Help

Muscle spasms
Walking difficulties
Asthma
Spitting up/acid reflux
Breast feeding difficulties
Constipation
Growing pains
Sports injuries
Colic
Bedwetting
Headaches
Ear ache/infections