A lot of adults have been receiving chiropractic care for their back and neck pains and many have shown improved results. Chiropractic has to turned out to be a widespread type of natural recovery today, so it makes sense for children to receive chiropractic care as well.

What can you expect from a pediatric chiropractic Tacoma visit?

The first step is a detailed fitness record from birth until present. This is used to pick out stresses to the body and to speak about health concerns. Next, a physical examination is executed to assess spinal health, function, and alignment. If any misalignments or imbalances are detected, the chiropractor will recommend a course of chiropractic care.

How does a chiropractor treat an infant or child? Primarily this done by specific adjustments aimed to restore optimal spinal mechanics and alignment – which is a manual procedure. Adjustments for the little ones are very different from adults. Pediatric adjustments are very gentle, safe and effective and take into consideration the unique biomechanical properties of the pediatric spine. For an infant, this means a very light touch. Kids enjoy their visits to the chiropractor.

Reasons to have your child’s spine checked:

1) Birth Trauma:

Birth itself is a stressful experience, not only for the mother but for the baby as well. The infant must twist and rotate in a constrained space and there’s capability for injury, mainly to the pinnacle and neck.

A tough or painful labor/delivery necessitating a couple of interventions (such as episiotomy, forceps, vacuum extractor, etc.) can affect the baby. Congenital torticollis is another situation that can be caused by birth trauma and it responds well to chiropractic and other gentle, manual treatments.

2) Developmental Milestone

During development, different milestones are met (such as sitting upright, crawling, standing, walking, etc.). The body must adapt to different stresses placed on it during this time. There is also a tremendous amount of growth and change in the body, such as the development of normal spinal curves. Tumbles and falls can also affect underlying spinal alignment.

3) Injuries Due To Falling

Children fall a lot as they grow up! They may fall off changing tables and sofas as infants; and they will probably fall as they learn to walk and play sports. These falls can be minor traumas or be painful injuries depending on how bad the fall is and how they land. However, a spinal health assessment is necessary regardless of severity,.

4) Backpacks

Backpacks are now the normal way for kids to lug around their school books. An overloaded backpack can have an effect on posture and cause peculiar stresses via the muscular tissues and joints of the spine. Carrying a backpack improperly will cause asymmetric loading and create imbalances in the developing backbone.

5) Postural Stress from Sitting at a desk using electronic device

There is a tendency in most children and teens to slump forward, slouch or sit awkwardly when using electronic devices. Chronic postural stress will impact the developing spine.

6) Emotional stress

Emotional stress can manifest as muscle tension and misalignment. Chiropractic care helps to balance the body and the nervous system. People often report improved mood, energy and sleep when under chiropractic care.

7) Scoliosis

Children have to be screened for scoliosis as this situation normally develops because the spine grows and there is risk for progression. Scoliosis is an extraordinary sideways deviation of the spine which ought to be monitored over time. Some cases of scoliosis are managed by manual therapies and rehab physical exercise.

8) Other childhood issue

Parents may bring their children for chiropractic visits for all kinds of problems, such as: Ear pain/pressure, fluid in the ear, ear infections, allergies, asthma, colic, digestive disorders and others.

Just to clarify, chiropractors do not diagnose or claim to cure organ problems. It is still important to see the pediatrician for diagnosis of this type of condition. However, kids with these problems often benefit from chiropractic care. A body in balance will function better overall; and a nervous system free of interference will allow better healing.

Regardless of pain or symptoms, a spinal health check is an excellent way to determine if the body is functioning at its best.

Click here to contact Dr. Hendrickson, a Tacoma Pediatric Chiropractor, today.