The Importance of a Pediatric Chiropractor
Many professional medical organizations stand behind the necessity of pediatric chiropractic care. Children often get hurt while playing and sometimes these injuries are more serious than others. These injuries can make them susceptible to illnesses and developmental issues if not addressed. By making chiropractic adjustments that help the development of their body, they’re able to grow up healthier.
Why Do Children Need Specialized Chiropractic Care?
Children require somewhat different chiropractic techniques than adults do. In order for chiropractic services to be safe and effective for children, Chiropractors should have specific training on how to perform techniques on children’s sensitive bodies. Unlike with adults, the techniques should be more shallow and have less force. Using a chiropractor with specialized training is a must because an untrained individual will likely do more harm than good.
Treatments can also be different due to the age of the child. Older children are easier to help because they can communicate more effectively about where they’re experiencing pain, whereas it’s harder to discern the problems of small children, toddlers, and infants.
Babies can also be subject to alignment issues during development. Babies can get stuck in a position for a few months, which can negatively affect their development. By addressing these issues early on, we can remove potential impediments to the health and growth of the child. Studies on infant colic and latching problems compared the effects of chiropractic treatment. The studies revealed that those with chiropractic care experienced fewer issues than those who did not receive chiropractic care.
A Growing Trend
Based on a report in 2010, over 17% of all visitors of chiropractors consisted of those under 18 years old. A decade earlier, the number was only at around 3%. Chiropractic care is becoming common among children because of its effectiveness. Even data from several studies show that the chances of children developing illnesses decrease with regular chiropractic visits. With these regular visits, children can become less susceptible to:
- Ear infections (potentially)
- Irritability
- Asthma
- Poor appetite
- Erratic sleeping
- Unusual crying
- Feeding problems
A concern that many parents have is the sensitivity of children’s joints and bones. A spinal adjustment seems like a major movement and parents fear it could end up disabling a child in the wrong hands. However, data from a study of pediatric chiropractors proved that it is one of the safest forms of medical care a child can undergo.
A 2011 review found that only 0.53-1% of children experienced mild adverse events after a chiropractic session. Whereas treating some of the same issues with medicine results in adverse effects a higher percentage of the time.
Pediatric chiropractors go through rigorous training, testing and practice to ensure safety. Like many pediatric doctors, they understand how to communicate and build rapport. They know how to comfort and ease the anxiety of a child in a new environment. By helping a child become comfortable during a doctor’s visit, they can relax and go through the process more comfortably.
The Benefits Of Pediatric Chiropractic Treatment
A slight misalignment can lead to other issues in the body, especially for children. Many parents hesitate to bring their children to chiropractors because they are not aware of the benefits it brings. Here are some of them:
Better Sleep and Fewer Disruptions
A child can have trouble sleeping because he/she is not aware of tightened back muscles. The tightness and misalignment can contribute to insomnia and can even be the source of bedwetting. Treatments address any nerve and muscle problems, allowing them to get a good night’s sleep, which is essential for physical and emotional development.
Stronger Immune System
Some children go through a rough patch of sickness, which consists of persistent fevers and colds. Studies have shown that it’s possible that chiropractic treatment can reduce the duration of an illness. It may also lower the chances of illness. Good alignment also helps against reflux, constipation, and stomach pain. A good-aligned structure improves digestion and rejuvenates the immune system.
Cure Persistent Infant Health Problems
Babies are also susceptible to misalignment due to their sensitive bodies. Some babies often experience these issues due to problems during delivery. As a result, the child could experience issues such as colic or reflux. A pediatric chiropractor knows how to handle a baby’s body, removing the misalignments that cause tightness. Not only will the child have more peace, but the parents will too.
Positive Behavioral Changes
Misalignments and tightness can cause stress. Stress can manifest in different ways, causing emotional, mental, and physical problems. Your child may be acting out because there is no other way to cope with their feelings. A chiropractor can help alleviate the issues that they don’t know are causing them to act out.
Less stress leads to a happier and healthier life. Many find it surprising how children’s moods and behavior change drastically after treatment.
Better Brain Development
Misalignment can also make existing disorders worse. Children who have ADHD may have more episodes due to the spine aggravating the issue. Chiropractic care has led to children being able to focus better. The feeling of frustration also decreases, which lowers the chance of them acting up.
Treatment will release pressure on the bones and joints, which helps blood to flow better. It also gives enough room for neural pathways to develop. Data also shows that chiropractic care can help children battling issues of depression and anxiety.
How do I schedule a pediatric chiropractor visit?
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, give our office a call today to ask your questions and schedule an appointment. The sooner you meet with us, the sooner we can help them live a happier and healthier life.
Contact Peach Creek Chiropractic Today
At this point, you have probably realized the importance of Peach Creek Chiropractic’s family chiropractic care in improving and maintaining the optimal health of your family. Call us at (801) 896-7877 to book a house call, or send us a message through our Peach Creek Chiropractic website if you have questions about our family chiropractic services or other family wellness health care services.