Pediatric Chiropractic Care

There is nothing more exciting to a parent than watching their child grow and achieve milestone after milestone. As a new mom myself, I eagerly anticipate my son’s first smile, first word, first step. To help him be as healthy as possible, he has his spine checked regularly. There are many reasons why he and other children visit their chiropractor from tumbles off bikes to chronic ear infections. As families are becoming more proactive and preventative about their health care, children are benefiting from the number one form of alternative medicine in North America.

Many spinal problems seen in adults begin in early childhood. Significant spinal stress can occur at birth as more than 75 pounds of force may be applied to the newborns neck during the delivery. Within the first year, an infant has a 50% chance of falling off a bed or changing table. Toddlers fall an average of 25 times a day as they learn how to walk. Children have an amazing ability to recover from these unavoidable injuries however years of small traumas to the spine can contribute to a range of health problems. Slight imbalances in the spine irritate the nerves which control the many systems in the body from the way a muscle develops to how the stomach digests and even determines the way the body responds to allergens. If neglected, the bumps and falls experienced during childhood may lead to more serious problems later in life such as neck and back pain, stress and a weakened immune system.

Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help prevent many of the health complaints seen later in adolescents and adults. Birth, head support, crawling and a baby’s first steps are important milestones in the growth and development of a child. Your chiropractor will check these milestones and ensure proper spinal hygiene just as a dentist takes care of a child’s teeth to avoid decay. He or she will also address other important factors such as proper nutrition, exercise recommendations and adequate rest for your child’s optimal health and wellness.

Due to an increase in overloaded backpacks and competitive sports injuries, I am seeing more kids with back pain, neck strain and headaches at younger ages. Parents also seek chiropractic adjustments for their children to help with pediatric health issues such as nursing difficulties, gastric reflux, allergies, “growing pains”, ear infections, bedwetting, autism and ADD. Adjustments balance the spine to allow the brain to communicate with the body more effectively for a fully functioning nervous system and a healthier child. Your chiropractor can also give you practical advice such as carrying positions for a colicky baby and breathing exercises for asthma.

Research has proven both the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care from newborns to adolescence. It is a drug-free approach to health that gets to the cause of the problem instead of just covering up the symptoms. The specific chiropractic adjustments to balance the spine are extremely gentle as they are modified to fit the age of the child. Children enjoy their adjustments as they feel good and are pain-free.

Should your child have a chiropractic check-up? If your child has an injury or illness, chiropractic provides a natural alternative and/or complementary care. Even symptom-free children will benefit from a balanced spine as a preventative measure against the physical, chemical and mental stresses of life. It is never too late for your child’s spinal assessment although the earlier the better with newborns being checked within the first few days of life. As a twig is bent so grows the tree, a favourite metaphor of mine which illustrate the importance of a healthy spine today for a healthier child tomorrow.

Article by:  Dr. Stephanie Bonn  (Bonn Chiropractic) BSc,BPHE,DC,FICPA

For more information & research on Pediatric Chiropractic log onto the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association’s website: www.icpa4kids.org. Dr. Stephanie can be reached for questions or consultations at  www.bonnchiropractic.com or 604-688-kids (5437). She is presently accepting new clients.

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