Are Your Kids In Need of Chiropractic?

Most people are surprised to find out that the first stress placed on a child’s neck and back is during the birthing process. An estimated 60-90 pounds of force is used on an infant’s neck during ‘normal’ delivery. This could cause damage to your child’s spine and nervous system! Fact: The nervous system controls every cell and organ in your body. Equally surprising is the fact that 26% of children surveyed at school reported a history of back pain.

Have you watched your child play outside or with their friends? They run, jump, fall, roll, and tackle everyday! Many adults that come to a chiropractor’s office show evidence of childhood injuries that can be the cause for their pain today. Do you think it is too early to teach your kids to take care of their teeth? When do you think it is a good time to have your child’s spine checked for serious signs of spinal imbalances or misalignments?

Fortunately, chiropractic has had many positive results in children with common childhood problems. Problems like headache, scoliosis, asthma, colic, ear infections, and so many more. In fact, a recent study showed that children under chiropractic care suffered fewer ear infections than those whose parents took them to medical care alone.

How can I tell if my child has spinal imbalances? Just as it is important that you have your children’s teeth checked by a dentist, it is also important to have their spine checked regularly for proper development. Use the following list to check for spinal imbalances:

• Have your child bend over with arms dangling forward. When you run your hand over his or her spine, does it curve from side to side?
• Look at your child from the rear, is one ear higher than the other? Or one shoulder appear higher?
• Does your child’s back appear to be humped or rounded?
• Does your child get sick often? (spinal imbalances can lead to a low immune system)

How about my infant? You can observe your baby to check for spinal imbalances:

• When your baby is lying on his back, does his head seem to tilt to one side?
• Does your baby refer breastfeeding on one side?
• Does your baby arch her back when crying?
• Is your baby slow to develop adequate neck strength to hold his head up?
• Does your baby suffer from colic, ear infections, constipation, excessive spitting up?

If you answer yes to any of the above, your child/baby may need to be checked by a pediatric chiropractor.  Please visit www.icpa4kids.org to find a pediatric chiropractor near you!