Chiropractic care is an essential part of your child’s overall wellness. In the United States, more than 17 percent of all chiropractic patients are under the age of 18, according to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Of that 17 percent, nearly 8 percent are five years or younger. While it may seem that children do not need chiropractic at a young age, starting them with preventative care early on in life will set them up for a lifetime of health and well-being.
Your Child’s Nervous System
The nervous system, which consists of your brain, spinal cord and nerves, controls everything in the body, including growth and development. Subluxations, also known as misalignments, in the spine can prevent proper communication from the brain to the body. These subluxations cause stress to the nervous system, which can lead to a decrease in function of the affected area.
Infants, children and adults can all experience subluxations in the spine. Infants and children can become subluxated from birth trauma, other minor or major traumas and developmental stress. During the first five years of life, the body produces more neural pathways than at any other time. It is vital this production is optimized through children’s chiropractic care, as the first few years are crucial to each child’s potential.
Even if your child is in excellent health, minor traumas from bumps, bruises, falls and spills accumulate over time and can result in pain, discomfort and/or health issues in their teen and adult years.
The Adjustment
The chiropractic adjustment is safe for patients of all ages, including newborns. After an assessment of your child’s spine, the chiropractor will perform a gentle adjustment using either his or her hands or a small tool. This adjustment, alongside the use of chiropractic therapies, serves to remove the subluxation.
Commonly Seen Improvements
Over the years, chiropractic doctors have received feedback about the benefits of kids and chiropractic from parents and young patients reporting significant or unexpected improvements in:
Sleep
Behavior and attitude
Immune system function
