Why Kids And Teens Need Chiropractic Care
Typically, individuals seek chiropractic care during adulthood when they encounter back pain due to an injury. However, it is preferable for chiropractic care to emphasize both prevention and treatment. Since children and teenagers undergo rapid growth and their spines endure significant strain, they become excellent candidates for proactive spinal adjustments that can prevent potential issues. Here are seven holistic benefits of chiropractic care for kids and teens:
Pain Disregards Age Boundaries
Children may also experience strains and injuries, although adults are generally more susceptible due to reduced flexibility. Young children may face challenges expressing or articulating their pain. Consequently, if they experience back or shoulder discomfort, it might manifest as behavioral issues or difficulty concentrating in school.
Engaging in activities such as sitting at a desk for prolonged periods, engaging in rough play on the playground, or learning to walk can place significant strain on a child’s spine. Even minor impacts can misalign their vertebrae, leading to postural issues, subluxations, and muscle strain. Some children may also suffer from pain caused by congenital foot problems or scoliosis. Seeking chiropractic care and obtaining diagnoses for these conditions during a child’s formative years is crucial. Addressing routine subluxations and various other problems becomes easier in children compared to adults. Regular visits to a Murfreesboro Chiropractor can prevent the accumulation of subluxations and the potential development of chronic pain or developmental issues later in life.
Asthma, Allergies, and Earaches
The alignment of the vertebrae plays a crucial role in the function of the spinal cord. Specifically, adjusting the vertebrae in the neck, which houses the nerves responsible for controlling Eustachian tube function, has been shown to effectively alleviate earaches in infants and young children. This adjustment helps restore proper nerve function, enabling the Eustachian tubes to open and drain effectively, thereby preventing bacterial growth.
When subluxations occur in the middle back, also known as the thoracic spine, they can contribute to or exacerbate breathing difficulties, including asthma. Many children with severe asthma have reported notable improvements in symptoms following chiropractic adjustments. Since the immune system is influenced by nervous function, regular adjustments can also enhance immune system strength. Strengthening the immune system can result in reduced allergy symptoms. The combined effect of directly addressing the nerves involved in breathing and reducing allergies can provide a potent treatment option for children experiencing asthma exacerbated by allergens.
Digestive Issues
In the case of your child experiencing recurring stomach aches or other digestive problems, a chiropractic adjustment could potentially provide relief. The nerves in the lower and middle back have an impact on digestive function and may be compromised due to spinal subluxation.
Occasionally, chronic stomach issues in children can be a physical manifestation of anxiety. By optimizing the function of the nervous system, spinal adjustments have the potential to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. In conjunction with counseling, chiropractic care can assist children in managing tummy aches and other symptoms that arise from stress and anxiety.
Better Focus in School
Parents have frequently observed that their children experience enhanced focus and improved behavior following a chiropractic adjustment. This positive outcome can be attributed to the beneficial impact it has on the nervous system. Beyond promoting a sense of calm and improved concentration, adjustments can also enhance posture and alleviate pain and stiffness. When children are able to maintain a healthy posture and are free from discomfort, they find it easier to sit still and concentrate in school.
Improved Core Fitness
Similar to adults, children often spend excessive time in sedentary positions, which can negatively impact their health. This sedentary lifestyle can result in inadequate development of core muscles, which are essential muscle groups surrounding the spine and abdomen. Core muscles play a vital role in maintaining balance, coordination, and spinal support. They also provide support for internal organs, and research suggests that stronger core muscles are associated with improved mental well-being. In essence, strong core muscles are particularly important for children as they develop coordination and motor skills. Signs of a weak core in children include:
- Slumped or slouched posture
- Difficulty sitting still
- Difficulty concentrating
- Tendency to hold their head up with their hand
- Difficulty with fine motor skills like holding a pencil or doing up buttons
- Difficulty with large motor skills like riding a bike or keeping their balance
Improved Sleep
Sufficient sleep is crucial for the healthy physical and mental development of children. When children experience difficulties sleeping, it can generate stress for the entire family. Chiropractic care can be beneficial in addressing subluxations that contribute to issues like bedwetting and other nocturnal disturbances. Since the brain and nervous system govern our sleep patterns, maintaining optimal health is vital for a restful night’s sleep. Moreover, sore or stiff muscles can disrupt a child’s sleep, yet they might struggle to communicate this to their parents. Regular preventative chiropractic appointments can help prevent such disruptions and promote better sleep for children.
A chiropractor can assess your child for these concerns and assist you in addressing them. Through in-office and at-home treatments, they can help your child strengthen their core muscles and mitigate the risk of developmental problems.
Nursing and Colic in Newborns
New moms commonly face significant challenges when it comes to breastfeeding and dealing with colic in their infants. Colic can be an overwhelming issue, with babies experiencing prolonged periods of uncontrollable crying, leaving parents feeling helpless. Often, colic stems from gas pains or other discomforts that are challenging to pinpoint. However, spinal adjustment can often provide relief by correcting subluxations and promoting regulation of the nervous system.
Subluxations occurring in the upper back or neck of your infant can lead to difficulties with latching and breastfeeding. In fact, the American Pregnancy Association recommends chiropractic adjustment as a safe and effective treatment for addressing these concerns.
The delicate spine of your baby can become misaligned during the birthing process, resulting in various distressing problems such as colic, breastfeeding challenges, and sleep disturbances. Chiropractors employ gentle techniques to realign your infant’s spine, offering them a better sense of well-being.
Revolution Chiropractic Murfreesboro is committed to providing chiropractic care for individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and teenagers. Our clinic offers safe and effective treatments specifically designed to address common pediatric complaints. We create a kid-friendly environment to ensure a comfortable experience for your child. Schedule a consultation with us to discover how we can assist your family in achieving optimal well-being.
