Chiropractic for Kids

Many times we get asked why a child would need to see a chiropractor. We see children for injuries such as falls and after concussions and neck trauma. Also we see children for growing pains and heachaches. More commonly, however, we see children for non musculoskeletal complaints. Chiropractic care may reduce symptoms of asthma, allergies, ADD/ADHD, ear infections, bedwetting, torticollis and colic.

Chiropractic adjustments for children are safe and are very light force when a chiropractor is trained in working with children. The basis behind chiropracitc care is that when vertabrae and other joints are misaligned, also known as a subluxation, pressure gets put on nerves and can cause them not to function properly. Aliigning the bones of the spine and other joints relieves this pressure and can reduce symptoms of these childhood conditions.

How does the subluxation occur? First, it can happen through the birth process. There can be signifant forces placed on the infant's spine. This can happen if there is a malposition of the baby in utero or if there is a delivery in which outside forces are used, like forceps, vacuum extraction, or c-section. A good indicator that an infant may need an adjustment is if they are favoring looking to one side, are having difficulty nursing or feeding, or are inconsolably fussy or having sleeping trouble.

In toddlers as they begin to walk, they fall over and over again and can have trouble with movement of the sacrum (tailbone) and can lead to problems throughout spine.

In older children as they begin to play sports, they are at risk for even more injuries, so it is important to have them checked for joint problems on a regular basis. This is especially important if they are playing contact sports. Many professional athletes use chiropractic care to help them prevent injury and keep them in the game.

For more information on pediatric chiropractic and current research visit icpa4kids.org

Amy Gamerdinger Jeffers, DC, CACCP

Dr. Amy is a chiropractor in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and is Certified in Chiropractic Pediatrics by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.