In the last few decades chiropractic care has enjoyed a tremendous boost in popularity among adults. They use it to help manage their pain, relieve chronic conditions, prevent injury, and improve range of motion, flexibility, and overall wellness. But at what age should you begin chiropractic? What is the best time to start seeing a chiropractor?
The short answer is, as early as possible!
The long answer is a little more detailed.
Can children get chiropractic care?
Yes, children can see a chiropractor and receive treatment. Most chiropractors will see children under 18 years of age and many will see children under 2, including infants. It is safe, non-invasive, and is medication free.
Adverse events associated with pediatric chiropractic are extremely rare and there are no reported deaths resulting from the treatment. It is largely considered to be one of the safest forms of treatment available for a wide range of conditions, including pain management.
Most chiropractors are trained in treating children as part of their education. The techniques are gentle but effective. Chiropractic is a safe, effective complement to regular child healthcare.
The bigger question is, should children receive chiropractic care? And the answer to that is, absolutely!
What benefits do children get from chiropractic care?
When a child’s spine is properly aligned, they tend to be healthier. Birth itself can put the body through some degree of trauma as the infant is squeezed through the birth canal, often aided by forceps or suction.
Later, as they learn to crawl and walk, the falls and bumps they receive can also put stress on the body by taking the spine out of alignment and the body out of balance. Chiropractic provides children with relief from those stressors and helps them have stronger bodies to better withstand the physical stressors they will experience in adulthood.
The first 10 years of a child’s life are a time of rapid development and growth. However, even seemingly innocuous activities like using a computer or wearing a backpack can cause misalignments of the spine. Add to that sports injuries and poor posture and you have even more reasons to begin chiropractic care for your child as early as possible.
When the spine is not aligned, it can put pressure on various nerves and interrupt the pathways of the nervous system. This can result in organ malfunction or not performing at an optimal level as well as muscle issues. This can lead to a variety of symptoms such as asthma, bed wetting, colic, stomach ache, hyperactivity, ear infections, frequent flu or colds, and poor posture.
Gentle, safe chiropractic adjustments can help children find relief from these symptoms. It can also be used as a preventative care strategy so that children can avoid developing them. It plays a positive, effective role in a child’s overall wellness and good health.
Is chiropractic safe for children?
What many parents may not know is that chiropractors have been treating children for more than 100 years. It has an excellent reputation and studies show it is extremely safe. Studies that examine malpractice insurance coverage show that chiropractors have a very low risk and exceptional safety record.
Ideally, chiropractic adjustments should start with the mother before the baby is even born. When the mother has a properly aligned spine, her pelvis is in the optimal position to give birth. If the pelvis is out of alignment, it can result in problems with the birth, including making it very hard on the infant.
As soon as the baby is born, he or she should be evaluated by a chiropractor. Even an “easy” birth with no complications can put stress on the infant’s spine which, in turn, puts stress on the nervous system. When evaluated at birth, the chiropractor can apply gentle, nonforce pressure to realign the baby’s spine. Both mother and child will reap the benefits of a healthier, happier baby.
