What benefit can chiropractic treatment offer an infant?

The nervous system is the master controller of our body and is vital for optimal health. If the communication channels between the nervous system and the body become unclear, distorted or damaged then we may experience all sorts of communication errors. For babies the nervous system interference may play out as ear infections, colic or irritability, troubles breastfeeding or poor sleep habits. For a child nerve interference may result in asthma, development delays, and inability to concentrate (ADD or ADHD), behavioral problems, digestive issues, headaches - the list goes on and on.

While chiropractic may be able to help with a number of health issues, our focus is not treating or curing conditions but rather on ensuring that the nervous system has every opportunity to communicate clearly and work effectively and efficiently. This allows our body to recreate "order" and coordinate healing and function at its highest level.

Some of the first stresses placed on a child's spinal column happen during the birthing process. A child's spine is frequently subjected to repeated forces in the process of learning to walk as well as a multitude of childhood mishaps, sports related injuries, and postural strains. In fact, 26% of children surveyed at school reported a history of back pain. Many adults that come to a chiropractor's office show evidence of childhood injuries to their spine that are a contributing factor for their pain today. This is why it is important to have your child;s spine checked regularly for any signs of spinal imbalances or misalignments known as subluxations.

Fortunately, chiropractic has had many positive results in treating these very common childhood issues like colic, headaches, ear infections, asthma, and even some cases of behavioral problem and bed-wetting. In fact, a recent study showed that children under chiropractic care suffered from fewer ear infections than those whose parents sought medical care alone. 

Are chiropractic adjustments safe for children? 

Absolutely! Because a child's skeletal system is still developing, there is a great deal of elasticity within joints. Light pressure is all that is needed to adjust a child's spine. Most infants sleep through their adjustments or fall asleep immediately after. The few minutes you invest in your child's spinal checkup may save them needless suffering now and in the future.