Something that always attracted the attention and curiosity of new patients in my chiropractic office was our “Chiro-kids” board. The board is simply a large pegboard literally covered with
Polaroid pictures of children, who are, or have been practice members of mine, of all ages and backgrounds. It proudly displays photographs of newborns, toddlers, growing children, teenagers and even kids in swimming fins, ski masks, Halloween masks and any other imaginable outfit a child could dream up and wear into the office for their adjustment. Many patients respond to the board by saying things like, “Why do children need adjustments?” or “I didn’t know kids got backaches.” These comments underscore the importance of patient education and provide an opportunity for me to share what I know regarding the value and benefits of spinal care, not only for adults, but especially for children of all ages. A child’s health can be tremendously impacted by chiropractic care.
Children are particularly vulnerable to different forms of stress, most of which is completely beyond their control. For example, as infants, they may experience a difficult birth with suction or forceps extraction, breech presentation, delayed delivery or chemical interventions. They may roll off changing tables, be dropped on their heads by siblings or taken an unexpected tumble down stairs. A little later in childhood, they may fall off tricycles or bikes, suffer sports related injuries and even, alarmingly, suffer injuries from a new nemesis, the heavy backpack.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the spinal traumas which children may encounter are not limited to physical injuries. Drugs, environmental toxins or food additives may also adversely affect a child’s nervous system. And even more subtle, but equally harmful, are the effects of mental and emotional trauma or upset. These stresses may result in stretched, pinched or irritated spinal nerves or even tension on the entire central nervous system.
The following are just a few of the benefits children receive from chiropractic care:
- Chiropractic has been shown more effective than drugs for infantile colic.
- Chiropractic has been shown to be an effective alternative to drugs for learning disorders, irritability, nervousness and sleep disturbances, including ADD/ADHD.
- Many children respond to treatments with decreased allergies.
- Childhood headaches and ear infections often respond well to chiropractic care.
Chiropractors work with problems such as those listed above by taking a holistic approach to increasing body function, reducing pressure and interference in the nerve system, and are educated to help children and adults attain a better state of nerve function and good health.
This article was previously published in the Asheville Citizen Times
