Kids have energy the rest of us can only dream of and it’s great to see them active and using it! While we want to see them using up that energy as much as possible, watching children run, jump, climb and swing brings a combination of joy and anxiety. Joy for the happy and carefree way in which they are moving their bodies and anxiety for the inevitable falls and injuries that go with such active movement. Whether they are involved in sports or running around a playground it’s important to set a healthy foundation for children so they can stay active as they grow up. In this article we will explore if chiropractic care is safe for kids, how chiropractic care can set a strong foundation for a healthy life and what signs show chiropractic care is needed.
Is chiropractic care safe for kids?
Chiropractic care is safe for kids. In fact, it has been shown to be among the safest health care treatments available. Chiropractors study the anatomy and physiology of adults as well as children. They understand how best to apply that knowledge to their examinations and treatments to provide gentle, safe and effective care to the children that come into their office.
When treating children chiropractors keep several key principles in mind.
- Patient size
- Bone development at different ages
- Increased flexibility of joints compared to adults
- Decreased muscle mass compared to adults
- Patient’s comfort level and preferences
Possible side effects from chiropractic treatment are minor and short-lived. While most people feel better right away, some may feel slight stiffness, soreness or aching which usually goes away within a day.
How can chiropractic care help build a strong foundation of good health?
It’s important to start healthy habits young and chiropractic care plays a crucial role in building a strong foundation of good health. If you are wondering how that is possible, let me explain. Your spinal column is the collection of bones housing your spinal cord. When this column is misaligned, this can affect the nerves branching out from your spinal cord. This impact on the nervous system can cause pain and/or problems radiating outward from the source. A common example of this is a pinched sciatic nerve. Pressure on the sciatic nerve at the base of the spinal cord (near your tail bone) can cause pain, numbness or tingling as far down as your toes. This is just one example of how the effects of nerve damage can travel a significant distance away from the actual injury site. Chiropractic care can improve pain and decrease inflammation. It has also been shown to support the immune system as it is also connected to and controlled by our nerves. In addition to treatments, chiropractors educate children and their parents how to create a healthy lifestyle. Such counsel includes, but is not limited to:
- Age-appropriate physical activity
- Nutrition
- Injury prevention
- Good sleep
What signs may indicate that an active child needs chiropractic care?
Active kids are at risk of injury. They fall while biking in our neighborhoods, swinging from the monkey bars, running down hills, rollerblading or skateboarding at the park, and even skipping down the stairs. While this may tempt you to bubble wrap your kids, such extreme measures are not needed. Often kids heal well on their own from the minor bumps and falls that occur in their daily life. However, some injuries involving the musculoskeletal system (this includes your bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues) need treatment specific to chiropractic care. Common signs an active child needs chiropractic care include:
- Pain or discomfort in joints, muscles, or spine.
- Limited range of motion
- Poor posture
- Persistent headaches
- Abnormal walking pattern
- Favoring one side of the body.
Seeking chiropractic care early can speed recovery and prevent further injury. Atomic Pilates and Chiropractic can help if you have a child in need of chiropractic care. Please contact us and schedule an appointment today!
Author: Tammy Rampton, RN, BSN
Rampton Medical Writing
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161475416000622
https://pathoflifechiro.com/storage/app/media/20211813immunitybest-practices-2.pdf
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