Pediatric Chiropractic - Why Kids Need Chiropractic Care Too
Most people when thinking of chiropractic care simply think that chiropractic helps with back pain, neck pain, hip pain, and just musculoskeletal pain in general. While chiropractic often reduces back pain and symptoms, going to the chiropractor for back pain is just like going to Starbucks for a glass of milk. There is so much more to offer!
Chiropractic is all about removing barriers that inhibit the nervous system from functioning and flowing freely. These barriers are called subluxations and chiropractors are the only health professionals that can do this within their scope-of-practice.
All 12 systems of the body - muscular, circulatory, respiratory, immune, reproductive, digestive, skeletal, endocrine, exocrine, urinary, cardiovascular. - depend on the nervous system to function. Wouldn’t you want the nervous system of your child to be at 100%?
Children may not specifically complain of back and neck pain, but symptoms in a child may present differently since the systems of their body are developing. While you do not need a specific symptom to get your child checked and adjusted, because symptoms are not a determinate of health, here are some reasons why chiropractic should be considered…
Traumatic birth (Ex. Induced labor, c-section, breech presentation, extremely long labor, etc.)
Colic/Excessive Crying
Constipation/Diarrhea
Posture
Allergies
Asthma
Ear Infections
Not reaching normal developmental milestones
Trouble Sleeping
Scoliosis
Sports participation
GER/Acid Reflux
ADD/ADHD
Asperger’s Syndrome
Autism
Torticollis
Breast-feeding difficult
Etc. Etc. Etc.
Here is a list of articles that show positive outcomes in pediatric chiropractic care:
1. A 13 day old boy went in for a chiropractic consultation due to "failure to thrive.” The baby had lost 27 ounces since birth. The parents were providing around the clock care to keep him alive. He cried excessively, breastfeeding was difficult, and his mother described him as lethargic and with a weak cry. Medical intervention did not help, however after 8 chiropractic visits that took place within 2 weeks, the baby gained 1 lb. 11oz. and breastfeeding difficulty was resolved.
Resolution of Failure to Thrive in an Infant Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ January 6, 2021 ~ Pages 1-4. Santos J, Alcantara J. Abstract
2. A one year old infant that suffered 4 bilateral ear infections for a period of 6 months presented for chiropractic care. Medical intervention included prescribed antibiotics. The ear infections interfered with the child’s sleep and attitude. Subluxations were found throughout the spine and were treated with chiropractic care that consisted of 9 adjustments over a 6 week period with resolution of the ear infections completely without reoccurrence.
Resolution of Chronic, Recurrent Bilateral Ear Infections Following Chiropractic Care in a One-Year-Old Infant: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic. Sigmon P, Alcantara J. Abstract
3. A 9 year old male with Asperger’s Syndrome presented with low back pain, mid-back pain, stomach aches, and anxiety. He was treated with chiropractic care 1x/week for 2 months. Not only did the musculoskeletal symptoms improve, so did his behavioral challenges as measured by the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist.
Improvement in Behavior, Anxiety, & Pain Following Chiropractic Care in a 9-Year-Old Boy with Asperger's Syndrome and Anxiety Disorder: Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic. Laura Stone, MS, DC & Joel Alcantara, DC. Abstract
4. A 6 month old female presented with Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) since birth. She was diagnosed prior to chiropractic care to be allergic to milk and soy, which were removed from her diet. She was provided chiropractic care 2 times a week for 4 weeks, and then 1 time a week for 6 weeks. The infant’s GER was resolved.
Resolution of Gastroesophageal Reflux in an Infant Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic. Angela Egan, DC & Joel Alcantara, DC. Abstract
5. A 2 month old female was experiencing acid reflux and constipation since birth. Her pediatrician prescribed Prilosec for her acid reflux which did not resolve the issue. She was unable to eat without spitting up, unable to sleep due to pain, and was visibly straining to have a bowel movement. The pediatrician recommended Miralax, but the mother took it into her own hands and put her under chiropractic care. The girl was provided chiropractic care for 12 visits over 6 weeks. Her issues resolved.
Resolution of Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Constipation in an Infant Following Chiropractic to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. Brooke Bryant, DC & Joel Alcantara, DC. Abstract
These are just 5 articles that include the treatment of subluxations resulting in the resolution of “failure to thrive,” chronic ear infections, Asperger’s Syndrome, back pain, GER, acid reflux, and constipation. There are so many more articles that include the improvement and resolutions of many more conditions such as the one’s listed above, simply by getting adjusted and ridding the body of subluxations.
All people benefit from chiropractic care, including children, so get your kids adjusted and allow them to heal and be the best that they can be!
Thanks for reading the Cypress Chiropractic Health Blog. Until next time, stay healthy.