Questions Parents Frequently Ask About Children And Chiropractic

Why?

Children are susceptible to trauma in their spines from various activities and events. These microtraumas can cause nerve system stress. Doctors of Chiropractic describe this nerve system stress as subluxations or misalignments of the bones of the cranium and the spine. Nerve system stress, left unaddressed, impairs the child’s ability to function in a state of optimal health and well-being. Although symptoms, such as pain and malfunction may not show up for many years in the child, injury to their vital nerve systems can have a lifetime of damaging effects.

When?

Children should be checked right after birth because of the potential damaging effects of the birth process. Even the most natural births are somewhat traumatic to the infant and may cause “hidden nerve system damage”. Any pulling on the baby’s fragile neck and spine during birth may cause stretching and injury to the brain stem and spinal cord. It has been shown that many children who experience symptoms of difficulty sleeping, breastfeeding, digestion (colic and reflux), repeated ear and respiratory infections have impaired nerve system function. The accumulated effects from this initial damage will have lifelong consequences. Early detection and correction of cranial and spinal nerve stress by a Doctor of Chiropractic can restore normal nerve function in the infant and offer the infant an advantage for greater health potential.

Does it Hurt?

Chiropractors who work with children regularly use very specific, gentle techniques catered to the child’s specific needs. In the very young child, the adjustment is as light as a finger touch. Frequently, newborn babies will sleep through the adjustment. Older children enjoy chiropractic care as well and usually look forward to having their spines checked. Doctors of Chiropractic who are members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association utilize advanced techniques specific to the care of pregnant mothers, infants and children.

How?

Most ICPA members offer complimentary consultations. This gives parents the opportunity to come into their practices, to meet the doctor and staff, to find out more about chiropractic and to discuss their families’ individual needs. You can find a Doctor of Chiropractic in your area by visiting our membership directory at www.icpa4kids.org