Chiropractic Care for Infants and Children
Chiropractic Care Benefits for Infants and Children
There is a common misconception that chiropractic care isn’t safe for babies and children because there is pressure involved with many chiropractic techniques. However, since there is a variety of chiropractic techniques to suit every patient’s needs, babies and children can benefit equally as much from chiropractic care as adults!
Here's Why:
Realigning the Spine: Before babies are born, they develop in the womb in what is called the “fetal position.” Fetal position looks a bit like making a C-shape, with a curved spine, head down, and arms and legs pulled in close to the body. It is a very compact position, especially as the baby continues to grow in the womb. After birth, some babies suffer slight vertebra misalignment that has the potential to hinder proper growth and development. Chiropractic care can correct this problem, even right after birth!
Treating Colic Symptoms: Babies with colic are healthy, eating, and growing well but cry for extended periods of time with no obvious reason. However, colic can often be caused by an underactive or immature gastrointestinal system which leads to gas buildup and indigestion. Leaving this unaddressed may cause the gas to get trapped in your baby’s gut, causing pain and bloating. A chiropractor near you can help treat these symptoms, especially because the most common cause of colic is from a misaligned spine.
Preventing and Treating Ear Infections: Fluid buildup and excessive pressure in the ears is very common among children which can lead to ear infections more times than not. Through chiropractic adjustments, a chiropractor can help restore the functioning of the eustachian tubes to drain them of excess fluid and pressure.
Boosting the Immune System: Problems in the nervous system affect the body’s immune system. When different body parts begin to malfunction, your child can have various health complications. Since chiropractors manipulate and work on the neuromusculoskeletal system, chiropractic care can help boost your child’s immune system.
Increasing Mobility: Growth and development are a natural process. However, some infants and children have a more difficult time with mobility than others. Chiropractic treatments can help promote a full range of motion in different areas of the body, ensuring your child meets all the milestones in the correct timeline.
Promoting Proper Development: Children’s bodies go through drastic changes in short periods of time. Their bones grow, their spine doubles in size, and the natural neck and lower back curvatures begins to form. These developmental stages are necessary indicators of growth that can be hindered by a misaligned spine.
Decreases the Risk of Injuries: Once your child starts becoming more mobile, their risk of injury and accidents increases greatly. To prevent and treat injuries, it is ideal a chiropractor be there to help overcome any spine, joint, or nerve pains.
Improving Eating Tendencies: Some infants struggle with nursing and eating properly due to gastroesophageal reflux. Chiropractic care can aid in various digestive aspects, including relieving gas (as mentioned above), alleviating abdominal pain, and promoting intestinal functionality.
Our providers at Columbia Chiropractic Center work with infants, babies, and children every day! We do our best to service all the kiddos that come to us so we can ensure they grow up to be healthy and strong. Visit our clinic if you are looking for skilled chiropractors to take care of you and your kid(s)!
Yours in Health,
Dr. Chelsey