Paediatric chiropractic care | Supporting Growth and Development

What is Paediatric Chiropractic Care?

Generally, childhood is a slightly traumatic time. A child learns to crawl, walk, run, and tumble. Children are constantly in a state of play and discovery. Kids engage themselves in various physical activities such as playing games indoors as well as outdoors. While small stumbles may not seem to cause extensive discomfort, they can cause shifts in the child’s musculoskeletal system that set the stage for subluxations. Paediatric chiropractic care can help

Misalignments caused in the spinal nerves can interfere in the efficient functioning of the child’s nervous system. Moreover, misalignments can potentially harm the body’s ability to function in an optimal manner, potentially leading to ear infections, headaches, asthma, and much more. Paediatric chiropractic care is essential to correct these misalignment’s, which in turn improves a child’s wellness and helps to prevent future problems.

Paediatric chiropractic care works well for children because their bodies are still growing. For the proper development of the body and brain, the spine should be aligned perfectly.

Paediatric chiropractors embrace various chiropractic treatments to alleviate tense muscles that lead to a misaligned spine or subluxation.

Why Is It Essential For Children To See A Paediatric Chiropractor?

Parents should take their child to a chiropractor because kids have spines and a nervous system just like adults. Parents should ensure that they are taking good care of these things especially during the developmental years.

Why Paediatric Chiropractic Care is Advantageous To A Child’s Development

Nowadays people are more aware than ever that chiropractic care is quite essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular visits to your chiropractor can lead to significant improvements in wellness for adults. Most often people think that chiropractic care is just for adults. But that’s not so. Chiropractic care is also beneficial for kids. You don’t have to be a grown-up to gain a wide range of advantages offered by chiropractic care.

Young kids can benefit from regular visits to paediatric chiropractors. Sometimes parents are not well-informed about the importance of taking their child to a chiropractor. Chiropractic care can help kids in a myriad of ways from improved behavior to better sleep.

Why Paediatric Chiropractic Care is Advantageous To A Child’s Development

Chiropractic care in pregnancy creates balance by ensuring the mother’s spine and nervous system can function at their optimal capacity. This is vital because, as the baby grows, the mother’s body makes incredible changes to adapt, accommodate and nurture the precious cargo.

The body is simply amazing, and chiropractic can provide that extra care to release any restrictions and enable the body to do what it does best.

Dr Carmen treats many mum’s to be and her intention is to help new and experienced mothers to be comfortable within their rapidly changing, beautiful bodies.

Various Reasons Why Paediatric Chiropractic Care Is Beneficial For A Child’s Development

Improved Sleep

Having proper sleep is an essential part of a child’s life. Sound sleep doesn’t just help them function during the day, but it is also important for their overall development and emotional well-being. Since paediatric chiropractic care works effectively to release stress in the body, it can improve sleeping patterns in children. Certain tensions can cause sleeping troubles such as insomnia.

Improved Immune System

Paediatric chiropractic care has many benefits for a child’s immune system. Chiropractic care can help children who are suffering from a cold or infection. This support can also improve their immunity functions.

Improved Attitude and Behavior

Paediatric chiropractic care helps in reducing stress and anxiety and helps in improving a child’s behavior. Chiropractic care is also beneficial in improving their mood and attitude by releasing tension. When their bodies are developing in the right way, they should feel happy and be active throughout the day. With an improved attitude, they can develop a positive mindset.

Improved Nervous System

Paediatric chiropractors help your child develop a healthy nervous system. Chiropractors make sure the spine is growing in the correct way. This prevents and treats certain nervous system issues like ear infections.

Improved Brain Development

Chiropractic care is quite beneficial for overall brain development. With chiro therapies the nerves of the brain develop a strong connection with the rest of the body. Pressure gets released on bones and joints, as well as the spine. Increased brain development promotes better concentration. It can improve focus and reduce hyperactivity. This includes targeting conditions such as ADHD.

Conditions Chiropractic Care Can Treat

Wellness visits allow a chiropractor to identify and treat problematic subluxations quickly, which can improve a child’s overall health and wellness and offer welcome support for their immune system. The benefits of chiropractic care for children also extend to the treatment of specific conditions, including the following:

• Ear infections
• Digestive issues
• Allergies
• Colic
• Asthma
• Sleep issues
• Sports injuries
• Headaches
• Concentration and focus issues
• Irritable baby syndrome
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Asperger’s syndrome, autism, and autism spectrum disorder

Summary

Sometimes kids experience not only physical but emotional stress early in their lives. It is essential for parents to understand that paediatric chiropractic care has serious health benefits for their child. It can affect their well-being and development as a person in so many positive ways.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Trusted Infant Chiropractor in Durban – Gentle Care for Your Baby’s Health

What is the youngest age to go to a chiropractor?

Chiropractic care is safe for people of all ages, including newborns! In fact, many parents bring their babies for chiropractic check-ups shortly after birth to support healthy development and address any issues that may arise from the birthing process.
Babies often come for treatments only a few days old, but it is often around the 2 week mark that things like gas, reflux, and colic may start to arise. This would be a good indication to book an appointment. Paediatric chiropractic adjustments are extremely gentle, tailored to a baby’s delicate spine and nervous system, and can help with issues like colic, breastfeeding difficulties, a tight or restricted neck, reflux and gas.
Always consult with a chiropractor who experienced and qualified in paediatric care to ensure your child receives the best treatment.
Please note that NO babies are “clicked” or adjusted the same way as adults are.

Is chiropractic safe for children?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe for children when performed by a qualified chiropractor with experience in paediatric care. Adjustments for children are gentle and specifically adapted to their growing bodies, and are not the same adult treatments. Chiropractic care can help with common childhood issues like posture, alignment, growing pain, and sleeping issues.
In addition, as children grow and become more active, they may experience small traumas like falls off jungle gyms, sports injuries, or strain from carrying heavy backpacks and prolonged studying, as well as long periods watching small devices such as iPads or phones. These activities can put stress on their spines and joints, potentially leading to discomfort or misalignment. Regular chiropractic check-ups can help prevent and treat these issues, promoting better posture, reducing pain, and supporting overall development and wellness. My advice is to schedule a chiropractic appointment around your child’s birthday, it also makes it fun for them to get a “birthday adjustment” and makes it easy to remember yearly checks. Other than yearly checks, if they are experiencing any pain, or have had a recent fall or injury, consult with your paediatric chiropractor.

What does a paediatric chiropractor do?

A paediatric chiropractor specialises in providing gentle, safe chiropractic care tailored specifically for infants, children, and adolescents. Their focus is on ensuring that a child’s spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system develop properly. Paediatric chiropractors use soft, non-invasive techniques to assess and adjust misalignments, promoting a child’s overall health and wellbeing.

Key areas a paediatric chiropractor may address include:

Colic, reflux, and digestive issues (excess gas) in newborns
Breastfeeding difficulties (latching issues) by improving neck and jaw mobility
Sleep disturbances by relieving tension in the spine (research based)
Postural issues from studying, screen time, or carrying heavy bags
Sports injuries or small traumas like falls off jungle gyms or playground equipment
Developmental milestones such as crawling, walking, and running
Brachycephaly and plagiocephaly (flat head syndromes) in babies under 6 months by gently improving neck mobility and reducing cranial pressure, which helps the skull round out naturally as the baby grows.

By addressing these issues, paediatric chiropractic care supports healthy growth and development, reduces discomfort, and helps children stay active and pain-free. It is always recommended to consult with a chiropractor experienced in paediatric care to ensure your child receives the most appropriate treatment.

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