Chiropractic for Pediatrics

Do infants, babies and children need chiropractic care? Absolutely! In fact, newborns often experience their first spinal misalignments through the birth process, which can be very traumatic.

Labor and delivery isn’t just difficult for the mother, the infant also experiences the physical stress and strain of the birth process. This can occur when:

• The head, neck, or any other part of the spine and pelvis of the infant have been pulled and twisted during the birth process, the birth process is prolonged
• The delivery process is difficult
• Extraction aids are used during delivery (i.e. forceps, vacuum, etc.)
• The child is delivered by Caesarian section

As children are rapidly growing, it is important to maintain proper motion to the joints and balance the tissues to keep everything as biomechanically balanced as possible. Taking the tension off from day one can help allow for optimal growth and development, improving your child’s overall health and ensuring that they have the best chance of reaching their full potential.

Adjustments for babies are not the same as those for adults. Instead, adjustments for babies are gentle and many times will go unnoticed by the baby. The pressure used on a baby is equivalent to the pressure one uses to check a tomato for ripeness.

Regular Chiropractic care has shown to help the following in children of all ages:

• “Growing Pains”
• Headaches
• ‘Text Neck’
• ADD/ADHD
• Sports injuries

We would never recommend anyone to get off prescribed medication, however chiropractic care has also proven to be safer and more effective than prescription medications and antibiotics.

In addition to chiropractic care, Dr. Prins may offer recommendations about a balanced diet, how to avoid issues listed above, exercises to maintain a healthy spine and musculoskeletal system, and natural supplementation specific to the individual patient.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, contemporary evidence indicates chiropractic care for children is both safe and effective for a variety of pediatric conditions, including infantile colic. A 2012 study of colicky babies found daily crying time decreased by 48 percent in those babies who received chiropractic care compared to 18 percent in babies who received no chiropractic treatment. In addition, a 2011 study found that chiropractic treatment is a viable alternative approach for infantile colic and congruent with evidence-based practice.

Click here to learn more about chiropractic care for your child, and to schedule an appointment today!