I have recently been asked by multiple patients if what I do for them appropriate for their children.
Well the answer is simple: YES!
Now, there are some differences in how we address the issues children have.
A child will be evaluated like any adult, however we do make sure to use gentle, specific techniques to identify and treat their spinal problems.
The techniques used in adjusting children are always altered to their size. For smaller children, using a lighter contact, such as fingertips, is enough to provide a great change in their body. Even using only 2 pounds of pressure can restore mobility to subluxated joints in children.
Another option is to use an activator to adjust the spine of a small child. An activator is a small, hand held instrument that can provide a high speed, but low force adjustment. It allows for a very specific, pain-free adjustment. Children also tend to be more mobile and flexible than adult patients. As a result of this, they frequently require only a few adjustments to get them back to normal.
So what if your child isn’t complaining of pain? Children encounter minor trauma in everyday situations that could cause misalignments, or subluxations, throughout their spine. Something as small as a fall from a bed to the process of learning to walk can cause disruptions in the spine. Even young infants, can benefit from adjustments. The spine usually develops perfectly throughout pregnancy, however the birthing process can put the spine in contorted positions that may cause pain and multiple subluxations.
Sometimes as a parent it’s hard to recognize spinal problems in children, however chiropractors are trained specialists in determining such issues. Just like it takes a dentist to find small cavities, it takes a chiropractor to determine spinal issues.
Some signs that parents can watch out for include the child’s head constantly being tilted to one side, restricted head or neck motions, trouble sleeping, or feeding difficulties in infants. It is common for children to get sick, but if a child is constantly getting earaches, sore throats, colic, or headaches than it might be time to call the chiropractor.