“How did I get this way?” says the new patient. “I haven’t done anything for my back to hurt. I was literally just sitting there when the pain started.” Spinal misalignments really only happen two ways – trauma or a build up of your daily activities.
Most people know when trauma is involved. You fall down some stairs or you’re involved in a car accident. Those are both traumas and you don’t forget when those things happen. Is that really all of the physical trauma you’ve had in your life? Do you remember every little bump and bruise you got as a kid? Did you play any sports?
A Long List Of Traumas
If you were to fall of your bike today, you would get some bumps and bruises and hurt for a week. When those same issues occur as a kid, they usually jump right back up (maybe cry a little) and it’s over. But is it?
Those little growing vertebrae can move out of alignment and cause pressure on developing nerves. The saying “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree” comes to mind in this scenario. If something can shift out of place, what long lasting effect might it have on your child’s future health and potential symptoms down the road? Do you think anything like this might have happened to you?
Have you ever fallen down on your bike? Fallen out of a tree? Jumped off the couch and landed on your head? Been “accidentally” hit by a soccer ball to the head that your sister still swears wasn’t her fault? If were were to watch a movie of every trauma you’ve had in your life, we would cringe and squirm and wonder how it’s possible you’re still walking around today.
Childhood Sports and Chiropractic
My sons play sports, and they’re active even when they’re not in an organized activity. They jump, crawl, tackle, and “accidentally” hit each other with footballs, basketballs and even the occasional nerf sword. They have traumas. They rarely complain of pain. However, when checked for spinal misalignments (usually monthly) it’s common for us to find something that needs to be adjusted.
During a more active sports season, they get adjusted even more frequently to help make sure their spines are as they should be. My objective is that they can reach their full physical and health potential. My hope is that their health won’t be limited by the health of their spines.
I remember a sign at my first chiropractor’s office: “Are you leaving your children at home to experience the same problems you are?” Kids play sports. Kids fall down. Kids get out of alignment. What kids don’t do is complain about back pain (usually). Their bones are softer and more pliable, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t affected by the same types of things that would affect you.
The best part for kids is that they love getting adjusted! They haven’t had the problems as long, require far fewer adjustments, and they respond well. Get those athletes checked!