Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. While chiropractic care is commonly associated with adults, many parents are now turning to chiropractic care as a natural approach to promoting their child’s health and wellness.
However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding child chiropractic care that may deter parents from considering this approach. In this article, we will explore common myths about child chiropractic care and highlight the positive results that can be achieved.
Six Myths About Child Chiropractic Care
Myth #1: Chiropractic Care is Only for Adults
One of the most common myths surrounding chiropractic care is that it is only appropriate for adults. In reality, chiropractic care can be beneficial for children of all ages, from newborn infants to teenagers, and every age in between.
Chiropractors use gentle techniques to correct misalignments and restore proper function to the nervous system. By doing so, chiropractic care can help infants and children to heal from birth trauma, support their overall health and well-being, and promote healthy development as they grow
Chiropractors can also help with other childhood conditions such as asthma, ADHD, bedwetting, and scoliosis.
Myth #2: Chiropractic Care is Unsafe for Children
A common myth is that chiropractic care is unsafe for children. This is simply not true. Chiropractic adjustments for children are gentle and non-invasive, making them safe and effective for children of all ages.
This misconception that chiropractic care is dangerous for children may stem from a lack of understanding of the specialized techniques and methods employed by pediatric chiropractors. These professionals undergo extensive training to ensure that they can safely and effectively treat children of all ages, and are experienced in adjusting the delicate structure of a child’s spine.
Pediatric chiropractors use low-force techniques tailored to the unique needs of their young patients. This approach takes into consideration the child’s age, size, and developmental stage, ensuring that the treatment is both safe and comfortable. The risk of adverse events from pediatric chiropractic care is exceedingly low, with most reported incidents being minor and transient.
Myth #3: Chiropractic Care is Painful for Children
Some parents are concerned that chiropractic adjustments may be painful for their child. However, chiropractic adjustments for children are gentle, safe, and painless. In fact, many children enjoy their chiropractic visits and look forward to them as a fun and interactive experience, finding them to be quite comfortable and enjoyable.
Chiropractors who work with children understand that their spines are still growing and developing, and they take care to use techniques that are safe and effective for children of all ages.
Chiropractic adjustments for children can be very different from the adjustments that adults receive. Children’s bones are not fully formed, and their joints are more flexible than those of adults. As a result, chiropractors use very gentle pressure to make adjustments to a child’s spine.
Myth #4: Chiropractic Care is Only for Children with Back Pain
The myth that chiropractic care is only for children with back pain is simply not true. Chiropractic care can address a wide range of symptoms and conditions in children, including those that may not initially seem related to the spine or musculoskeletal system.
Some common symptoms and conditions that chiropractic care can address in children include:
- Colic: Chiropractic care can be very effective in treating colic in infants. Misalignments in the spine can cause digestive issues, and gentle adjustments can help to correct these misalignments and relieve colic symptoms.
- Ear infections: Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can interfere with the proper drainage of the ears, leading to recurrent ear infections. Chiropractic adjustments can help to correct this and reduce the frequency and severity of ear infections.
- Asthma: Pressure on the nerves that control the lungs can lead to asthma symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments can help to improve lung function and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
- Bedwetting: The nerves that control the bladder could be out of alignment, leading to bedwetting. Chiropractic adjustments can help to correct these misalignments and improve bladder control.
- Developmental delays: Misalignments in the spine can interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system, which can lead to developmental delays. Chiropractic adjustments can help to correct these problems and support healthy development.
These are just a few examples of the many symptoms and conditions that chiropractic care can address in children. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective form of healthcare that can support children’s overall health and well-being.
Myth #5: Chiropractic Care for Children is Not Necessary
This one is only partially wrong. Chiropractic care is never necessary, but it is often very beneficial, especially for children, and has very little risk involved.
The birth process itself can be traumatic for an infant’s spine and nervous system. Even a straightforward vaginal delivery can cause misalignments in the spine and create stress on the infant’s developing nervous system. This can lead to a variety of health issues, including difficulty breastfeeding, colic, ear infections, and developmental delays.
In addition to addressing the effects of birth trauma, chiropractic care for children can also support healthy growth and development. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help to ensure that children’s spines are properly aligned and functioning, which can improve their overall health and well-being. And even address specific health issues, such as asthma, ADHD, bedwetting, and scoliosis. By addressing the underlying misalignments in the spine, chiropractic care can help to reduce symptoms and improve overall health.
Myth #6: Chiropractic Care is Not Backed by Scientific Research
The myth that chiropractic care is not backed by scientific research is simply not true. There is a large and growing body of scientific research that supports the use of chiropractic care for a variety of health issues, including those in children.
A systematic review of the literature drafted in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care is effective in treating a range of musculoskeletal conditions in children, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. The review also found that chiropractic care is safe for children and has a low risk of adverse events. A study drafted in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for pediatric epilepsy.
Another study drafted in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic care can be effective in treating colic in infants. The study found that chiropractic adjustments led to a significant reduction in crying time and improved sleep patterns in infants with colic.
Research has also shown that chiropractic care can be effective in treating a variety of other health issues in children, including asthma, ear infections, and developmental delays.
FAQs About Child Chiropractic Care
What Can I Expect During My Child’s Chiropractic Visit?
During your child’s chiropractic visit, the chiropractor will perform a physical examination and may use gentle adjustments to realign the spine and other joints in the body. The chiropractor will also provide guidance on proper nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle factors that can contribute to overall wellness.
Can Child Chiropractic Care Be Used Alongside Other Treatments?
Yes, child chiropractic care can be used alongside other treatments, including medication and surgery. Chiropractic care is a complementary therapy, which means that it can be used in conjunction with other treatments to provide a more comprehensive approach to care.
However, it is important to consult with your child’s healthcare provider to ensure that all treatments are being used safely and effectively. Your chiropractor can also work with your child’s healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Infants?
Yes, chiropractic care is safe for infants. Chiropractors use gentle techniques that are appropriate for a child’s developing body.
How Many Chiropractic Treatments Will My Child Need?
The number of treatments your child will need depends on their individual needs and condition. Your chiropractor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your child’s specific needs.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Children
Chiropractic care can be a safe and effective treatment option for children. By debunking these common myths and offering solid answers, we hope to provide parents with accurate information about the benefits of chiropractic care for their children.
If you are considering chiropractic care for your child, be sure to consult with a qualified chiropractor who has experience working with children. They can help you develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your child’s individual needs and can provide you with the information and support you need to make an informed decision about your child’s health care.
If you’re ready to move forward with a chiropractic treatment plan for your child or infant, schedule a chiropractic appointment online or call us today.
