Chiropractic care aims to ease pain, support the body’s natural ability to heal and correct alignment issues in the body using treatments like spinal adjustments, manipulation, massage and other chiropractor tools.
Most chiropractors treat patients who have issues with their neuromusculoskeletal system, which encompasses bones, muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments. But more and more chiropractors are treating children.
Pediatric chiropractors generally adjust the level of force they use when working with children so treatments are gentler and more careful. Chiropractic techniques for children often focus on regulating and gently correcting the nervous system to make sure it develops properly.
There are plenty of other reasons that parents take even the healthiest children to pediatric chiropractors. One of the top reasons is to encourage neural plasticity, which allows the brain and nervous system to develop in a healthy way.
Pediatric chiropractors also treat the nervous communication system to encourage better general health and wellbeing. Chiropractic treatments are thought to help strengthen a child’s immunity to various illnesses, including colds and earaches. Very young children may benefit from chiropractic care if they have colic or issues breastfeeding.
The best chiropractors for children should usually specialize in pediatric care. Chiropractic care won’t typically endanger a child, but it’s important to go to a practitioner who’s used to working with children.
You should also make sure you go to a chiropractor who you trust and respect, and whose philosophy meshes with yours. There are plenty of different schools of thought in the chiropractic profession, and when it comes to your child’s health, you can’t be too careful. You should also find out if your insurance covers chiropractor costs.
And of course, all children are different as well. Make sure you talk to your child’s regular pediatrician if you’re considering chiropractic care to see if your child is a good candidate for treatment. Your doctor will usually take you through the risks and benefits of taking your child to a chiropractor so you can make an informed decision.
