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Here’s Why Your Child Needs Chiropractic Care

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations. Why? One contributing factor is certainly too-heavy backpacks; another is the early age in which children begin participating in sports. These are just two of the many reasons why your child needs chiropractic care. As the summer begins to wind down and we prepare for a new school year, consider the following – and then schedule your child’s appointment at Van Ness Chiropractic today.

Nervous System Interference Begins at Birth

It’s hardly surprising that one of the most stressful experiences a child has in his or her lifetime is the birthing process. Consider the twisting, torqueing and compression that a child’s fragile spine endures during birth. That much physical stress can cause misalignments and distortions in the spine and nervous system.

As an infant grows into a toddler and then an adolescent, the seemingly insignificant falls and accidents that happen as your child learns to walk, run and play can create stored trauma in the spine. Consider the small yet significant spinal misalignments that can occur each time your son falls off his bike and your daughter tumbles to the ground while learning to roller skate. Chemical, environmental and emotional stressors can also lead to nerve interference. Both of these – physical and emotional stressors – can quickly turn into problems as your little boy or girl grows older.

The body’s spine develops rapidly in the first 10 years of life. This period of growth can be hampered by the rituals of modern life, including carrying of heavy backpacks to and from school (read our tips here for preventing back pain caused by backpacks), increasing time spent on a computer, laptop or mobile device, and playing sports, especially those that are high-impact.

The Symptoms of Nervous System Interference

A 2001 survey of chiropractors in the United States, Canada and Australia found that 10% of the chief complaints presented to a chiropractor were nonmusculoskeletal in nature. In children, too, chiropractic is commonly used as primary or secondary therapy for nonmusculoskeletal conditions such as colic, enuresis, asthma, recurrent otitis media, cancer and illness prevention.

What’s more, many of the above conditions are symptoms that indicate nerve interference. Additional symptoms include:

• difficulty sleeping,
• trouble breastfeeding,
• constipation,
• failure to thrive,
• difficulty crawling and walking,
• allergies,
• attention deficit,
• visual and auditory disturbances,
• prolonged or recurring illnesses, and
• hormone imbalances.

On the other hand, when a chiropractor uses chiropractic adjustments to remove the spinal misalignment, many parents report three immediate improvements in their children:

1. Improved sleeping

2. Improved behavior and attitude

3. Improved immune system function

Chiropractic Techniques Specialized for Children

Chiropractic care is safe for children of all ages – in fact, kids have been receiving adjustments from chiropractors for over 100 years. At Van Ness Chiropractic, the techniques used on children are gentle and non-invasive. A very light amount of pressure is applied, and the tactics used will vary depending on the child, as every appointment is tailored and specific for each individual.

All chiropractors receive pediatric training during their doctorate studies, but additional training is offered through continuing educational courses. Dr. Jason Van Ness is certified in pediatrics by the International Chiropractic Association (ICA).

It’s never too late (or too early!) for your child’s first chiropractic appointment. For more information on Pediatric and Special Needs Care at Van Ness Chiropractic, click here. To make an appointment with Dr. Van Ness, Dr. Parkin or Dr. Sabri right away, give us a call at 847-842-8070 or visit our website here.