Children Get Special Treatment:
Treatment for children is appropriate to their size and needs. Spinal adjustments for children are different from adjustments for adults. Your chiropractor places very gentle pressure on the spine of children to correct problems and help allow the spine to develop properly. As with adults, your child should feel little or no discomfort. Children usually respond quickly to light adjustments and other chiropractic treatments.

How a Child’s Spine Develops:
At birth, a child’s spine is a single curve, shaped like a C; the newborn lacks the strength to hold up his or her little head. At about six months, neck muscles develop and help the infant hold up his head. At about nine months, the lower back curves, the muscles in the lumbar area develop and the child learns to crawl and stand. The child now has the strength and balance to walk and run. Like an adult, the child now has three natural curves in the spine to support the body As they learn to walk and run, children fall, and can suffer strains and sprains as a result. Detecting these problems at a young age is critical for the proper development of your child’s spine. Many postural problems and back pains we experience as adults frequently are traced back to falls as children or a traumatic childbirth. Having your child’s spine checked by a chiropractor at a young age is important for proper development of the bones of the spine. Ear infections, bed-wetting, hyperactivity, chronic colds and other health problems may be the result of nervous system interference or malfunction caused by spine-related problems. Appropriate chiropractic care can restore normal spinal and nervous system function. When the nervous system is functioning properly, chiropractors discover that many problems resolve themselves.

How Treatment Is Determined:
The doctor will ask you questions about your child’s birth and development. Did anything unusual occur during the birth? At what age did your child begin to crawl, stand, or walk? Any serious falls or injuries? An examination will then determine if your child’s posture and movements are proper. Reflexes and range-of-motion will be checked, along with any unusual curvature of the spine, which could suggest possible scoliosis. If needed, your doctor will refer your child to another specialist, such as a pediatrician.