Kids

Why Chiropractic Care is Essential for Kids

Chiropractic care plays an important role in your child’s overall wellness and development. According to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, more than 17% of chiropractic patients in the U.S. are under the age of 18, with nearly 8% of these patients being five years old or younger. Although it may seem that children don’t need chiropractic care at a young age, early, preventative care helps set a foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being.

The Importance of a Healthy Nervous System in Children

The nervous system—which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves—regulates everything in the body, from growth to daily bodily functions. Spinal misalignments, known as subluxations, can disrupt the communication between the brain and body, putting stress on the nervous system. This stress can impact the functioning of various systems in the body, affecting growth, immune health, and even behavior.

Children, like adults, can experience subluxations in the spine due to birth trauma, developmental stresses, or minor injuries from play. During the first five years, a child’s body produces more neural pathways than at any other time in life, making this period crucial for their development. Chiropractic care helps ensure that these early neural connections form without interference, supporting a child’s optimal growth and development.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Kids

Even children in excellent health can benefit from chiropractic adjustments. Minor injuries, bumps, and falls are a natural part of childhood, but over time, they can accumulate and lead to issues in adolescence or adulthood. Chiropractic care addresses these minor misalignments before they become a problem, promoting comfort, mobility, and overall well-being.

What to Expect from a Chiropractic Adjustment for Children

Chiropractic adjustments are safe and gentle for patients of all ages, including newborns. After assessing your child’s spine, the chiropractor will use light pressure—either by hand or with a small tool—to correct any misalignments. These adjustments are specifically tailored to children, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience that supports healthy nervous system function.

Common Benefits Observed in Kids with Chiropractic Care

Parents and pediatric chiropractors often report noticeable improvements in various aspects of children’s health following chiropractic care. Some of the commonly observed benefits include:

• Improved Sleep: Better sleep quality and longer rest periods.
• Enhanced Behavior and Mood: Positive shifts in behavior and attitude, with children feeling more balanced and calm.
• Strengthened Immune Function: A healthier immune response, helping kids fight off common illnesses more effectively.

Additional Conditions that May Benefit from Chiropractic Care

In addition to general wellness, chiropractic care has shown benefits for children dealing with various health concerns. Parents often report improvements in symptoms related to:

• ADD/ADHD
• Colic
• Torticollis
• Ear Infections
• Bed-Wetting
• Digestive Issues
• Allergies and Asthma
• Seizures

These improvements are the result of a well-functioning nervous system, which chiropractic care supports by ensuring proper spinal alignment.