Children & Chiropractic

Spinal stressors can be present in the very earliest stages of life. The first and most obvious stressor is the birthing process itself. Even the most straight forward and seemingly uncomplicated pregnancy / labour can cause significant stress upon a baby’s developing spine and nervous system.

As children grow they are likely to experience all sorts of physical overloads such as knocks and falls which can typically result in nerve dysfunction.

These include inappropriate handing and holding of the baby especially in the early weeks of life, being dropped, falls off the change table, sitting in car seats for extended periods of time, bumps to the head and bottom while learning to walk, sporting injuries and accidents, repetitive or prolonged postures while watching TV or using the computer.

Chemical stressors such as poor nutrition and emotional overlay such as a stressed parent, bullying, exam stress and separation anxiety can also have a profound effect on a developing nervous system.

Children are incredibly adaptable and resilient. Their bodies usually recover quickly and easily from these stressors. Every now and then though, some can have a longer lasting effect on the health of your child. Examples of childhood symptoms of a poorly functioning nervous system which you might not have considered to be related to your child’s spine include: irritability in infants, reflux, vomiting, colic, sleeping problems, recurrent ear infections, learning difficulties, balance and co-ordination issues, headaches, growing pains, and gastro-intestinal disturbances.

Remember though, that the accumulative effect of stress to the spine and nervous system may not always be obvious during the years of childhood development. It is likely that many of the spinal and health problems experienced by adults start very early in life, but remain un-noticed in the childhood years.

It's important to be aware that the methods used for chiropractic treatment of babies and children are vastly different to those used on adults. Chiropractors modify their techniques and methods to suit children of all ages, using techniques that are extremely gentle and have a well documented safety record.

Many families now include a periodic chiropractic maintenance visit as a regular part of their health routine, for both adults and children alike.

We firmly believe that children with healthy spines are healthier children – it’s as simple as that!