Do Children Need Chiropractors?
Chiropractors around the country are reporting a significant increase in one patient demographic—children. More and more parents are bringing their babies, children, and teens to the chiropractor for treatment or preventative care.
The spine plays a vital role in the overall health of the body. Most people think of chiropractors when they think of back pain, stiff necks, and joint aches. It’s true, chiropractors can be a big help with these things, but spinal health involves so much more.
Basically, everyone who has a spine could probably benefit from a chiropractor—even children.
Why Spinal Health Is Vital for Children
The spine is made of a series of small bones (vertebrae) separated by fluid-filled cushions (discs) that act like shock absorbers. Not only does the spine support the body’s structure and allow for flexibility, but it also protects the Central Nervous System (CNS). The CNS controls and regulates all of the body’s functions.
If any of the vertebrae of the spine are misaligned, it can put a strain on any of the body’s joints, muscles, or ligaments. This can lead to tension, stiffness, headaches, reduced activity levels, or chronic pain.
In growing children, misalignments are particularly a problem because they can interfere with their skeletal growth and organ development.
Swelling and inflammation may lead to compressed nerves, which may disrupt nerve signals that control the body’s vital functions. Disrupted neural pathways can contribute to problems with sleep, digestion, bladder control/bedwetting, allergies, ear infections, headaches, learning disabilities, mental problems, and the immune system in general.
Why Children Need Chiropractors
Because children are spending more time on electronic devices and leading more sedentary lifestyles these days, it is causing more children to have postural problems. Continuous poor posture can cause misalignments of the spine, especially as a child grows and develops.
In addition, just general play, roughhousing, falls, and even going through the birth canal can cause misalignments of the spine. These minor misalignments may be overlooked for years, but the problems can keep mounting for a lifetime until the root of the problem is fixed.
Are Chiropractors Safe for Children?
Many parents associate chiropractors with sharp snaps and jarring jolts and thus fear bringing their small children to a chiropractor. The truth is, though, that chiropractic care in the hands of a professional is considered safe and beneficial for people of all ages.
How We Can Help
Dr. Alex Bello of Los Angeles Upper Cervical is a specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a modern technique that is particularly well suited for treating children. This is because the Blair technique is an up-to-date treatment using a gentler touch that is barely felt.
Blair practitioners have a lighter touch because they can be more precise. This is because they utilize the most advanced 3D diagnostic imaging tools for a better assessment of each patient’s anatomy and to better pinpoint any problems.
If you want to know how adding chiropractic care to your child’s overall health and wellness routine can benefit your family, contact Dr. Bello for a consultation. He offers upper cervical chiropractic care to patients in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.