Children may benefit from chiropractic care for various reasons, including musculoskeletal issues, postural problems, and certain health conditions. Birth itself can lead to spinal joint restrictions, and throughout childhood, activities like learning to walk, play, and participate in sports can contribute to pain and joint inflammation. Chiropractic care helps address these issues, promoting proper spinal movement and overall well-being.
Chiropractic care can begin as early as the newborn stage. The birthing process, even under the best circumstances, can cause stress on a baby’s spine. By addressing potential joint restrictions from birth, chiropractors aim to support a child’s healthy development from the very start. Chiropractic care for children is safe when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor. The adjustments made for children are gentle, using techniques specifically tailored to the child’s age and size.
Chiropractic care offers several benefits for children. Proper alignment of the spine and joints is crucial for healthy musculoskeletal development. Chiropractic care helps maintain a well-functioning nervous system, which is essential for overall health and development. Getting adjusted addresses and prevents issues such as joint restrictions, helping to avoid potential long-term health challenges. It does all this with a natural and non-invasive approach to healthcare, focusing on the body’s ability to heal itself.
Early intervention in a child’s health is vital for several reasons. Chiropractic care is excellent at addressing issues early to prevent them from escalating into more serious health concerns. Early detection and correction support a child’s optimal physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Timely intervention ensures a higher quality of life by addressing potential challenges before they impact overall well-being.
$25 New Patient Pediatric Health Screening for Kids
$25 for a complete chiropractic health screening including a consultation, exam, a report of findings, and a plan of action.
Chiropractic care for children offers distinct advantages over traditional medical care:
- A non-invasive approach, avoiding medications or surgical procedures.
- Addressing the root cause of issues rather than merely treating symptoms.
- Focusing on supporting the body’s natural healing abilities without relying on external interventions.
- Emphasizing preventive care, aiming to address potential problems before they become more serious.
- Gentle techniques specifically designed for children ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
How Our Pediatric Care Plan for Kids Works
1. Partner
At Brown Chiropractic, we treat people, not conditions. Our first priority is to get to know our patients, their lifestyles, and their goals for care. This allows us to partner with them and together create a care plan that is both individualized and specific to their needs.
2. Plan
Our comprehensive evaluation process not only identifies painful tissues but also the root cause of the condition. This allows us to take our patients through a step-by-step plan that gets them out of pain quickly and with lasting results.
3. Perform
Patients often find they not only get out of pain but feel better than they ever could have imagined. This allows them to perform at a higher level in all aspects of their life.
How We Treat Kids At Each Stage In Their Development in Yarmouth, ME
Newborn Chiropractic (Birth to First Month)
Joint restrictions in newborns can result from the birthing process, even under normal circumstances. Stress and pressure during delivery can lead to misalignments that may affect the baby’s spine and nervous system, impacting their development and overall health.
Chiropractic care for newborns aims to address these issues gently, ensuring a healthy start to life. Joint restrictions can interfere with the nervous system’s and musculoskeletal communication, potentially impacting various bodily functions.
Correcting these restrictions is essential for promoting proper development and overall well-being. Adjustments for newborns are incredibly gentle, using minimal force. We apply specific techniques suitable for the delicate structure of a baby’s spine to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Infant Chiropractic (First Month to 1 Year)
Chiropractic care during infancy can address issues such as breastfeeding difficulties, colic, and musculoskeletal imbalances. Early intervention supports optimal pediatric development. An optimized nervous system promotes proper communication between the brain and body, ensuring seamless development of cognitive, motor, and sensory functions in a child. Early identification and correction of issues prevent them from becoming more serious later on, allowing children to reach their developmental milestones without hindrance.
Chiropractic for Toddlers (1-3 Years)
The physical demands of learning to walk put stress on a toddler’s developing spine. The repetitive nature of trial and error during this stage can contribute to subluxations. Falls, bumps, and the inherent challenges of coordinating movements during the learning-to-walk phase can cause misalignments in the spine, leading to joint restrictions. Chiropractic adjustments for toddlers involve gentle techniques to correct joint restrictions, ensuring optimal nerve function and supporting the child’s physical development.
Preschool Chiropractic (3-5 Years)
Chiropractic care positively influences speech and social development by promoting proper nervous system function and enhancing overall communication abilities. Not all spinal injuries are immediately apparent. Regular chiropractic check-ups can help identify and address any subtle issues before they escalate.
School Age (5-12 Years)
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, often appearing as an ‘S’ or ‘C’ shape. It can impact posture, balance, and overall spinal health. Scoliosis is identified through a physical examination and imaging tests. Asymmetry in the shoulders, waist, or hips may indicate the condition.
Chiropractic care for scoliosis aims to improve spinal alignment, posture, and muscle balance through specific adjustments and therapeutic exercises. School-age children are susceptible to injuries from sports, improper backpack use, and poor posture. Regular chiropractic care helps address and prevent such issues.
Chiropractic for Teenagers (12-18 Years)
Teenagers often face growth spurts, hormonal changes, and increased physical activity, making them prone to musculoskeletal issues that chiropractic care can effectively address. Chiropractic care may positively impact mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress, improving sleep, and promoting a balanced nervous system, which is crucial for teenagers dealing with hormonal changes.
Common Childhood Conditions We Have Helped in Yarmouth, ME
Breastfeeding Problems
Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies crucial for a baby’s growth, immune system, and overall health. Breastfeeding difficulties can arise from issues such as tongue tie, latch problems, or discomfort, potentially related to musculoskeletal imbalances. Signs include poor latch, shallow sucking, and persistent discomfort for both the mother and baby during feeding. Chiropractic adjustments can address musculoskeletal issues like torticollis, improving the baby’s ability to latch and breastfeed comfortably.
Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and potentially leading to regurgitation. Signs include frequent spitting up, irritability during or after feeding, and difficulty sleeping.
Musculoskeletal imbalances may contribute to infant reflux; chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate these issues. Chiropractic care aims to correct spinal restrictions and muscle tension that may contribute to reflux, supporting optimal digestive function.
Colic
Colic is characterized by excessive, inconsolable crying in infants, often without an apparent cause. Colic can be distressing for both infants and parents, leading to exhaustion and emotional strain. The exact cause of colic is unclear, but musculoskeletal imbalances may contribute.
Chiropractic care can provide relief by addressing these issues. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive option for parents to consider, aiming to address potential musculoskeletal factors contributing to colic and providing relief for both the baby and parents.
Issues with Crawling, Standing, or Other Movements
“Tummy time” helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, promoting proper development and preventing musculoskeletal issues. Reaching physical milestones indicates a child’s neurological and musculoskeletal development, ensuring they are on track for age-appropriate movements. Musculoskeletal issues can impede a child’s ability to achieve milestones, potentially leading to delays in crawling, standing, and other crucial movements. Undetected musculoskeletal problems may lead to persistent developmental challenges and impact a child’s overall physical well-being.
Check Out Our Location Near You
50 Forest Falls Drive, Suite 4, Yarmouth, ME 04096
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic safe for a child?
Yes, chiropractic care for children is generally safe when performed by a qualified pediatric chiropractor. Adjustments for children are gentle and tailored to their size and developmental stage, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience.
When should you take children to a chiropractor in Yarmouth, ME?
Children can benefit from chiropractic care at any age. It’s particularly beneficial to consider chiropractic care for newborns, as the birthing process can cause stress on their spine. Regular check-ups during critical developmental stages, such as learning to walk or starting school, can also be beneficial.
What age can a child start seeing a chiropractor?
Chiropractic care can begin as early as the newborn stage. Pediatric chiropractors use gentle techniques suitable for all ages, ensuring a safe and effective approach to care throughout childhood.
How do I know if my baby needs a chiropractor?
Consider consulting a chiropractor if you notice signs such as difficulty breastfeeding, persistent crying, or challenges with developmental milestones. Pediatric chiropractors are trained to assess and address musculoskeletal issues in infants, supporting optimal development.
How does chiropractic help with colic?
Chiropractic care may provide relief for colicky infants by addressing potential musculoskeletal imbalances. Gentle adjustments aim to correct spinal misalignments that could contribute to colic, helping both the baby and parents find relief from excessive crying and discomfort.
$25 New Patient Pediatric Health Screening for Kids
$25 for a complete chiropractic health screening including a consultation, exam, a report of findings, and a plan of action.