Chiropractic is a safe, effective, and drugless approach to healthcare, that is becoming increasingly popular as a means to wellness care. For years, chiropractors have been successfully treating adults for common ailments related to the spine, such as headaches, low back pain, and neck pain. However, some common pain problems that we experience as adults can actually start from when we were children. Taking your child in to see a pediatric certified chiropractor during early developmental stages is an important and beneficial head start towards a happy, and healthy life!
A Healthy Spine is Aligned!
During the first year of life, spinal trauma is inevitable. It mostly occurs during the birthing process, but can also occur during everyday life. Regular spinal exams are recommended at milestones while baby learns how to sit up, stand, and walk. In addition, spinal trauma can occur during from falls, and tumbles which should also be examined by a pediatric chiropractor. Nerves originate from the spine, and communicate throughout the body. This free flow of nerve impulses is necessary to allow the body to function properly. A spinal malfunction (or vertebral joint fixation) can interrupt this flow of information and affect the body’s nervous system causing pain, muscle and organ dysfunction, and other imbalances. Chiropractors are skilled clinicians, and are experts in diagnosing and treating these types of musculoskeletal issues related to spinal misalignment. If there is a problem, the earlier it is corrected the less likelihood there is of it becoming a chronic or more serious problem later in life.
Sniffles, and Sneezes, and Fevers, Oh My!
Chiropractic can help keep your children happy and healthy! When sickness does appear, that’s the best time to stop in and see your chiropractor for a quick check up and adjustment! Many times some of these sickness symptoms are actually related to spinal misalignments. Chiropractic has been shown to improve a variety of different conditions for example, earaches, colic, fevers, torticollis, indigestion, and insomnia. The conditions that are commonly seen in young children at chiropractic offices are earaches, colic, and torticollis.
Earaches
Research has suggested that recurrent ear infections are due to restricted lymph drainage from the middle ear. Spinal misalignments can cause nerve irritation to the muscles in the neck, causing them to spasm. Muscle spasm can restrict lymph drainage away from the head. Earaches can be managed with chiropractic care, by adjusting any misalignments in the neck and removing this irritation.
Colic
Colic is a condition that causes the abdomen to become distended and excessive crying to occur in young infants. Research has shown that hours spent crying, were significantly decreased in infants who received chiropractic adjustments compared to infants who received medication for their symptoms over a period of two weeks.
Torticollis
Torticollis is commonly caused by stretching of neck muscles or malalignment of neck vertebrae during delivery. Chiropractic management of torticollis uses a combination of gentle spinal adjustments, cranial re-alignment, and soft tissue therapies to rapidly resolve this condition seen in many newborns.
Through regular adjustments, counseling on proper nutrition, exercise, and posture, your pediatric chiropractor can help you raise a child who is structurally and functionally sound.
Washington Park Chiropractic is the only practice in Denver, Colorado specializing in Sports Chiropractic, Prenatal Chiropractic and Pediatric Chiropractic. Our Wash Park Doctors are expert certified and trained in Sports, Pediatrics and Prenatal Care including massage, acupuncture, Webster Technique, Graston Technique, Laser, K-Laser, Kinesiology Tape, RockTape and Normatec.
Lisa Goodman, DC, CCSP, CACCP is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) and Certified Prenatal and Pediatric Chiropractor (CACCP). She is a CrossFit L1 and CrossFit Kids Certified Trainer. Dr. Goodman founded Washington Park Chiropractic in 2006 in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Goodman incorporates sports chiropractic techniques with prenatal and pediatric patients, she teaches mobility and taping classes locally, and is a contributor to POPSUGAR, Urban Life Wash Park and DC Aligned. She is a committee member on the boards of the ACA Pediatrics Council and the ACA Sports Council. Areas of special interest include prenatal care, ankle and wrist injuries, instrument assisted soft tissue techniques, strength training, and pediatric fitness. Stay connected with Dr. Goodman on Instagram @washparkchiro or @lisakgoodman