Parents dream of the best for their children — from nutritional health and physical activity, to posture and overall wellness. With the trend towards holistic health, lots of families are seeking pediatric chiropractic to aid their children in ensuring they have healthy growth and development. But a common question is: Is chiropractic care safe and appropriate for kids?
We value safety, evidence-informed treatment, and personalized care at Sandalwood Physio. So let’s take a look at what pediatric chiropractic care is all about, how it works and what parents should know before they decide to give it a try.
What Is Pediatric Chiropractic Care?
Pediatric chiropractic care involves carefully evaluating and then adjusting the spinal column and musculoskeletal system in your infant, toddler or older child. The aim is not simply to “crack backs” as many people misunderstand, but rather to assist the child’s growth with optimal alignment and functioning of the nervous system.
Chiropractic adjustments for children involve the use of very gentle, non-invasive pressure and appropriate techniques according to age. These corrections support better posture, increase mobility, and can also promote good health by addressing tension or restrictions in the spine.
Why Children Might Need Chiropractic Care
A child’s body undergoes extraordinary changes in the early years — from learning to walk to long hours spent sitting in classrooms or using digital devices. These movements occasionally result in minor misalignments (subluxations), which can cause discomfort and poor posture.
Common problems that respond well to chiropractic are:
- Bad posture or “tech neck” from device use
- Growing pains or muscle tightness
- Sports-related strains and sprains
- Infant colic, infantile reflux or sleep difficulties
- Slight misalignments in the spine that may cause movement or balance problems
Though not intended to take the place of medical care, chiropractic can be added as a part of pediatric care and assist in helping the body maintain proper alignment and nerve system function.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Children?
When it comes to their kids, safety is every parent’s number one concern — and understandably so. When performed by a skilled chiropractor experienced in working on children, the chiropractic adjustment for a child is safe and gentle.
While adult adjustments can be pretty forceful, or at least vigorous, pediatric chiropractic techniques require only minimal pressure — usually no more than you’d use to test a ripe tomato. It is based on small controlled movements that aim to have you in proper alignment without pain.
Studies and clinical experience have established that chiropractic care for kids, if given correctly, is safe. Our Sandalwood Physio team continually assesses the needs of every child before suggesting or providing a treatment.
Benefits of Pediatric Chiropractic Care
When done appropriately, chiropractic care can have several benefits in children, such as:
- Better Posture: A solution for bad posture, work with your spinal alignment and combat slouching or screen hunching.
- Restful Sleep: In some cases, it can be very easy to notice better sleep patterns and more relaxation in children who experience gentle adjustments.
- Improved Immune System: Correct alignment of the spine encourages nerve access to health information flow, which contributes to your overall well-being.
- Enhance Physical Development: Promotes even growth and coordination in active or sporting children.
- Less Pain: Eases back, neck and joint pain due to physical stress or growth spurts.
When to Consult a Chiropractor for Your Child
If your child often complains of back pain or has poor posture, or if you notice one shoulder higher than the other or one arm appears longer when they are standing straight, consider taking them in for an assessment.
At Sandalwood Physiotherapy, we will insist on assessing your child’s condition before recommending any treatment to ensure they are suitable for chiropractic care.
Conclusion
Provided by trained professionals, pediatric chiropractic is a safe, gentle and effective way to help your child grow into a thriving adult. It can improve posture, increase comfort and even support better sleep and immune function.
At Sandalwood Physio, we deliver a holistic model of care to children as they grow. If you’re wondering how chiropractic care may benefit your child, book an appointment with our experienced team today.