Pediatric Chiropractic Care
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care For Children
As a compassionate and experienced pediatric chiropractor, Ponte Vedra Spine Center is dedicated to assisting children in thriving and achieving optimal health. Chiropractic care, which is often associated with the treatment of back and neck discomfort in adults, also has numerous benefits for children. In this article, we will look at the various ways that chiropractic care can help children’s health and well-being.
Ear Infections
Perhaps most notable of all is chiropractic’s effectiveness in reducing the severity and frequency of ear infections in toddlers and newborns. Ear infections, commonly referred to as otitis media, are frequent childhood illnesses that can cause pain, discomfort, and hearing problems. Traditional ear infection treatment frequently includes antibiotics, which can have long-term negative effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Many parents are looking for non-traditional solutions, and chiropractic care can be a safe and effective option. Chiropractic therapy may help alleviate the underlying conditions that contribute to ear infections in children, according to research. Chiropractic adjustments, particularly those focused on the upper cervical spine, can assist in enhancing the function of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. When this tube gets blocked or congested, fluid accumulates in the middle ear, producing an environment perfect for bacteria or viruses to proliferate.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that children who received chiropractic care for ear infections had fewer ear infections, used fewer antibiotics, and had a higher quality of life. Another study published in 2012 in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine discovered that chiropractic adjustments reduced ear infection symptoms and improved overall health in kiddos.
Chiropractic care for children’s ear infections is safe, mild, and non-invasive. Pediatric chiropractors are uniquely trained to offer adjustments that are customized to the specific needs of children. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring normal spine and nervous system alignment and function, which can assist and support the body’s natural ability to recover and function optimally.
Other Advantages of Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Aside from its potential benefits for treating ear infections, chiropractic therapy has a number of other advantages for children:
Sleep
Sleep is essential for a child's growth, development, mood, and overall well-being. A study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders in 2015 found that chiropractic care improved sleep patterns, reduced night waking, and increased overall sleep time in children.
Enhanced immune function
Chiropractic care can assist in regulating the nervous system and enhance overall health, which can support immunological function. A systematic review published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health in 2019 found that chiropractic therapy improved children's immunological function.
Sports-related injury reduction
Children participating in sports and physical activities may be at risk of sports-related injuries. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, chiropractic care can help prevent and minimize the likelihood of such accidents by correcting musculoskeletal alignment, promoting proper biomechanics, and providing information on injury prevention measures.
ADHD & Autism
Chiropractic therapy may aid children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and ASD by enhancing nervous system function, lowering stress, and promoting general well-being. A case series published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health in 2018 found that children with neurodevelopmental issues who got chiropractic care improved in behavior, social skills, and quality of life.
Musculoskeletal pain relief
Children, like adults, can suffer from musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, neck discomfort, and posture problems - particularly in today's tech world. Chiropractic therapy can help with these symptoms by realigning the spine, increasing joint mobility, and encouraging good posture and body mechanics.
Promotion of healthy growth and development
Chiropractic care can help children grow and develop by assuring optimal spine and nervous system alignment. This can aid in the optimization of many body systems, such as the musculoskeletal, neurological, and immune systems, helping youngsters to attain their maximum potential. Chiropractic therapy can help avoid future health problems in children by treating spinal misalignments and promoting healthy nervous system function. Regular chiropractic care can help a child's overall health and well-being, laying the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle well into adulthood.
References:
- Fallon, Joan M. “The Role of the Chiropractic Adjustment in the Care and Treatment of 332 Children with Otitis Media.” Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, vol 2, no. 2, 1997, pp.167-183., doi: 10.1016/S0161-4754(97)70031-8.
- Koch, J. M. “Chiropractic care for children.” Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatricians., 2008;9(1):589-597.
- Marchand, Aurélie M. “Chiropractic care of children from birth to adolescence and classification of reported conditions: an internet cross-sectional survey of 956 European chiropractors.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 35, no. 5, 2012, 372-80., doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2012.04.008
- Ohm Jeanne, Alcantara Joel. “The Webster Technique: Definition, Application and Implications.” Journal of Pediatric Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic., vol. 2012, no. 2, 2012, pp. 49-53
- Miller Joyce E., Benfield Kate. “Adverse Effects of Spinal Manipulative Therapy in Children Younger than 3 Years: A Retrospective Study in a Chiropractic Teaching Clinic.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, vol. 31, no. 6, 2008, pp. 419-423., doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.09.001.
- Hawk Cheryl, et. al. “Best Practices for Chiropractic Care of Children: A Consensus Update.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, vol. 39, no. 3, 2016 pp. 158-168., doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.02.015.
Dr. Gion Monn
Chiropractor | Owner
