Why Children Need Chiropractic Care
By Dr. Melanie Beingessner

Babies have been on my mind lately. Actually, I have recently become a mother once again. My baby girl was born in late January (we named her Kayla) and, of course, to me, she is the most beautiful baby in the world.

I have had quite a bit of time between feedings to reflect upon Chiropractic care with respect to babies and children. Many people simply do not know how much of difference Chiropractic adjustments can make to an infant or child’s health because infants and toddlers are usually unable say that their necks or low backs are hurting. When a child is old enough to tell an adult about his or her neck or back pain, it can easily be dismissed because many people find it hard to believe that a child could feel back pain like an adult does. Actually, they can and they do. The truth is that Chiropractic adjustments can treat the ailments of many infants and children.

The birth process can be very traumatic to an infant, especially if the baby’s head and neck are pulled in any way during labour and delivery. One easy method to tell if a baby’s neck is misaligned is to watch where he or she looks in a car seat. If the baby constantly looks in the same direction, the vertebrae in his or her neck are most likely fixed (the Chiropractic term is subluxated). Subluxated vertebrae can often be irritated or sore and an adjustment will enable an infant to move his or her neck in a more normal range of motion, while reducing the discomfort that the baby experiences.

Colicky babies find great relief with Chiropractic adjustments. A study done in Denmark showed that 94% of the infants who received chiropractic care noted a significant decrease of crying time within two weeks of treatment.

Another concern for Chiropractors with regards to children are bumps and falls. As babies learn to navigate their bodies in space, they fall frequently, and these jolts can cause misalignments in their spine. Anatomically, the spinal cord is housed by the vertebrae, and nerves exit from between each vertebra. When the vertebrae are out of alignment, they press on the nerves as they exit the spine. The result is that the nervous system is not able to function as well as it could.

As babies grow, and learn to crawl and walk, their spines are modified by their newly acquired body positions and by gravity. It is important to have a child’s spine checked at the major milestones of development, especially at the crawling and walking stages to ensure that the vertebrae are all moving in a normal pattern of motion.

Children can suffer from migraine headaches. While Chiropractic care cannot help all types of migraines, some do originate from fixed or subluxated vertebrae in the neck. Adjustments can help to reduce or eliminate the effects of these types of migraine headaches.

Sports, especially contact sports can cause back or neck pain in children. Heading the ball during soccer games or practice, sliding into the boards head first in hockey, being hit by the ball or by other players in baseball or basketball can all cause misalignments in a child’s spine. Chiropractors can make the most difference the earlier they treat a person who has hurt his or her neck or back.

It is very important that a child’s spine grows in proper alignment. If your child has had a fall, plays contact sports, or complains about neck or back pain, please consult with a Chiropractor. It can make a world of difference to your child’s health.

Dr. Beingessner is currently practicing at the Memorial Square Chiropractic and Massage Clinic. If you have questions or comments, she can be reached at 273-5653. To find the Chiropractor closest to you, consult your Yellow Pages under the heading “Chiropractor”, or visit www.albertachiro.com