Children & Chiropractic – Regardless of age…a better working spine is good for your health! Newborns, infants and children can benefit from chiropractic health care too! Even “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine and often manifests itself as colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, acid reflux, allergies, asthma, ear infections, erratic sleep habits, or “so-called” growing pains and should not be ignored. Many experts believe that uncorrected spinal problems during early stages of development set the stage for the chronic, difficult-to-treat subluxations seen in adults. Using forceps, vacuum extraction and other aspects of a stressful birth can have a profound effect on a dear, newborn baby’s spine.
Of course, babies and children receive a modified type of chiropractic adjustment designed for a growing, changing, developing spine and nerve system. Young spines rarely have the long-standing muscle tightness found in adults, and beginning preventive chiropractic care early in life helps prevent improper muscle patterning, which stresses the nerve system and can effect a variety of organs, tissues, and systems throughout the body. Parents can do home checks to assist in educating themselves in the health of their child’s spine: Examine the heels of their shoes—are they worn evenly? Examine the level of shoulders and hips while your child stands in front of you as you are seated—is one shoulder or hip at a higher level than the other, even just slightly? Examine muscles along the sides of their spine with their shirt removed—is one side more developed than the other? These are just a few parental observances that can indicate already-developed spinal tension and should be examined by a family chiropractor. Murrieta Chiropractic is a family practice dedicated to keeping spines of all ages healthy!
