What we will cover:
- A pediatric chiropractor offers gentle spinal adjustments
- They can help with various conditions, like colic, ear infections, and posture problems
Chiropractic care is a common treatment option for adults throughout the country. What most people don’t realize, however, is that there are also pediatric chiropractors. These professionals offer children gentle and safe adjustments tailored to their needs.
If you’re considering turning to a chiropractor for children, it can help to have a better understanding of what to expect. Learn more about these services and what you can expect.
Are you ready to get started? Schedule your child’s first visit today.
What Is a Chiropractor for Children?
A chiropractor for children is a licensed chiropractor who has specialized pediatric training. This allows them to offer gentle and non-invasive adjustments to children of all ages.
Pediatric chiropractic adjustments have to consider the growing nature of children’s spines. The techniques these providers rely on are completely different from those they use on adults. A chiropractor for children will use very light adjustments, which are done with their fingertips. There is no forceful manipulation.
The chiropractor will also provide stretching exercises and gentle neck and spine tweaks to offer relief from discomfort. They can assist with neurological and behavioral stressors, too, especially in infants.
Practices that offer child and infant chiropractic care are not just focused on managing pain. There will be an emphasis on development, too. Simple adjustments can assist spinal development, which could help prevent future issues.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Kids?
One of the most common worries parents have is whether a chiropractor for children can offer safe services. The first thing to know is that serious adverse events as a result of chiropractic care for kids are rare.
The reason that chiropractic care is safe for children is the difference in techniques. The techniques used on children are much gentler. There are no high-velocity thrusts that could cause harm. When performed by a licensed professional, they are safe for people of all ages.
The benefits of chiropractic for children make it well worth the effort of finding a dedicated chiropractor.
What Conditions Can a Pediatric Chiropractor Help With?
A chiropractor for children can assist in managing numerous conditions.
Colic and Sleeping Issues
Two of the most common issues a pediatric chiropractor can help with are colic and sleeping problems. Colicky babies benefit from the management of nervous system irritation. This improves digestion and can reduce crying times.
Ear Infections
Many parents claim that a kids’ chiropractor can assist with ear infections, too. It is a drug-free approach that involves correcting the ear canal’s position to encourage drainage. Removing spinal misalignments and reducing nerve tension can help improve immune function, too. They can then better fight off ear infections.
It’s vital, however, that chiropractic care not replace antibiotics if your child needs them. Always consult with a pediatrician if your child has an infection.
Reflux
A chiropractor for children can assist with reflux issues. There is some evidence that spinal adjustments can reduce nerve interference. This is important when it comes to the diaphragm. A properly functioning diaphragm assists in improving reflux symptoms.
Posture
A significant amount of evidence shows that chiropractic care helps to improve posture in children. It does this by correcting spinal misalignments that could occur from sedentary lifestyles, screen time, and heavy backpacks.
Scoliosis Screening
A chiropractor for children can notice spinal issues early, allowing your child to get immediate help. Chiropractic care can help with managing scoliosis pain and improving spinal function. It cannot cure scoliosis, however.
Sports Injuries
Children who play sports can suffer soft tissue injuries. These tend to benefit from the increased circulation that chiropractic care offers. More blood flow means faster healing and less inflammation.
Headaches
There is growing evidence that shows chiropractic care can reduce the frequency and intensity of some types of headaches. These techniques are most appropriate for tension headaches.
General Wellness and Developmental Support
A chiropractor for children can assist with overall development. These techniques help to improve spinal development during rapid growth phases. They also support a child through various milestones, like when they learn to walk.
What Does a Child’s Chiropractic Adjustment Look Like?
A kids’ chiropractor in Algonquin will provide a few key services. You can expect very gentle techniques. The chiropractor may also rely on the activator method, which uses a handheld instrument to deliver a low-force impulse.
Some children can also benefit from cranial-sacral therapy. It involves light touches to the spine and skull to relieve tension.
Request a free consultation to get started.
Chiropractor for Infants vs. Older Children: What’s Different?
A chiropractor for infants will be more focused on addressing lingering sources of tension from the birth process. The techniques can include massages and very mild spinal adjustments. As the infant learns to walk, the care will proceed to ensure their spinal development is appropriate for their age.
For older children, the process can change a bit. They face other sources of potential tension, including heavy backpacks, bad posture, and sedentary activities like watching television. Sports injuries can become a concern, too.
To manage these challenges, a chiropractor for children will involve slightly more forceful adjustments. They will also work to strengthen muscles so that posture can improve.
How to Know if Your Child Needs a Chiropractor
It’s not always easy to tell if your child needs chiropractic help. Some of the more obvious signs can include:
- Uneven crawling
- Head tilt
- Favoring one side
- Back pain
- Sleep issues
- Recurring ear infections
- Headaches
If they are experiencing frequent muscle aches without an apparent cause, a visit to a chiropractor can help.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Chiropractic Visit
When going to the first consultation, the process will begin with an intake assessment. You will speak with the provider about your child’s medical history.
The chiropractor will then perform a gentle physical assessment. They may also observe how your child sits, walks, or crawls. The adjustment itself will take only a few minutes, and it will look almost like play. Typically, your child will be sitting or lying down.
Most infants and young children will not even realize the adjustment is happening. There should never be pain, cracking sounds, or forceful adjustment.
To make the visit as comfortable as possible, consider bringing your child’s favorite blanket or toy. Dress them in clothing that allows for easy movement, too.
How to Choose the Right Chiropractor for Your Child
As you begin searching for the right pediatric chiropractic services, look for providers with experience and appropriate certifications. They should have training beyond general chiropractic care. It’s helpful if the provider is listed in the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
The atmosphere should be welcoming and child-friendly. Staff should be ready to answer questions.
If you’ve been searching for a “pediatric chiropractor near me,” a good way of making a choice is to ask questions. Some of these can include:
- What types of techniques do you use with infants and children?
- How long have you been providing pediatric chiropractic care?
- How do you make a child feel comfortable during a visit?
There are red flags to watch for that let you know you should continue searching for a provider. If the person doesn’t have experience working with children or if they don’t communicate well, they’re not the right choice.
Trusting an Experienced Chiropractor for Children in Algonquin, IL
At Algonquin Chiropractic Center, we provide the gentle, comprehensive chiropractic services you and your family deserve. For over three decades, we have been helping people of all ages in the area address their pain and posture issues. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
FAQ: Chiropractor for Children
Get answers to common questions.
Is it Safe to Take a Child to a Chiropractor?
It is safe to take a child to a chiropractor as long as the provider is experienced and qualified.
At What Age Can a Child See a Chiropractor?
Children can see chiropractors at any age. Even infants can benefit from chiropractic care.
What Does a Chiropractor Do for a Child?
A chiropractor can assist in the development of their posture. They can address pain, sleeping issues, and a variety of other problems. To offer relief, chiropractors rely on gentle adjustments that use only fingertip pressure.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Colic or Ear Infections?
Yes, it’s possible for chiropractors to help with colic and ear infections. Adjustments improve nerve pressure, which could be a factor with colic. By better aligning the ear canal, drainage can occur more easily.
How Is a Child’s Adjustment Different From an Adult’s?
A child’s adjustment will be gentler. There will be no forceful thrusts.
How Often Should a Child See a Chiropractor?
The answer depends on your child’s overall health and their needs.
Do I Need a Pediatrician Referral to See a Chiropractor?
Although you don’t need a referral, it is always a good idea to work along with a pediatrician to address your child’s health.
What Should I Bring to My Child’s First Chiropractic Appointment?
You should bring your child’s medical records, any imaging study results you may have, and a list of any medications your child takes. It’s helpful to also bring a toy or blanket that puts your child at ease.
