Chiropractic care focuses on maximizing the body's amazing ability to heal itself by removing interferences in your nervous system through a chiropractic adjustment. What better time to detect and correct these interferences than in childhood, since 90% of our neural development is complete by the age of six years. Many spinal problems seen in adults begin in childhood, and aches and pains are often dismissed or overlooked as "growing pains." Our medical paradigm says we should wait until you experience symptoms, but a more preventative approach would be to get our spines checked before small problems turn into more significant problems. Every stage of our development subjects us to a variety of situations that have the potential to create spinal dysfunction.

Infants

Probably the most significant stress to the spine in infancy is the birth process itself, and even more so if interventions are required during the delivery. New stresses are introduced to the child's spine as they begin to hold their head up, learn to sit, stand and eventually walk. In infants it can often be difficult to know when to get an adjustment, since they cannot communicate how they are feeling. Typically, changes in behaviour, sleep habits or a change in bowel movements are good indicators that it's a good time to get a spinal check-up. Common conditions that chiropractor's care for include:

• Colic
• Irritability
• Constipation
• Excessive gas
• Recurring ear infections
• Difficulty feeding

Children

Children do not often sit still. Falls and accidents are inevitable as children learn to run, jump, ride a bicycle. Treating spinal dysfunction when it happens can lessen the impact on the spine and promote healthy growth and development.

Poor posture and repetitive strain are becoming more common in children with the use of video games and text messaging.

Another significant stressor for children's spines is their backpacks. Often packed too heavy for a developing spine with the added impact of wearing them improperly can set a child up for back pain, neck pain and even headaches. In addition to correcting the irritation at the spinal level, your chiropractor can educate your children on the proper way to carry their backpack and other preventative measures.

Are Adjustments the Same for Children as they are for Adults?

Chiropractors modify their technique and force based on the child's age and condition. Typically, children respond very quickly to chiropractic adjustments and often require less frequent treatments than adults. Children usually enjoy their adjustments very much and look forward to seeing the chiropractor.