During the birthing process, there is a relatively small area to pass
through
considering the size of the infant. During the delivery process, in
order to minimize
discomfort of the mother and baby, abnormally excessive and unnatural
forces are
commonly used. This can and commonly does result in injuries to the
infant`s spine -
especially the cervical spine. As the months and years go by, the spine
grows and
develops at a very rapid pace. When the baby begins to crawl and then
walk, a
number of seemingly minor falls and collisions will occur as balance and
the
knowledge of physics is still developing. As the youngster proceeds
through
childhood, the minor collisions become severe and more frequent. The
physical
traumas will continue into adolescence especially in the active and
athletic youngsters.
Source: ProfessionalPlanets.com™ 1999
More
and more parents are seeking chiropractic care for their children.Many
spinal problems seen in adults began as early as birth. Even so called
`natural`
birthing methods can stress an infant`s spine and developing nerve
system. The
resulting irritation to the nerve system caused by spinal and cranial
misalignment
can be the cause of many newborn health complaints. Colic, breathing
problems,
nursing difficulties, sleep disturbances, allergic reactions and chronic
infections can
often be traced to nerve system stress.
Since
significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their
newborns
checked right away. As the infant grows, learning to hold up the head,
sit, crawl and
walk are all activities that affect spinal alignment and are important
times to have a
child checked by a Doctor of Chiropractic.
As
the child begins to participate in regular childhood activities like
skating or riding
a bike, small yet significant spinal misalignments (subluxations) may
occur. If
neglected, the injuries during this period of rapid growth may lead to
more serious
problems later in life. Subtle trauma throughout childhood will affect
the future
development of the spine leading to impaired nervous system function.
Any
interference to the vital nerve system will adversely affect the body`s
ability to
function at its best.
One
of the most common reason parents seek care for their child is trauma
from
an injury of some sort. These misalignments may or may not result in
immediate pain
or symptoms. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify potential spinal
injury from
these traumas, make the correction early in life and help avoid many of
the health
complaints seen later in adults. Proper spinal hygiene is an important
key to better
health.
Another sought out reason for care is the resolution of a particular
symptom or
condition. Parents seek care for conditions such as colic, ear
infections, asthma,
allergies and headaches (to name a few) because they have heard from
other
parents that chiropractic care can help.
It is
important to understand that the doctor of chiropractic does not treat
conditions or diseases. The expertise of the chiropractor is in checking
the child`s
spine for misalignments that impair nervous system function therefore
affecting
overall body function. The bones of the spine, the vertebrae, house and
protect
the spinal cord. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and
carries information
from the brain to the body parts and back to the brain again.
Subluxations interfere
with the nerves` ability to transmit this vital information.
The
nerve system controls and coordinates the function of all the systems in
the
body: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, hormonal, eliminative and
immune system.
Any aspect of health may be impaired by nerve interference. The
chiropractic
adjustment restores nerve system function allowing the body the ability
to express
a greater state of health and well-being.
The
doctor of chiropractic will take a case history and perform a
chiropractic exam
to determine if spinal subluxations exist. Chiropractic adjusting
procedures are
modified to fit a child`s size, weight, and unique spinal condition.
They are both
gentle and specific to the child`s developing spinal structures. Most
parents report
that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and look
forward to
subsequent visits. They also report that their children experience a
greater level
of health while under regular chiropractic care.
Reference: ICPA - International Chiropractic Pediatric Association -
website:
http://www.icpa4kids.org/why/whychiro.htm