|
| |
Many spinal problems begin in childhood and develop gradually. Chiropractic
approaches spinal and overall health care from a preventative
point of view. Catch a problem before it develops and it can be corrected much
quicker.
Right from birth, your child's spine is subjected to daily stresses. The
pushing, pulling, and twisting on the newborn's neck and spine during birth
commonly causes the small vertebrae to be pushed out of place. Subluxations at
this early age may lead to problems with growth and internal organ function.
Studies have indicated a connection with abnormal alignment of the bones in the
neck and SIDS. Some of the nerves exiting the neck carry vital mental impulses
to the diaphragm, which is responsible for proper breathing. Doctors of
Chiropractic carefully check the newborn's neck for nerve interference that
could lead to respiratory problems. Every newborn should have a chiropractic
check up for Subluxations.
As a child grows, other problems may arise. Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways
curvature of the spine which if not detected early may become a serious
disfiguring problem. It is important that, when present, it is caught before a
child begins his or her "growth spurt" at approximately 12-16 years of age
because scoliosis can progress rapidly during these years.
Studies show a much higher prevalence of back pain in children than previously
thought. In a study of kids aged 12-15 years old (Olsen et al., 1992, Am. J.
Public Health) 30.4% reported a history of low back pain. Mierau and Cassidy
(1984) found that 22.8% of elementary school and 33.3% of secondary school aged
children complained of low back pain. So don't simply pass off a child's
complaint of aches and pains as "growing pains" because there may very well be
something real causing his or her pain.
Nowadays. parents do not think twice about the importance of regular dental
visits for their kids. Check-ups are scheduled every six months to help prevent
cavities. When you consider that children use their teeth only when they eat,
yet they use their spine every time they sit, stand, run, crawl, play and move.
Shouldn't they receive regular check-ups for one of the most important
structures in their body?
Chiropractic is by no means supposed to replace the child's' normal pediatric
visits. But, if your child is having persistent middle ear infections, colic,
sinus infections, etc., it may be caused by a
misalignment in their spine. It's
time to have the problem corrected and not just medicated.
|
