Kids Chiropractic Services

Kids Chiropractic Services Q&A

What does it mean to provide family chiropractic care?

At Indian Harbor Chiropractic, we treat patients of all ages with a multitude of conditions, injuries, and wellness-related goals. Our family-oriented chiropractic care demonstrates the value of chiropractic care in all stages of life, even during pregnancy. Dr. Gailes has over 20 years of experience and is highly skilled in recognizing the subtle differences in her technique required to treat different age groups. It takes a true healer to truly understand the pain or discomfort of patients of all ages and to modify her technique and approach to each patient on an individual level.

Family chiropractic is meant to welcome entire families through our doors. It also describes our practice's expertise in treating all patients, both young and old.

Why is chiropractic care important for kids?

Chiropractic care has immense benefits for children, and parents are often shocked by the improvement in their kids after just one treatment. These improvements can be both cognitive and physical. We recently had a family bring their toddler in for his first adjustment, and we were all surprised at how well he did during treatment. Even more surprising were the developments this little guy showed shortly after treatment. Not only did his adjustment alleviate a long-term sinus infection he had been dealing with, but he was able to walk unassisted at 17 months!

Kids benefit greatly from chiropractic care because it addresses any misalignments and stress in the spine at an early age, before they become hardwired and chronic during development. The nervous system of a child is also greatly affected by spinal alignment, and as the central controller and regulator for all other developing systems in a child's body, chiropractic care is extremely beneficial in supporting these functions and ensuring a lifelong boost in your child's wellness.

Pediatric chiropractic care also demonstrates the fast-paced healing of chiropractic on kids because they are so sensitive to treatment. We have parents bring their kids into the office with a variety of different problems, including:

• Allergies
• Autism spectrum
• ADD/ADHD
• Tourette's
• Asthma
• Sports injuries
• Bedwetting
• Digestive problems
• Ear infections
• Scoliosis
• Sinus infections

At what age is chiropractic treatment beneficial to a child’s development?

Stress and trauma to the body and spine can begin in newborns during the birthing process. We often underestimate the immense stress and trauma that an infant experiences on its first day of life. Both natural and cesarean births can stress the infant's spine, and without any other outlet for releasing this stress except crying, it is a daunting but important task to enter the world.

Throughout infancy and development into the toddler years, a baby is expected to occasionally sleep in awkward positions and experience plenty of minor tumbles and falls, especially while learning to crawl and walk. Babies are resilient and built to take impact well, however, these patterns of awkward movements can potentially force the spine into misalignment over time.

As kids grow up, they face a multitude of challenges that make maintaining healthy spinal alignment very difficult. Carrying heavy backpacks, playing sports, and bad posture in school are just several factors that can contribute to misalignments. As they develop into teenagers, stress becomes an even greater factor, which can also be taxing on the body.

We want our kids to grow up and develop comfortably with their maximum potential, one day being part of the workforce and supporting themselves independently. Chiropractic care from a young age and later into the teen years can greatly impact the quality of your kids' lives and maximize their potential as future professionals and independent adults.

How can I tell if my child needs chiropractic care?

Even when our kids don't express their discomforts, we may notice changes in their mood, low energy levels, or a weakened immune system. In these situations, chiropractic care can be extremely beneficial and important, and it can prevent long-term or chronic problems from developing.

Misalignments in the spine can also be reflected as referred pain in other parts of the body or in other ways, such as ear infections, colic, ADHD, or behavioral problems.

What is chiropractic care for kids?

Our chiropractic treatment for children begins with a thorough examination. You will meet with Dr. Gailes for a brief consultation to discuss your child's health and history. She will address any potential concerns during the consultation. Then, she will assess your child's alignment during a brief chiropractic assessment and adjustment. If she notices any misalignments or musculoskeletal abnormalities, she will make a thorough diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan to best resolve these issues.

Even if children are too shy or have trouble communicating their discomforts and/or pain, Dr. Gailes is highly intuitive when it comes to musculoskeletal issues and the expressions of these aggravations in a child's mood, posture, and demeanor. Combined with her physical evaluation during an adjustment, you can expect your child to get the best care with the least discomfort or agitation during treatment possible.

Treatment is non-invasive and gentle. If the child falls asleep or becomes relaxed following an adjustment, it is a great sign that it has been effective. In fact, most kids express relief after adjustments and look forward to their next visit.

Begin with chiropractic care today

To learn more about chiropractic care for kids at Indian Harbor Chiropractic call the office or request your appointment today.