While chiropractic care for adults is widely regarded as a trusted and helpful form of health care, there are still many questions around chiropractic care for children, whether provided by a specialized pediatric chiropractor or a traditional chiropractor. To bring clarity to pediatric chiropractic care, we will go through some of the most common questions surrounding it and answer them fully.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Children?
The number one question that people ask their chiropractor regarding pediatric chiropractic care is whether it is completely safe for children. As with any complementary health service, you should always check with your child’s primary care physician to find out if he or she is healthy enough for and can benefit from chiropractic care. In general, though, the right kind of chiropractic care is gentle enough and completely safe for children.
The ProAdjuster/UltraAlign system is an example of a chiropractic instrument that is gentle enough for children. It works by gently and quickly applying a test force over each vertebra in the patient’s spine and then relaying information back to the computer, which can then be assessed for further treatment. The ProAdjuster is often used on pregnant women, children, and elderly individuals because of its gentleness.
Do Pediatric Chiropractors Need Additional Certification?
It depends. In general, chiropractors receive pediatric training as part of their doctorate studies. If a chiropractor specializes in pediatric chiropractic care, he or she will pursue additional training and certification in pediatric care. Many pediatric chiropractors are part of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, a nonprofit organization that provides information and resources on pediatric chiropractic.
How Can Children Benefit from Chiropractic Care?
There have been many studies touting the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care, including one initiated by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. This particular study found that pediatric chiropractic led to improved sleeping, improved behavior and attitude, and improved immune system functioning in children.
It is important to note that chiropractic is not intended to treat diseases or conditions, but can exist as a part of a child’s overall wellness or treatment plan in conjunction with the treatment prescribed by their primary physician.
One of the most common reasons that parents seek out chiropractic care for their children is for the treatment of a traumatic injury. However, pediatric chiropractors also often see children on a regular basis as a part of the child’s overall health and wellness plan.
How Early Can a Child Receive Chiropractic Care?
Pediatric chiropractic care is gentle enough for infants. In fact, many individuals start chiropractic care before their baby is born. Pregnancy chiropractic care can make a woman’s pregnancy more comfortable and improve her overall health. Once the baby is born, a chiropractor can use extremely gentle methods to make sure that the baby’s spine is healthily aligned for overall wellness.
Chiropractors and Chiropractic Care in the Dallas Area
Regardless of your age or situation, chiropractic care can help relieve pain and improve overall health and wellness for a better, healthier, more pain-free life. We’d love to find out how we can help you or your family live better.
