A Parent's Guide: 5 Common Questions About Chiropractic for Kids
As a parent, your child's health and well-being are at the top of your mind every single day. You want to give them the best possible start in life, and that often means exploring every option for their health. You may have heard friends mention taking their little ones to a chiropractor and wondered, "Is that for my child, too?"
It's completely normal to have questions! Here at Plains Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Grand Forks, we believe that informed parents make the best health decisions for their families. That's why we've put together answers to the five most common questions we hear from parents just like you.
1. Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Babies and Children?
This is the most important question, and we want to answer it first: Yes, absolutely. Doctors of Chiropractic undergo extensive training, including in pediatric care. The techniques used for children are vastly different from those used for adults.
An adjustment for an infant is incredibly gentle, often using no more pressure than you would to check a tomato for ripeness. There is no "popping" or "cracking." Our primary goal is to ensure your child is comfortable and safe while we help improve their body's function.
2. Why Would My Child Need a Chiropractor?
It's a fair question! Children don't have the years of stress on their bodies that adults do. However, spinal misalignments can happen very early in life. Think about it:
The Birthing Process: Even the most natural birth can put stress on a baby's tiny neck and spine.
Rapid Growth: A child's body is growing and changing at an amazing rate.
Tumbles and Falls: From learning to walk to riding a bike and playing sports, kids are constantly falling and picking themselves back up.
These small but repeated physical stresses can create misalignments that affect the nervous system. Gentle chiropractic care helps ensure their body is functioning optimally as they grow and develop.
3. What Does a Pediatric Adjustment Look and Feel Like?
Forget what you’ve seen in movies! A pediatric adjustment is gentle, specific, and tailored to your child’s little body. We use light, sustained pressure with our fingertips on specific points of the spine or cranium. Many babies are so relaxed that they sleep right through their adjustments! For older kids, we make it fun and engaging, often using toys or games to help them feel comfortable.
4. What Common Childhood Conditions Can Chiropractic Help With?
Parents often seek us out for support with a range of common childhood concerns. Chiropractic care focuses on improving the way the spine and joints move and the function of the nervous system, which controls everything in the body. By ensuring the brain and body can communicate clearly, many parents have reported improvements in issues like:
Colic and Reflux
Difficulty Latching or Breastfeeding
Chronic Ear Infections
Constipation and Digestive Upset
Sleep Difficulties
The goal is to help your child's body heal and regulate itself as it was designed to.
5. At What Age Can My Child Start Chiropractic Care?
We can check infants as early as a few days after birth. In fact, the earlier a child is checked for potential spinal misalignments from the birthing process, the better. From newborns to toddlers to teenagers playing sports at local schools, chiropractic care can be a proactive part of their healthy development at every stage.
Your Family's Health is Our Priority
We hope this has answered some of your questions and eased any concerns you might have. Choosing a healthcare provider for your child is a big decision, and we are honored to be a trusted resource for so many families in the Grand Forks community.
Have more questions? We'd love to answer them. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and see how gentle, specific chiropractic care can support your child's health and happiness.
Call Plains Chiropractic & Acupuncture at 701-775-1034 to book an appointment or Request An Appointment Online