Why Chiropractic for Children?

· The first spinal subluxation (misalignment) often occurs during the birth process. Consider the mechanics of birth: an infant's head is squeezed through an opening that is barely large enough to admit it. The uterus pushes and the birth attendant pulls on the infant's delicate spine to get the baby through the opening (whether the opening is nature's opening, or an incision made during a Caesarian section). No wonder a baby may need an adjustment!

· Chiropractic is the ONLY treatment that's been shown in a scientific study to help with infantile colic (prolonged, excessive crying).

· The spine nearly doubles in length during a child's first four years of life. Small imbalances can lead to greater problems later: "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree."

· Chiropractic techniques for children are extremely gentle. Usually in infancy there is no "popping" sound. Infants often smile or fall asleep during or after adjustments.

Q: WHAT IS THE CHIROPRACTOR'S EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?

· Chiropractors complete a four-year degree after their Bachelor's degree. It includes classroom training in basic pediatrics, and clinical training which may or may not include adjusting children.

· Some DC's feel uncomfortable with infants and toddlers, but do well with older children. Those who are certified in sports injuries or orthopedics are able to diagnose and treat teenagers’ sports and dance injuries.

· Chiropractors who have completed postgraduate training in pediatrics are your safest bet. They should be able to diagnose and treat all children's conditions that are amenable to chiropractic care, as well as recognize those conditions that need the attention of conventional medicine.

Q: WHAT ARE THE SIGNS MY CHILD MAY NEED CHIROPRACTIC ATTENTION?

An infant who refuses to nurse on one side, or who resists looking to one side
An infant whose head doesn’t “unmold” itself within a few weeks of birth
An infant who is slow to sit, walk, or crawl, and appears uncomfortable trying
A toddler who stops walking and reverts to crawling
A child who is cranky and uncomfortable when there is “nothing wrong” with him or her
A child with one shoulder or hip higher than the other, or one toe turned out.
A child who seems uncomfortable or uncoordinated when performing movements that other children do readily (this includes handicapped children as well)
A child of any age with ear infections or colds that never seem to go away completely.
OTHER FAQ'S:

· Q: Is chiropractic care a substitute for medical care for my child?

A: No. Like sunshine, affection, exercise, and good nutrition, chiropractic has wonderful health benefits and can sometimes prevent the need for drugs or even surgery, but it cannot substitute for medical care.

· Q: Do the adjustments hurt?

A: Usually there is no pain, but sometimes adjusting a tender area can be painful. Usually the child will immediately smile through the tears. Fear is more of a problem than pain, but getting down to the child's level and demonstrating the adjustments on a stuffed toy can help a lot!

· Q: My child has ADD/ADHD. Can chiropractic help with that?

A: Many children with ADD/ADHD have difficulty concentrating due to a constant background level of nerve interference. While there's been little research on the subject, improvement in behaviors, coordination, and concentration is often seen. I have seen especially good results incorporating cranial manipulation (gentle molding movements of the bones of the skull) into treatment.

· Q: Is it true that chiropractors are opposed to vaccination?

A: This could be (and is) the topic of a whole book in itself. Most chiropractors are not opposed to vaccination per se. However, vaccinations are not risk-free, and some vaccinations carry greater risk for the individual than the overall risk of catching and suffering from the disease itself. Many of the vaccines given to vulnerable infants could be more safely delayed until brain and immune system growth and development are complete.

Both major national chiropractic associations support freedom of choice in vaccine acceptance and administration. My opinion is, that in our age of information technology, we could be much smarter in whom we vaccinate, when. We would probably prevent as much or more disease with fewer vaccine-related injuries and deaths and a lot smaller expense if we would track disease outbreaks and mobilize vaccination campaigns rapidly.

-Dr. Peri