Pediatric FAQs
How old should my child be before I bring my child to the chiropractor for their first visit?
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There is not a specific "waiting period". An infant can actually be adjusted as soon as birth.
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Why should I bring my child to a chiropractor?
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Like dentistry, early care can prevent adulthood neuromuscular problems. The spine continues to grow from birth until 18 years of age.
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Why should children be under chiropractic care?
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The spine and nervous system are developing rapidly in the first years of life. Subluxations can cause interference to the nervous system. If an interference exists early in your child's life, it can continue as your child grows and lead to neuromuscular issues later on. Many parents see the benefits of providing preventative care for their children and see this as an important role in their children’s overall health and wellness. Often times, chiropractors view health and wellness differently and can offer a unique prospective into your child's life. Furthermore, Dr. Amy is certified and specializes in pediatric chiropractic care.
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​How does a subluxation occur in children?
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Subluxations can occur at any time, even starting with the trauma of birth. Your child’s nervous system is highly affected by daily traumas such as falls, jolts and sudden movements, and other common injuries. Even daily repetitive movements such as carrying a backpack, increased computer usage, and poor posture can lead to subluxation.
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Will my child be adjusted every time I bring them in to have their spine checked?
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Your child should have regular checkups to ensure health and functional. Our doctors are very concerned about your child's health and are more than competent to discern if your child should be adjusted. Checkups with a chiropractor should be much more frequent than with any other health care provider because the spine is more sensitive to outside stress, strains and small repetitive injuries than any other part of the body. It is important to note that "regular" will be different for each patient.
​Can chiropractic care cure common childhood illnesses?
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No, chiropractic cannot cure common childhood illnesses. However, parents have reported a marked improvement in their child's quality of life after receiving regular adjustments. In fact, many parents have noted improvements of behavior, bedwetting, anxiety, athletic performance, and so much more. Chiropractic facilitates the body's natural function, leading to an expression of better health.
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What if my medical doctor tells me not to take my children to a chiropractor?
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Many obstetricians, pediatricians and family practitioners see the benefits of chiropractic care for children, but there continues to be skepticism in the medical community. Our experienced primary care physicians are extremely knowledgeable and are capable to make the right decision for your family. There is a plentitude of data which shows that chiropractic safe and often helpful for everyone.
The final decision is up to you.
Harvard psychiatrist John Ratey notes that “… brain development in the fetus and baby occurs through a series of critical periods, ‘windows of opportunity’.”1 He goes on to state that if the correct amount of nerve flow has not occurred through a nerve pathway during its ‘window of opportunity’ for development, then that nerve pathway is “pruned” – cut off, never to return. Nerves either work or they don’t. Biologists call it the all-or-none law.
There’s no such thing as a nerve cell working at 50%. It’s either on or off. Subluxations choke off some of the nerve cells in a nerve pathway, meaning that less than the normal amount of messages get through. Those messages that do get through are reduced and distorted. These are the nerve cells that the body might remove if proper flow is not restored, setting up a potentially life-long subluxation pattern in that child’s nervous system! The birth process alone can contribute to neck trauma and instability.
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Have more questions? Still not sure if chiropractic is right for your family? Feel free to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff will happily address any concerns you may have so you can make the best choice for your family.
