Pediatric Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC
Kids and Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is an essential part of your child’s overall wellness. In the United States, more than 17 percent of all chiropractic patients are under the age of 18, according to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Of that 17 percent, nearly 8 percent are five years or younger. While it may seem that children do not need chiropractic at a young age, starting them with preventative care early on in life will set them up for a lifetime of health and well-being.
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Your Child’s Nervous System
The nervous system, which consists of your brain, spinal cord and nerves, controls everything in the body, including growth and development. Subluxations, also known as misalignments, in the spine can prevent proper communication from the brain to the body. These subluxations cause stress to the nervous system, which can lead to a decrease in function of the affected area.
Infants, children and adults can all experience subluxations in the spine. Infants and children can become subluxated from birth trauma, other minor or major traumas and developmental stress. During the first five years of life, the body produces more neural pathways than at any other time. It is vital this production is optimized through children’s chiropractic care, as the first few years are crucial to each child’s potential.
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Even if your child is in excellent health, minor traumas from bumps, bruises, falls and spills accumulate over time and can result in pain, discomfort and/or health issues in their teen and adult years.
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The Adjustment
The chiropractic adjustment is safe for all ages, including newborns. After an assessment of your child’s spine, the chiropractor will perform a gentle adjustment using either his or her hands or a small tool to remove the subluxation.
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Commonly Asked Pediatric Chiropractic Questions:
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Why do you adjust kids?
Kids are adjusted in the office when subluxations are found. There is no age limit that applies to who can or can't be subluxated. Subluxations are caused by the bodies inability to adapt to thoughts, traumas or toxins which effect the body by creating nerve interference within the nervous system (brain/Spinal cord/Spinal nerves). It has been proven safe for all ages when used appropriately.
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How do you adjust kids, do you use a lot of force?
This is something many parents are worried about before their first visit. The answer is no, children have not experienced as much hardship on their body and are very easy to adjust. Many children love getting adjusted and race to get checked first. The pressure used to correct subluxations on an infant is no more than checking the ripeness of a tomato. Also, specific adjusting styles taught by the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) are used specifically on children to help make their visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
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My kids are afraid of going to the doctor, how do you help kids be less fearful?
For some children it may take a few visits to get comfortable with the office. For others, they do great on their first trip in to the office. We take our time with each kiddo. We play toys with them, make a game out of getting checked and there's usually another child in the office for them to play with. Dr. Tara was previously employed as a behavioral specialist for children with disabilities and has 15+ years working with children on the autism spectrum. She is always patient and respectful allowing the children to be completely comfortable with her before anything is completed.
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If you have further questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact the office. Our team is always available to chat over the phone or come in for a free consultation to see the office and ask any questions you may have.
Read more about newborns and chiropractic.
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Make an appointment to talk to a chiropractic doctor about the benefits of children's chiropractic care.
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Read on to learn more:
Why Should Children Have Chiropractic Care? International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, accessed April 2017
Safety and Effectiveness of Pediatric Chiropractic, American Chiropractic Association, April 2016
Chiropractic Care for Children [ABSTRACT], Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Journal, April 2000
The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic [ABSTRACT], Explore (NY), Sep-Oct 2009
Efficacy of chiropractic manual therapy on infant colic [ABSTRACT], Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Oct 2012