Chiropractic care often sparks curiosity. Yet, this medical practice offers numerous benefits for your body, both physically and mentally, and for the long term. Imagine if chiropractic care began at birth! Do you think it could be advantageous for your children? The answer is yes!
The question then arises: what are the benefits of seeing a chiropractor at such a young age? Numerous studies show that chiropractic care can improve the quality of life for your children and much more. We will examine in detail how chiropractic can truly help your young children and demonstrate that these benefits can contribute to better overall health in the long run.
Context: Average Injury Rates Among Canadian Children
We all know that children love to expend their energy in various ways. Whether playing at the park, moving around the house, or engaging in sports or physical activities, children can unintentionally get injured. This is part of a child’s life.
Did you know that fractures are the most common injuries among children aged 10 to 14? In 2019, Statistics Canada reported that around 77% of children 19 and under experience unintentional injuries each year. This shows that children are more prone to injuries for various reasons.
Chiropractors are able to prevent, improve, and treat bone, muscle, nerve, and skeletal injuries or pain in your children over the long term. That’s why we believe that consulting a chiropractor at an early age can be beneficial for them.
Chiropractic Care and the Different Stages of a Child’s Growth
Physical challenges begin right from birth. The birthing process can be stressful for a newborn and cause spinal problems known as “vertebral subluxations.”
For a child’s nervous system to function properly, the skeletal and muscular systems must be healthy. Small injuries during childhood can affect the spine and nervous system, preventing the body from functioning well. This is why chiropractic care can significantly improve children’s quality of life.
Chiropractors are skilled at detecting and correcting joint issues by using gentle movements on the spine and other joints. Rest assured that the techniques used do not hurt your child.
As a child grows, their activities change and can put stress on their body:
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A child who starts walking falls about ten times a day.
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In elementary school, your child may often sit with poor posture.
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A child who plays sports may use their body in ways that create imbalances in their bones, muscles, or nerves.
At each stage of growth, different parts of the body are engaged. Regular visits to a chiropractor can help ensure proper spinal development and prevent or alleviate potential problems.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Children
Newborns and young children can develop various specific issues:
➡ Congenital torticollis;
➡ Plagiocephaly (flat head);
➡ Difficulty turning the head to one side;
➡ Sucking issues/difficulties with breastfeeding;
➡ Ear infections;
➡ Colic;
➡ Delayed motor development;
➡ Coordinations issues;
➡ And more.
This is why we are keen to explain the various benefits of chiropractic care for children.
Chiropractic care offers numerous advantages for children and adolescents in terms of both physical and mental health. It helps correct posture, relieves pain, and thus improves physical and even academic performance.
Chiropractic care for children and adolescents aims to promote overall well-being. Spinal health is especially important during growth.
Here are some examples of chiropractic benefits for children:
➡ Improved posture and growth: Chiropractic care helps address spinal dysfunctions. Chiropractors can detect early signs of pain related to growth spurts.
➡ Pain relief: Chiropractors use gentle techniques to adjust vertebrae. This restores proper positioning and joint flexibility, which can help relieve pressure on nerves, often the cause of neck, back, and other body pains.
➡ Prevention of long-term injuries: It is not necessary to have back or neck pain to visit a chiropractor. By preventing posture problems from a young age, chiropractic care can significantly reduce the risk of injuries.
➡ Improved overall health: Chiropractic care can provide your child with:
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Better alignment of spinal curves
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Reduced muscle and inflammatory tension
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Improved brain development
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And many other benefits
Chiropractic care can support your child throughout their development, ensuring the necessary balance for their well-being.
4 good reasons to see a chiropractor for your child
Chiropractors aim to optimize health by helping the body express its full potential. Chiropractic care is accessible to everyone, especially children and babies. Here are four reasons to consider chiropractic care for your child:
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Development of the spine and nervous system: In children and babies, the spine and nervous system develop rapidly, especially during the first year. Optimal alignment and proper spinal movement are essential to ensure effective communication between the brain and the body.
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Birth and mechanical stress: The fetal position and birth process can cause stress and mechanical issues, especially with interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, or cesarean section. After a detailed questionnaire about the pregnancy and birth, the chiropractor examines the newborn to detect joint restrictions or muscle tension.
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Assistance with breastfeeding: Spinal issues can affect suction or latching. The chiropractor checks if spinal blockages prevent neck rotation or extension, which are essential for proper latching.
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Trauma and prevention: From 0 to 5 years old, children experience many traumas, sometimes without visible pain. Preventive exams and follow-ups help avoid the development of pain or compensations.
It is important to consider that your child may encounter various problems from birth. Chiropractors can identify underlying causes and work with your child to reduce pain and improve their quality of life.
You are welcome at the Clinique Chiropratique du Portage!
Children can encounter various physical issues from birth. Whether during delivery or through their physical activities, these problems can have long-term effects.
We encourage you to consult one of our chiropractors at the Clinique Chiropratique du Portage to assess your children’s health, even if they are not experiencing any pain.
Une de nos valeurs fondamentales est la famille. Nous voulons donc que vous, chers parents, receviez les meilleurs conseils et traitements pour toute votre famille.
One of our core values is family. Therefore, we want you, dear parents, to receive the best advice and treatments for your entire family.
Book an appointment now on our website: Clinique Chiropratique du Portage – GOrendezvous. We look forward to meeting you soon and getting to know your wonderful family!
🧑⚕️ Dre Émilie Gaudreau, chiropraticienne
🧑⚕️ Dr Patrick Gaudreau, chiropraticien
Sources consulted as of July 23, 2024:
Clinique chiropratique Gagnon. (2024). Services de chiropratique enfant. Repéré à : http://chirogagnonrimouski.ca/services-de-chiropratique-enfant.
Gouvernement du Canada. (2019). Aperçu – Blessures chez les enfants et les jeunes canadiens : analyse reposant sur les données de l’Enquête canadienne sur la santé des enfants et des jeunes de 2019. Repéré à : Blessures chez les enfants et les jeunes canadiens : analyse reposant sur les données de l’Enquête canadienne sur la santé des enfants et des jeunes de 2019, PSPMC : Vol 43(2), février 2023 – Canada.ca.
MAYRAND, A. (2023). Guide des parents : la chiro pour vos enfants. Repéré à : https://chirost.com/blogue/guide-parent#section1.
POULIOT, I. (2022). Les soins chiropratiques et les enfants. Repéré à : https://www.chirotonic.com/chiropratique/bebe-et-enfant.html.
VisionSanté. (2023). Les soins chiropratiques pour les enfants et les adolescents. Repéré à : ttps://visionsante.ca/les-soins-chiropratiques-pour-les-enfants-et-les-adolescents/