Musculoskeletal Health Issues in Children
Chiropractic care focuses on maintaining a healthy spine capable of protecting the nervous system. While this care is primarily aimed at adults, it can also promote the healthy development of children. Indeed, from birth, a child’s spine may undergo trauma, especially if the delivery was long and difficult. The twisting the body experiences to free itself from the womb can impact the back and neck. That is why even newborns can benefit from chiropractic care to ensure optimal motor development. It is also a good way to help them nurse comfortably.
A baby who cries while nursing, refuses certain positions, and consistently favors one side shows signs of an issue that could be addressed by a chiropractor. For new parents, it is important to know that babies suffering from colic may also be relieved through chiropractic care.
Later, as children develop motor skills, they may experience muscle tension. Exercises such as rolling from tummy to back, sitting up, or learning to walk challenge their small muscles. Not to mention the many falls that create significant stress on their joints. Other signs should also be watched. If the toddler often has headaches, if parents notice an unbalanced posture, or if the child struggles to keep their back straight, these are musculoskeletal issues that can be brought to a chiropractor’s attention.
In many cases, these symptoms are associated with changes in joint mobility, muscular tension, and increased mechanical stress on the body. As with most conditions, seeking chiropractic care early can help relieve discomfort more efficiently and support a faster return to optimal function.
Why Are Chiropractic Care Benefits for Children?
One of the main advantages of chiropractic care is that it is non-invasive and adapted to the child’s age and development. Treatments are gentle and specifically tailored to a child’s delicate structure. For newborns, care typically involves light, precise contact techniques designed to be comfortable and well tolerated.
During the first visit, the chiropractor performs a thorough assessment of the child’s posture, spinal and joint mobility, muscle tone, reflexes, including primitive reflexes in most cases, and overall movement patterns. Particular attention is given to the synchrony and quality of movement as the child grows and develops.
Through individualized care, the chiropractor supports healthy neuromusculoskeletal function and contributes to optimal motor development. Many parents report that improvements in comfort are associated with better mood regulation and improved sleep quality.
Pediatric Issues Chiropractors Can Treat
A chiropractor is a professional able to treat many pediatric conditions, such as:
– Postural disorders;
– Motor skill disorders;
– Cranial deformation in infants;
– Gait disorders;
– Sports injuries;
– Growing pains;
– Muscle tone problems.
For example, a child experiencing pain when turning their head can be treated. A torticollis may cause the child to always adopt a particular position, with the head tilted and turned to one side. The chiropractor can work on the neck, back, and shoulders to restore a good range of motion and alleviate pain.
During adolescence, chiropractic care often focuses on correcting posture. It is common at this stage for the back to curve or for one shoulder to be lower than the other. Carrying a heavy backpack or prolonged sitting at school may contribute to this. Scoliosis, a lateral deviation plus rotation of the spine, can also appear during growth. It can be detected by checking for a hump or one side of the back appearing higher when the child bends forward.
Preparing Your Child for Chiropractic Treatment
Before the consultation, it is always helpful to talk with your child to prepare them. It is beneficial to explain what the chiropractor will do and the benefits the child will gain. To reassure them, invite your child to ask questions and let them know they will not be alone, one of the parents can stay with them. For infants, sometimes a parent continues to hold the baby while the professional performs treatment. If the child is very young and needs a toy or a favorite stuffed animal, they can bring it along.
Chiropractic Care to Preserve Musculoskeletal Health
It is possible to include regular chiropractic follow-ups to ensure the child’s musculoskeletal health into adulthood. Sports activities, especially those involving running or jumping, bring many benefits but also risks of injury. The chiropractor can provide general care preventively or help enhance recovery from trauma such as sprains. To learn more about everything a chiropractor can offer for your well-being, contact the ChiroRéseau clinic nearest you.