The future health of children is affected a lot by their well-being in the first
few years of life. It is during this time that the spine and related joints,
bones and muscles develop.
An active lifestyle is vital in this development, as it assists in the formation
and strengthening of the musculo-skeletal system. To make sure that your child
is getting the best from their physical activity, it is important to have
regular chiropractic check-ups.
Child
Chiropractic is not only useful for treating muscle and joint injuries, it is an
essential part of day-to-day health. Poor spinal health affects the functioning
of the central nervous system, which has implications for many areas of the
body. It has been shown that regular chiropractic care can assist in the
treatment of
colic,
asthma and
ear infections. Chiropractic has also been shown
to alleviate the symptoms and address the underlying causes of these and many
more infant conditions.
Spinal problems can develop over time into conditions such as joint immobility,
back and neck pain, headaches and scoliosis. Developmentally spinal problems can
also lead to
coordination problems such as delayed motor skills, congenital
disorders such as
hip dysplasia and
Perthes Syndrome. Chiropractic can help restore
a normal quality of life to these children with light adjustments and specific
exercises.
Did you know that the nervous system also plays a part in such disorders as
ADHD,
growing pains and
sleep disorders? Regular chiropractic care allows proper
development and functioning of all areas of the body.
It is recommended that
children attend up to six spinal examinations a year, at
which time the development of the spine, joints and muscles will be
investigated. Spinal check-ups performed when your baby begins to sit, crawl and
walk can ensure that these movements are being performed correctly and identify
any possible impediments to proper spinal maturity.
Spinal examinations in children are simple, safe and non-intrusive. As few as
six check-ups a year can help secure your child's long-term spinal health and
engagement in a fun, active life.
Read more about common childhood problems which can be helped by chiropractic:
Colic
Birth related trauma is very common, even in a natural birth there is great
amount of force produced through the newborn's spine, and therefore the nervous
system. This birth trauma can lead to undetected nerve dysfunction known as
'Subluxations'. This nerve dysfunction can result in a variety of different
symptoms. One of these is Colic. Chiropractic aims to improve this nervous
system dysfunction and in doing so quite often can reduce the symptoms of colic.
Read more about
Colic >>
Asthma
Asthma is a very common condition, affecting around 5% of the population. The
cause of asthma is not fully known, but it is believed that it is a combination
of inherited risks combined with allergens in the environment. Asthma is
generally recognised by recurrent wheezing attacks, difficulty breathing,
coughing spells, chest pains and feelings of exhaustion.
Read more about
Asthma >>
Coordination Problems
Tumbles, trips and clumsy skills are all part of growing up as we develop our
fine motor capacities. For some children, however, this clumsiness extends well
past the usual time period into late childhood. Co-ordination problems affect
around 6% of children. Many people refer to this as simple clumsiness, yet this
title does not express the severity of the disorder.
Read more about
Coordination Problems >>
Ear Infections
Otitis Media or more commonly know as ear infections are a common and painful
problem for young children. Almost half of young children will develop an ear
infection in their first year of life and two thirds before three years of age.
Ear infections can arise following respiratory infections and also from external
sources, such as water being caught in the ear.
Read more about
Ear Infections >>
Congenital Hip Dysplasia
Congenital Hip Dysplasia (CHD) refers to the abnormal or delayed development of
the hip joint, in which the socket and thigh bone can become dislocated. This
condition occurs in 1.5 per 1,000 births and is 8 times more common in girls[1].
Normally, a child's thigh bone (femur) sits perfectly centred in the hip socket
(acetabulum). Occasionally, however, during gestation or shortly thereafter, the
two parts become unaligned, allowing excess movement in the joint. Usually this
involves the femur moving upward out of the socket.
Read more about
Hip Dysplasia >>
Growing Pains
Adults are not the only ones who experience aches and pains in their joints. As
many as 10-20% of children complain of vague recurrent leg pain especially at
night, this pain is usually located deep in the leg usually in the thigh, knee
or calf. These symptoms are commonly dismissed as 'growing pains'. This may not
be the case and some easily treatable problems may go ignored.
Read more about
Growing Pains >>
Perthes Syndrome
Leg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome is a disorder of the hip joint in children. The
causes of Perthes syndrome are unknown but it is believed that it initially
begins when the blood flow to the top of the thigh bone (femur) is interrupted.
This reduced blood supply causes the ball shaped bone structure to collapse and
flatten.
Read more about
Perthes Syndrome >>
Sleep Disorders
Getting good quality sleep is vital to the development of young bodies and
minds. Good sleep helps to develop memory and alertness and strengthens the
immune system. Research has shown that children who do not get enough sleep show
poor concentration and attention, memory difficulties and even behavioral
problems in school. Children who sleep better are less prone to sleep walking,
nightmares, behavioral problems and moodiness.
Read more about
Sleep Disorders >>
Chiropractic and Allergies
Childhood allergies can be debilitating for thousands and thousands of young
children, with Australia having one of the highest allergy prevalence rates in
the world. But what actually causes allergies? Why do some children develop
severe allergies, while others show no problems?
Read more about
Allergies >>
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioural
disorder in children with between 3 and 7% of Australian children affected. ADHD
is most commonly diagnosed in children before 7 years of age. ADHD can presents
with or without hyperactivity or behaviours disorders. Quite often children
suffering with ADHD are polite and well behaved but are often easily distracted
and fidgety with frequent impulsive interruptions.
Read more about
ADHD >>