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Writer's picturePaul Villanueva

At What Age Should You Begin To Visit A Chiropractor?


A question a lot of our patients have is, at what age should you begin to visit a chiropractor? While most people only visit a chiropractor when they are injured; it’s a good practice to visit a chiropractor to help prevent future injuries. Treatment for patients under the age of 18 is very common, and can be very beneficial in the child’s growth.


Chiropractic Care For Children


The type of chiropractic care that is performed on children depends on their condition. First, an exam is performed to examine if there are any spinal problems or underline health conditions. Once the examination is completed, the treatment can begin for any issues the child might be experiencing. Some common issues include:

  • Limited spine and joint mobility

  • Poor posture

  • Getting sick frequently

  • Neck pain

  • Headaches

  • Asthma or difficulties breathing

  • Bed wetting

  • Sleep issues

While a spinal alignment may not be a cure-all remedy, it can help your child if they are experiencing a number of issues.



Is It Safe?


Short answer, yes. Chiropractic treatment for children is completely safe. However, we understand the concern that many parents have. This is because when you think of an alignment, you think of popping, hard pressure, and discomfort.


When an alignment is performed on a child there is less pressure added. This means that there is less force to a child’s spine when compared to an adult. Depending on the child's age, a chiropractor might use their thumb to align a child's back.


It’s important to note that there are reported risks associated with chiropractic care for children. Also, only a small percentage of children are reported to experience some discomfort during the spinal alignment procedure.


Age Of The Child


Chiropractic care is good for infants, toddlers, and adolescent children. There are different benefits for children at different age ranges. Treatment for infants can help with breastfeeding issues, along with problems standing or crawling. While chiropractic treatment for toddlers can help with behavior and improve brain development.


Signs Your Child Needs A Chiropractor


While prevention is the key, there are some indicators that your child might need to see a chiropractor right away. This can include your child having uneven shoulders, having to compensate when they walk (limping or walking oddly), complaining of back pain, or not being able to sleep.


Although some of this issue can be attributed to other health conditions, we strongly recommend getting your child checked out. Children have fragile spines during their time of development. Therefore, all it takes is gentle pressure from a licensed Chiropractor to correct these issues.


Conclusion


The decision for a child to visit a chiropractor comes down to the parent or legal guardian. While it’s shown to be completely safe for children of every age, each person will need to individually decide what’s best for their child. There are certain benefits to having your child visit a chiropractor, and can help better develop them. We understand if you still have some doubts, and we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your chiropractor to learn more about the treatments involved.


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