Chiropractic medicine has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of such a wide variety of ailments and disorders that it is now becoming more and more common for children to be the recipients of a chiropractor’s care. While still in the early stages of development, this expansion shows a real growth within the industry as we continue each day to see more benefits to child chiropractic care.

Getting His First Adjustment Only Minutes Old

Children have the ability to respond to the treatments provided by a chiropractor faster than other patients due to their lack of scar tissue, according to Northwestern Medical School. It is not uncommon at all to see children or even newborns receiving chiropractic treatments for various reasons, in fact, according to a study from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association released in 2010, chiropractic medicine is the most common type of alternative or complimentary care administered to these age groups.

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Northwestern explained that one chiropractor, Dr. Tim Erickson, wasted no time when it came to the health of his own son; he gave him his first adjustment when he was only minutes old. While it may sound scary, Dr. Erickson explained that chiropractors take the same auditory cues as they would with an adult when adjusting an infant or a child, they just do not require as much muscle and force behind each adjustment as a full-grown adult would.

Why a Child Would Need Chiropractic Care

There is an array of reasons as to why a child may receive chiropractic care, the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association study found that it was most often used for the treatment of:

• Back and/or neck pain
• Head or chest colds
• Stress and anxiety
• Musculoskeletal issues
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Insomnia
• Extreme pain (knee, hip, shoulder, wrist)
• Scoliosis
• Fatigue
• Bad posture
• Headaches

Dr. Erickson explained to Northwestern that as more and more chiropractors offer pediatric services, more parents are open to the idea of exploring this type of alternative treatment. As with any budding advance in medical treatments, parents may be hesitant to stray from the norm until they hear just how beneficial and how many success stories have stemmed from alternative treatments such as this.

In 2012 there were more than 4,000 graduates from various chiropractic colleges in the country and that number is expected to continue to rise, according to Northwestern. By 2015 there may be an estimated 145,000 chiropractors and with the advances in child chiropractic care, there may be a definite need for them.

Chiropractic care can be very beneficial in children and young adults. Especially those involved with athletics. With children participating in high impact sports, chiropractic care can assist them with any pain they may develop. Whether young or old, chiropractic care can benefit your wellbeing in many ways. By seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis you can ensure that you will remain in great shape. Even though child chiropractic care is still not as well-known as some may like, growth within the industry shows us benefits every day.

About the author: Brielle has always loved going to her chiropractor. She started going when she was a child, and has never regretted starting chiropractic treatments.