Chiropractic care is often associated with elderly people or back injuries from accidents and the like. In truth, chiropractors also treat children on a regular basis. As part of their wellness and health care regime, nearly 35 million adults are reliant on chiropractic adjustments. It’s ideal for treating numerous conditions and managing pain. 

The Journal of the American Medical Association actually found that around 11% of all chiropractic patients are adolescents and, yes, children. 

How Old Does a Child Have To Be Before Getting Chiropractic Care?

According to All American Healthcare, parents who are concerned about their child should consult with a chiropractor before bringing their child into a treatment session. Treatment can be safe for anyone who is young, and it may help with back problems before they get worse.

Pediatric Chiropractic Care: What Does It Include?

Chiropractic treatment is always modified in order to suit the patient’s needs, especially when children are involved. The chiropractor will do an initial consultation with the patient, getting a full understanding of their medical history from their parents. A physical examination will then follow, identifying health issues such as spinal problems.

While newborns and children can get adjustments, it should be noted that those are rather different. The force is significantly less than the standard used on others. Gentle adjustments are applied through fingertip pressure. Spinal joint adjustment, on the other hand, may yield some soft popping noises. It should be noted, however, that that’s not always the case.

Signs That It’s Time For a Child To See the Chiropractor

The moment a parent is concerned, that’s already a sign that should be taken seriously. There’s usually a lot of flexibility and resiliency with young bodies; throughout childhood, bumps and falls are absorbed with little to no issue. That said, it’s possible for a child to grow pain-free and strong with some minor adjustments.

Chiropractic care will likely be an ideal treatment option if the following signs are present:

• Compensating when they stand
• Compensating when they walk
• Complaints of recurring or continual back or neck pain
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Limited head or neck mobility
• Uneven shoulders

Childhood Issues and Conditions Treatable By a Chiropractor

When It Comes To Infants

For the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, chiropractic care can help infants with breastfeeding problems, colic, issues with crawling, reflux, standing, or other movements.

When It Comes To Children & Adolescents

Patients that are older will be able to get relief from the likes of:

• Asthma
• Constipation
• Digestive issues 
• Growing pains
• Headaches
• Scoliosis
• Spinal misalignment
• Urinary incontinence

In terms of improvement, this manifests in acute and chronic problems, such as:

• Colds
• Ear infection
• Flu
• Immune system response issues
• Sore throat

Young people that incurred sports injuries, experienced trauma, or got into an accident would find this advantageous as well. Families are also trying to find chiropractors to help younger patients with autism, ADHD, and delayed speech.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, chiropractic care is appropriate for all ages. In children, the timing as to whether or not a chiropractor should be seen depends on parental instinct first, then a number of symptoms. Even infants can get chiropractic care, though by far less intense means.

Trying to find a chiropractor in Arlington Heights, IL? Reach out to Hawkeye Chiropractic today! We’re a full-service chiropractic center under the leadership of Dr. Drew Voelsch.