When should children be checked?
Chiropractic check ups are recommended at key developmental ages. These are:
6 weeks
3 months
4-5 months
6 months
9 months
12 months
15 months
18 months
24 months
Every 6 months thereafter.
This frequency is considered the basic minimum for all well children.
Additional spinal checks should be carried out in the event of trauma, vaccination, infection, or any change in demeanour, feeding or sleeping habits.
What will the chiropractor do?
A thorough history and examination will be conducted. After diagnosis is made, the chiropractor will then begin management, or will refer to the appropriate health professional.
Referral network:
Your chiropractor has a range of referral options if necessary. These include specialists in chiropractic paediatrics, G.P's and other health professionals.
Dr. Adam Stewart
Dr. Adam commenced at Belgrave Chiropractic in 2006.
He is married with two young girls and is a local in the hills area.
Interests outside of Chiropractic and children are: running, gym training and swimming.
Paediatric Chiropractic
Chiropractic is the philosophy, science and art of all things natural:
a system of detecting and removing interference to the nervous system from spinal dysfunction.
This interference is called subluxation. It is a common occurrence in both adults and children.
Subluxation hinders the bodies' ability to remain in balance. Functional imbalances can then lead to structural or disease states over time.
That's why it is so important for children to have their spines checked – to remove early problems, and give the body the best chance of remaining healthy naturally.
Children are different from adults and the problems affecting them are different.
Thus your chiropractor will take a paediatric history and perform specific tests based on the age of your child.
What causes these problems in children?
Subluxations can be caused by:
PHYSICAL – minor or major trauma.
-Birth trauma
-Accidental handling errors during, bathing, play, dressing, feeding, car seat position.
-Pre-school – walker frames, trampolines, and falls
CHEMICAL
Chemical irritants can cause subluxation through pathways between organs and the spinal column.
Chemical exposure can occur in pregnancy, the most notable being alcohol, drugs and smoking.
After birth; environmental irritants (seasonal pollens, air and water pollution) and food allergens (cow's milk protein, sugars, food additives and colours and wheat derived products).
EMOTIONAL
Issues such as bonding and emotions can affect muscle tone, feeding and sleeping patterns. This can have a major effect on the development of subluxations.
What problems can your chiropractor help with?
Children should have their spines checked for subluxation if they suffer from the following conditions:
Colic
Digestive dysfunction
Bed wetting
Asthma
Ear infections
Behavioural and attention problems
Back/neck pain, discomfort, or stiffness
Extremity problems or pain (ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, shoulder).
Regular chiropractic checks can help maintain health even in well children by removing problems at early stages.