Ask Hayden Health: Top 5 reasons to take your child to a chiropractor

Why should a child get adjusted? The simple answer is that children have spines and a nervous system just like adults, and we want to make sure they are functioning properly, especially during the developmental years.

Here are five of the most important reasons to have your child checked by a chiropractor:

To support a child’s nervous system and spine to grow optimally and without interference. The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. From the spinal cord are nerves that go to every organ, gland, tissue, muscle and cell of the body. The nervous system is set up much like a big fuse box, and if there is a misalignment in the spine causing pressure on the spinal nerve, it is like a “blown fuse.” This blown fuse caused by spinal alignment is called a subluxation.

To promote proper growth and development. The integrity and function of the spine are very important for proper growth and development. Think about a tree. We want that tree to grow straight so it can be as strong and as healthy as possible. If we help the tree grow correctly from early on, it is much easier than trying to correct a tree that has grown “crooked” for 20 years. By being proactive and allowing the spine and nervous system to develop properly from the start, you are preventing issues later on in life.

To help the body adapt to stress. Children encounter stress at an early age. Physical stresses, such as birth trauma, falls and repeated activity, provide enough force to cause misalignment and subluxation. A child may also encounter chemical stress (vaccines, antibiotics, medication, poor diet, etc.) and emotional stress that causes tension on the supporting structures of the spine. Tense muscles can cause misalignment and subluxation.

To encourage nerve and brain development (neural plasticity). Subluxation has been linked to trouble with focus, behavior, mood, hyperactivity, headaches and sensory integration.

To be proactive about your child’s overall health and wellbeing. Chiropractors do not treat disease. Instead, the focus is on allowing the nerve system to function without interference by removing subluxation. When the spine becomes subluxated, it needs to be corrected with safe and effective chiropractic adjustments. If the subluxation is not removed, it can lead to more chronic health challenges such as constipation, colic, bed wetting, ear infections, torticollis, fussiness, trouble sleeping, reflux and so on.

Chiropractic care, along with proper lifestyle choices, are the foundation for proper growth, development and health.

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For more information, contact Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.