A recent analysis of chiropractic clinics found that 17% of chiropractic patients are under the age of 18. This statistic has been growing over the last 20 years or so and it’s no wonder why: when practiced correctly, chiropractic care can be extremely beneficial in treating ailments in babies during pregnancy, children and young adults, such as issues sleeping, ear infections and minor musculoskeletal complaints.
Before a baby is born, oftentimes they can become stuck in one position inside of their mother. Chiropractic’s goal for patients who are pregnant is to restore motion to the child’s joints and balance the tissues to make everything as biomechanically even as possible, in addition to creating greater comfort for the mother, of course. This provides relief to the baby since they are moved out of the stuck position. Additionally, this may promote more even growth for the child while in the womb.
Chiropractic may also be beneficial to older children who suffer from chronic ear infections. Instead of prescribing an antibiotic to kill the bacteria growing in the middle ear cavity, chiropractors focus on why there might be a buildup of bacteria. With an ear infection, fluid is being trapped in the ear, and if the Eustachian tubes aren’t allowing that fluid to drain, it may be due to muscle spasms around the tubes. Chiropractors work to stop those muscles from spasming – thereby curing the ear infections entirely.
Lastly, young adults and teenagers may suffer from similar musculoskeletal complaints as adults. Adjusting these patients is similar to an adjustment with any other patient, only it’s important to manipulate their joints more quickly, but with less force. This is because children’s joints aren’t fully formed yet, and they’re much more cartilaginous, as opposed to firm bones like an adult has. Of course, some young patients’ joints need only to be mobilized, rather than manipulated.
Every patient is different – and here at Bay Area Wellness Center, we prioritize each patient’s history, pains and wellness goals to get them healed and back to action in their life.
Are you or someone you know in need of a pediatric or pregnancy-specific chiropractor? Dr. Dan Marti joined our team recently and he specializes in both! He loves working with families, expecting mothers and kids of all ages. Give us a call today!
Source: American Chiropractic Association
Author Kelsey Kelsey is Bay Area Wellness Center's Marketing Assistant. She comes from the advertising world with 3+ years of experience in research, strategy and media planning. Interested in collaborating with us? Shoot Kelsey an email at marketing1.bawc@gmail.com and she'll get back to you!