Many adults enjoy the health benefits of chiropractic care, but surprisingly few parents think to include check-ups with a chiropractor in their child’s health care routine. This is unfortunate, as many problems that plague adults originate in childhood. Early chiropractic intervention can help nip many health problems in the bud and prevent painful—possibly debilitating—conditions later in life.
Here are some of the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care.
1) Improves Posture
Poor posture seems to be an epidemic in the modern world. While technology is wonderful for many things, the human body was just not designed to crouch over a keyboard or stare down at a phone for hours per day. Extending the neck and looking down contributes to a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders.
Because children are spending more and more time on devices, maladaptive posture is beginning at an early age. When a child is young and still developing, maladaptive posture can be at its most destructive. Chiropractic care can help keep your child’s posture strong and healthy into adulthood.
2) Improves Sleep
Sleep is essential to a growing child’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Misalignments of the spine can cause sleep disruptions in various ways. Back pain, neck pain, headaches, and tense muscles can make sleep difficult for children. Pinched nerves may disrupt signals from the brain controlling the circadian rhythm. Misaligned vertebrae can interfere with nerves that control the phrenic reflex, resulting in bed wetting.
Proper alignment of the spine can help alleviate many issues that cause disrupted sleep in children.
3) Strengthens the Immune System
The Central Nervous System (CNS) plays a major role in how the immune system functions. All of the body’s major systems—including the immune system—are dependent upon the CNS to relay signals to and from the brain so the body continues to function properly.
The upper cervical spine consists of the top seven vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull, right near the brain stem. Misaligned vertebrae may cause compressed or pinched nerves, resulting in misfired signals. Irritated nerves can, in time, become damaged—sometimes irreparably. Chiropractic care can ensure proper alignment of the spine to reduce inflammation, repair nerves, and allow nerve signals to flow unimpeded.
4) Improves Brain Development
Because of the upper cervical spine’s proximity to the brain stem, any inflammation or swelling due to misaligned vertebrae may have an impact on a developing brain. This part of the spine is unfortunately vulnerable to injuries from jolts, falls, rough play, poor posture, or even passing through the birth canal.
Misalignments of the upper cervical area are known to exacerbate disorders such as ADD and ADHD. Chiropractic care can help the body repair damage that results in improved focus. Chiropractic care has also been successful in alleviating conditions such as anxiety and depression.
5) Natural and Holistic
Subluxation of the upper cervical vertebrae can be the root of so many health problems. Restoring the spine’s proper alignment allows the body to function properly, activating natural healing processes, and putting a person on the road to overall health and well-being.
In the past, doctors have been quick to prescribe medications for children to treat a wide range of health issues. Modern parents are much more reluctant about putting children on long-term medications with potentially serious side effects. Upper cervical care offers a drug-free, non-invasive, holistic treatment for many childhood ailments and conditions. These treatments can even be used safely in conjunction with other medical treatments.
How Our Treatment Works
At Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, we treat children with gentle, safe chiropractic techniques to promote overall health and wellness. Owner Dr. Noah Kaplan is Board Certified in the Blair Technique and a member of the Blair Chiropractic Society.
The Blair technique is a modern method of chiropractic care that is perfect for children. Unlike traditional chiropractic methods, the Blair technique does not involve harsh jolts, twists, or snaps. Instead, Blair specialists utilize 3D imaging tools to better visualize and calculate even the most minute spinal misalignment.
Once a patient’s unique anatomy is measured and examined, the doctor can then apply low-force pressure to coax the spine back into proper alignment. Advanced imaging technology eliminates the guesswork and makes more precise corrections, ensuring they hold longer. Dr. Kaplan’s office is the only office in the entire East Bay area to utilize this technology.
Call Dr. Kaplan to discuss your child’s health, and to learn how upper cervical care can help. Dr. Kaplan is located in Walnut Creek, California, but also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.
Schedule an Appointment or a Free Consultation
Call us at (925) 357-3080 or click on the button below to schedule an appointment or a free consultation.
