The Beginner's Guide To School-Age Chiropractic Care

If you've ever been to a chiropractor, you know that their adjustments can lead to reduced pain and greater mobility. Adults aren't the only ones who can experience these benefits, however. Below is a general rundown of children's chiropractic care, how it can help, and ways you child could benefit from regular adjustments:

What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit

The appointment for a child will go similarly to that of an adult's. First, the chiropractor will take a medical history. Then, they will perform the examination. The chiropractor may order imaging, such as an x-ray or an MRI as part of their physical evaluation. Lastly, the chiropractor will make suggestions for treatment.

At your child's first visit, there might not be too much hands-on treatment, depending on your child. The chiropractor might want to wait for imaging results before starting to work on your child, or your child may feel uneasy at this first visit.

Chiropractors who specialize in families and children understand the anxieties that children will feel during this appointment and will be more willing to work with your child to ease their fears.

Reasons Your Child May Need to be Seen by a Chiropractor

Many children lead rough and tumble lives. Whether playing hide-and-go-seek in the yard with their buddies, or participating in a team sport, children have plenty of need to regularly visit with a chiropractor.

Chiropractic adjustments can be great for school-age children who may have pain from too heavy backpacks or poor posture. These adjustments can offer continued relief as your child's body continues to grow. Chiropractors who specialize in working with children understand how the body grows, and the stresses it can put on certain bones and joints. Adjustments can be preventative in nature, or for a specific injury suffered by your child.

Benefits Your Child May Experience 

Aside from the general relief of pain that chiropractic patients of all ages can experience, children receive the added benefit of early body awareness.

When a child is injured, they don't always know how to express that injury. A child who visits with a chiropractor on a regular basis will have an easier time of explaining that injury to their parent and chiropractor. Regular chiropractic visits can help your child to better understand where their pain or discomfort is coming from, as well as how chiropractic manipulation and treatment can help. This can lead to better, more focused chiropractic care, as well as prevent such injuries from worsening over time.

The benefits associated with chiropractic care for children include pain relief, increased range of motion, and an increased sense of personal body awareness. For more information about how chiropractic care can help your child, set up a consultation with a chiropractor who specializes in the care of children. They will be able to answer all of your questions and concerns.