General information on paediatric chiropractic care

When it is reported that 47.5% of children fall from a great height (such as a high chair, changing table, etc.) in their first year of life, it is easy to see why it is important to have your child undergo chiropractic treatment.

Childhood trauma

• Childbirth is often a child’s first trauma. Even a birth that seems to have gone off without a hitch can cause major blockages in the occiput and atlas, and upset your child (hyperactivity, constant crying, colic, ear infections, etc.), even more so if he or she has had to use a suction cup or forceps.
  Fortunately, in most cases, very flexible babies do well, but it is always better to have your child checked by a chiropractor after giving birth (as is done in many industrialised countries), especially if you feel that everything is not going well.
  
• Growth and any falls your child may suffer in the early years as a result of strenuous activity and learning to walk (youpalas or walkers should not be used).
  
• During the school years, there are also risks associated with poor posture at desks, bad chairs, heavy schoolbags, injuries caused by sporting activities, etc.

All these traumas can affect the spine, creating vertebral subluxations that can lead to numerous illnesses and problems:

• Ear infections
• Hyperactivity, learning problems
• Scoliosis, congenital torticollis
• Constipation
• Disturbed sleep
• Colic
• Headaches
• Bedwetting
• Growing pains

The 3 most common effects reported by parents following chiropractic treatment are:

• improved sleep
• improved attitude and behaviour
• improved immune system

Numerous studies have also shown that children receiving chiropractic treatment have far fewer childhood illnesses than other children:

1- The relationship between the number of chiropractic sessions and the incidence of childhood illness. Rose-Aymon M, Prochaska-Moss R, Rebne R, Nielsen K. Journal of Chiropractic Research, 1999 (Spring): 70-77.

2- A comparative study of the health of children growing up with chiropractic and allopathic care. Van Breda, WM and Van Breda JM. Journal of Chiropractic Research, Summer 1989

3- Absence of T cells, immune dysfunction, a case study. International Chiropractic Pediatric association Newsletter, November 1996.

Numerous articles on paediatric chiropractic research in English at: www.icpa4kids.org/chiropractic-research/