Kids Have Spines Too!

Just as parents take their children to the dentist for regular check-ups, children are treated to have their spinal development checked. The spine consists of 24 independent bones which can be jammed or misaligned affecting subsequent development. Dr. Kjaer, Victoria Family Chiropractor, has been treating children for 17 years.

Look for red flags of spinal stress and damage to your child’s spine. Common indicators of spinal problems include the child’s head consistently tilted to one side, restricted head or neck motion to one side, disturbed sleep where the child sleeps for only one or two hours at a time, headaches, growing pains, uneven shoulders or the head being carried forward. These can all be indicators of a need for chiropractic care!

Many other health care professionals may not be aware of the repetitive stresses children are constantly exposed to. This may occur in more children than parents realize. The musculo-skeletal system of an infant or child is very sensitive to repetitive stress or unusual positions.

The birth process itself may cause spinal segments to be pushed out of place or jammed. Research has shown that problems early in a child’s life can come from birth trauma to the spine. This could include unexplained crying, colic, bed-wetting and breathing problems. Frequent ear infections and colds are signs of a weakened immune system. Chiropractic care has been shown to benefit some non-musculoskeletal conditions such as these. Effectiveness varies from person to person. 

Spinal problems can also occur as a result of the frequent bumps suffered by infants in the first months of life. A fall from a bed, a sudden stop in a car or an unsupported movement of the head and neck can create excessive movement in the spine causing misalignments. Other causes of repetitive stress include: babies spending time constrained in a baby carrier; infants placed in weight-bearing positions with baby bouncers or walkers when their lower limbs, pelvis or lumbar spine are not developed enough to bear weight; and stomach sleeping.

As children grow up they constantly expose their developing spines to stressors: simple falls as they learn to walk, a fall from a bike, time in front of the television or computer, and poor posture. Perhaps the most serious threat to the child’s spine is the use of backpacks. Read more about the proper use of backpacks under "health tips”.

Children's spines are being exposed to stresses each and every day. Parents often presume that children and teenagers are resilient and do not need help after their falls and accidents. The fact is, their spines are subject to greater stress and damage since their bodies are not yet completely developed. Do not just brush off your child’s complaints. These pains, signs and symptoms - at any age - are a sign that something is wrong. 

It can be difficult for parents to recognize when a child has suffered from some repetitive stress. It is not easy for someone other than a chiropractor, highly trained in evaluating the spine, to determine if a child has a problem. By the same token, it is difficult for someone other than a dentist to know if a child has any cavities.

Treatments are modified to fit your child’s size, weight and unique spinal problem. The same is done for seniors receiving chiropractic care. After all, each patient is unique.

The first step in the process is to consult with the parent and child and then conduct a careful and thorough evaluation of your child’s spine. An analysis will be conducted and treatment will be provided that is modified to suit the needs of both child and parent. Treatment is provided to babies and children of all ages - from only days old to adolescents including all ages in between.

Spinal treatments for infants and young children involve finger tip pressure to correct malfunctioning spinal structures. The goal is to restore mobility to spinal joints and tissues which have become locked out of position and immobile. This may ensure the proper spinal development of your child. Above all else, we ensure that the experience is fun and relaxed for both the child and parent. 

Parents and the children may see improvements. Children are less likely to be injured playing sports and, should an injury occur, they overcome these injuries much quicker. Ultimately, they could grow up to be stronger and avoid many of the chronic problems their parents suffer from. Recall the adage: "as the twig is bent, so grows the tree”.

We encourage you to have your children’s or grandchildren’s spines checked . Either to recover from a recent or chronic injury or to ensure proper development so chronic weaknesses are avoided later in life.

Remember, there may be no symptoms at all to indicate a problem or weakness.

Change the lives of those you love!

Call Dr. Kjaer at 250.477.4702 for an appointment.