Visiting a chiropractor is often thought to be something only adults do, but there are many benefits to visiting a chiropractic physician for children’s injuries.

Children are prone to injuries. From playground injuries to sports mishaps to birth trauma, there are many reasons why you would want a child to visit a chiropractor. Keep in mind that the techniques used on adults are not the same as those used on children. You can also seek out a chiropractor who specializes in caring for infants, children and/or teens.

Orthopedic Injuries

Orthopedic injuries are one of the main reasons to take a child to the chiropractor. Kids who suffer from sports-related knee and ankle injuries are at an increased risk of early-onset osteoarthritis. Those who play sports, whether intramural or just for fun, are also at an increased risk of suffering knee/ACL injuries, sprains and strains, dislocations, and more. Between 2005 and 2007, the ankle and knee were the most common locations of high school sports injuries.

Treatments for children can include manipulation of the joints or spine as well as massage therapy.

Whiplash

Another unfortunate cause of musculoskeletal injuries is auto accidents. Because these injuries are not so easily seen after an accident, a child may not complain of symptoms like neck stiffness, neck pain, and headaches until days after the collision. A chiropractor can request imaging tests to determine if the child suffered any type of musculoskeletal injury and then create a treatment plan.

If your child suffered from whiplash or a back sprain/strain during a crash, chiropractic care may be used for pain relief and healing.

You don’t have to wait until your child is injured to visit a chiropractor, routine visits could help prevent injuries as well.

Growth and Development

As a child’s spine and nervous system are linked, chiropractic visits can help with chronic conditions such as asthma, allergies, or ear infections. Many parents take their children to a chiropractor to promote growth and development. Falls and spinal conditions, such as scoliosis and spondylosis, can lead to the misalignment of the spine. In fact, spondylosis, a defect in the connection between the vertebrae that can lead to small stress fractures, is often detected during a teenage growth spurt. Chiropractic care as a child could help reduce pain and symptoms linked to this spinal condition.

The health and happiness of your child are the most important thing to you. Chiropractic care has proven to be safe and effective for children and can improve their well-being.