As children they usually do not have aches and pains and when they do, they are usually forgotten as quickly as they came. However, something more serious could be going on. It’s called Spinal Subluxation Degeneration. It is a slow and relentless condition that results from spinal vertebral misalignment or malfunction and eventually erodes the structure and functioning of the spine. It usually begins in childhood and results in permanent damage as an adult. This structural damage is worsened by the scientific knowledge that this spinal malfunction results in nerve damage, even in children.
Your next questions are: “How does this happen?” and, “Could my child have this?” Most often this spinal trauma is caused from the birth process itself, especially if it was difficult. Tossing your child in the air or yanking the child by one arm can cause a severe whiplash which is usually associated with car accidents. Also, falling off a bicycle or the everyday bumps that happen to children could cause spinal subluxations. Generally, children quickly become accustomed to these problems and go on with their daily activities.
Signs you can look for are: Do your children get colds often? Do they get ear aches or sore throats often? Are they hyperactive? When they were babies did they have colic or cry a lot for no reason? Were they bed-wetters? When your child walks or stands, look at his/her posture. Is one shoulder or hip higher than the other? Do their clothes fit unevenly? Does one foot point out or in?
These are just some of the signs of spinal subluxation. If you suspect a problem or just want your baby or child checked, let your Chiropractor examine your child for spinal subluxations. Only a Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to detect early stages of spinal degeneration. Your doctor will give you a full explanation of the problem and what is necessary for correction.
A Doctor of Chiropractic can also assist you in optimizing your child’s spinal health, such as, letting your child crawl as long as he/she wants. This helps them develop the proper spinal curves that lead to a stronger and healthier spine, thus fewer spinal problems when they are adults.
When you bring your child to the Chiropractor, have the things you noticed about your child, and when they happened written down so the doctor can give your child the best care possible.