Pediatric Care

Survey data indicates that the percentage of chiropractic patients under 17 years of age has increased at least 8.5 percent since 1991, as stated by the American Chiropractic Association. Furthermore, a recent Disease Control and Prevention study indicated that nearly 3 percent of children in the United States were treated with chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation in 2007, making it the most common form of doctor-directed complementary or alternative medicine used by children.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle. Doctors of Chiropractic practice a hands-on, drug-free approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Following their undergraduate education, doctors of chiropractic obtain a four-year degree consisting of more than 4,500 hours of study and clinical experience. Pediatric specialists receive additional post-doctorate training.

"The vast majority of parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and look forward to subsequent visits. They also report that their children experience a greater level of health while under regular chiropractic care," Dr. Hewitt notes.

CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN

Pregnancy can cause uncomfortable effects, including changes in posture due to weight gain that cause pain in your back, hips, groin and legs. Postural changes may also influence the ligaments and muscles attached to the pelvis and in turn the positioning of the uterus and birth canal.

Although a natural process, birth is sometimes traumatic for both mother and baby and chiropractic care can help you and your baby recover.

As children grow, we can help not only with the strains caused by the wear and tear of life but also with some of the symptoms that children can suffer in their first years.

Chiropractic is a natural, drug-free treatment and is effective for the whole family.

Although back and neck pain is not considered common childhood disorders, they should always be thoroughly investigated. Spinal problems in children can be due to many reasons and can be categorized by age groups and developmental milestones. The diagnosis and treatment of spinal problems in children is a specialized task and should be undertaken with great care to ensure that a serious problem is not presenting as a relatively minor complaint. Symptoms of back and neck pain in infants and young children can sometimes be difficult to understand due to the inability for children to communicate effectively, also some symptoms may not appear to relate specifically to spinal problems.

WHICH PROBLEMS CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP?

Problems can develop within your child’s spine during birth or at other times during childhood, from general bumps and knocks when your child learns how to crawl and walk, and later in life from falls accidents and carrying heavy school bags. These problems can lead to various pains, which normally respond very well to chiropractic treatment:

• Torticollis
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Headaches
• Back Pain

Other problems that sometimes are presented to chiropractors where symptoms can be helped are:

• Adolescent Scoliosis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis / Still’s Disease

Early assessment of your child may help to prevent some of the above symptoms and ease symptoms of the above conditions.

The treatment for babies and young children is modified using a slight pressure (sustained release) most commonly rather than the manipulative technique used on adults. It is safe, gentle and effective.

Sometimes children do not complain if they are uncomfortable. They might just not want to participate in physical activities as a result and give other excuses. The doctors at DeCrescenzo Chiropractic are very conscientious and skilled. Many parents have brought their children for treatment of various conditions and if we can't help we will refer out to the appropriate specialist.

If you need confidential help and advice you can always contact us using our contact form. We are here to help.