A Parent's Guide to Chiropractic

Healthy Happy Kids at Auckland Wellness Centre

Ask any parent, and they'll tell you: a child's health and happiness are paramount! Whether your child is just taking their first steps, is an active college athlete, or falls somewhere in between, this guide will shed light on the crucial role chiropractic care plays in your child's health and what you need to know before visiting a chiropractor.

    Simple, Safe, and Effective

    A health approach any parent can be proud of.

    Parents and pediatric physicians alike turn to chiropractors to establish a safe, natural, and drug-free foundation that offers both immediate and long-term benefits for their child's health.

    Why Chiropractic for Kids?

    To answer this, let’s start with a quick anatomy refresher. Like adults, children’s spines consist of 24 independent vertebrae that allow them to twist, bend, and move throughout the day. The spine also protects the central nervous system, which controls the body’s ability to grow, repair, and function optimally by communicating with every cell, tissue, and organ.

    Subluxations, or joint dysfunctions, occur when two or more vertebrae become restricted, impeding the body’s ability to communicate with itself. These dysfunctions can result from everyday activities such as falls while learning to walk, rough play, heavy backpacks, or prolonged screen time.

    Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct these dysfunctions using gentle, targeted movements known as chiropractic adjustments. This non-invasive technique is safe, and complications are rare, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    It’s Not Just About Back Pain

    How can your child benefit from chiropractic care?

    Chiropractic care is not just for back pain. It’s essential for ensuring your child enjoys lifelong health and well-being. Here are some conditions and ailments chiropractic care can help address:

    • Injuries from falls and active play
    • Growing pains
    • Immune system function
    • Behavior and attitude
    • Sleep issues
    • Scoliosis
    • Posture problems
    • Ear infections
    • And more

    To determine if chiropractic care is right for your child, the chiropractors at Auckland Wellness Centre will perform a thorough consultation and examination. If necessary, they may refer you for diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRIs. Based on their findings, your chiropractor may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, to provide comprehensive care.

    Discover more about how chiropractic care can help your child by visiting Auckland Wellness Centre.

    Chiropractic Q&A

    Common Questions about Kids and Chiropractic Care

    Q: What age can my child safely receive a chiropractic adjustment?

    A: Chiropractic care is safe for all ages. A licensed Doctor of Chiropractic will select the appropriate technique based on the patient's age, physical condition, and medical history.

    Q: Will chiropractic care hurt my child?

    A: Chiropractic adjustments are controlled procedures that use minimal force and gentle pressure, rarely causing discomfort. Most patients feel relief immediately after treatment.

    Q: How often will my child need to visit a chiropractor?

    A: The frequency of visits depends on the individual needs of your child and the professional judgment of the chiropractor.

    Q: How do I explain the “popping” noise during an adjustment to my child?

    A: The popping sound is caused by the release of gas from the joints during an adjustment. It does not affect the bones but rather the connective tissue around the joint.

    Q: Will my child be sore after a chiropractic adjustment?

    A: Any soreness is similar to that experienced after starting a new exercise routine. Drinking water, using an ice pack, and gentle stretching can help ease discomfort.

    Q: What is an activator or the Activator Method?

    A: The Activator Method is a gentle, instrument-based technique often used on children and seniors. It restores joint motion using a small handheld device rather than manual adjustments.

     

    Tips for Growing Healthy, Happy Kids

    Infants & Toddlers

    Limit time spent in car seats as much as possible. Extended periods in car seats can impact spinal development and posture. Also, ensure regular tummy time to prevent conditions like plagiocephaly.

    Little Kids

    When choosing a backpack, opt for one with waist and chest belts to evenly distribute weight. Backpacks should not be wider or longer than the child's torso and should have padded straps and a back. Fully loaded, the backpack should not weigh more than 10-15% of the child’s body weight.

    Tweens

    Teach your tween to hold their devices at eye level to avoid "tech neck," which is caused by prolonged use of handheld devices with improper posture. Proper posture can prevent long-term structural changes and pain.

    Teens

    Teenagers are still growing, and their bodies are not fully matured. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce joint restrictions and inflammation caused by sports injuries or growth spurts, improving joint function and nervous system health.

    Discover how Auckland Wellness Centre can support your child’s health journey. Contact us today to speak with our licensed chiropractors.