Pediatric Chiropractic Care Clinic | Upstate Spine & Sport
It’s easy to recognize limitations to body function as an adult. Persistent headache, chronic pain, or poor posture is a cue to seek chiropractic care. The situation is different for children but no less worthy of the need for pediatric chiropractic care.
Infants experience musculoskeletal dysfunction that can affect their ability to grow and learn. Most children are susceptible to trauma from bumps and falls. The resulting spinal misalignment can cause various problems or missed developmental milestones.
Unlike adults, children often can’t communicate how they feel.
You must work with pediatric chiropractic care professionals to uncover alignment problems. At Upstate Spine & Sport, we love working with children of all ages to keep their bodies healthy. Schedule an appointment today for an assessment.
What Are Some Developmental Milestones in Children That May Indicate a Need for Pediatric Chiropractic Care?
Children within the six-month to one-year age window should hit the following developmental milestones on time:
Tummy Time
This refers to the time a baby spends on its stomach. Adequate tummy time will give the child control and strength over their cervical spine. It also encourages shoulder control.
Rolling
Rolling can improve the range of motion in the hip and shoulder. A child should be able to roll to the right and the left without help.
Crawling
Crawling strengthens the hip and knees and prepares the child for walking.
Walking
Walking further strengthens a child’s body and helps develop essential motor skills.
If your child fails to cross any of these milestones, they may be a candidate for pediatric chiropractic care. It’s not enough to call the child a late bloomer. Ignoring the missed milestones can lead to further developmental problems or injuries down the line.
Other signs where your child might need pediatric chiropractic care include difficulty sleeping, persistent crying, and a clear display of a limited range of motion.
How Does Pediatric Chiropractic Care Differ from Care for Adults?
The basic principles of chiropractic treatment are the same for children and adults. The significant difference is in the techniques, treatment types, and the amount of pressure utilized during the treatment.
Children are still in their formative years. They typically respond to chiropractic treatment faster than adults. Thus, a pediatric chiropractor will need to apply very little pressure during the adjustment, focusing on the hip, ankle, knee, and spine.
During pediatric chiropractic care sessions, we will also check the child’s range of movement and recommend exercises to improve motion where necessary. We teach parents how to complete these exercises at home without putting the child at risk.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Pediatric Chiropractic Care That Parents Should Be Aware of?
There are no risks associated with pediatric chiropractic care as long as you work with a qualified practitioner. At Upstate Spine & Sport, the most significant side effects we see are diaper-filling accidents and children going into long naps. So, the complications are negligible.
The process is also painless, except in cases where the child already has an existing injury. The child may be more sensitive to even mild touches in this case. However, completing the adjustment will hasten the recovery process and reduce the pain.
How Often Should Care Be Administered for Optimal Results?
We recommend administering pediatric care in line with the major milestones. So, you should bring in your child for chiropractic care as soon as they reach three months of age and then bring them in monthly until they start walking.
We can also work with children younger than three months if we determine they can benefit from early chiropractic care.
For an individualized care plan, we recommend bringing in the child for a consultation. We’ll review the child’s musculoskeletal health and recommend a care plan.
Schedule an Appointment | Pediatric Chiropractor in Greenville, SC
Has your child missed a crucial physical development milestone? Pediatric chiropractic care can help them reach milestones and correct any underlying physiological concerns.
Our Upstate Spine & Sport team delivers high-quality pediatric chiropractic care to infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers. We use non-invasive therapy to deal with subluxations and misalignment.
Do you think your child is a candidate for pediatric chiropractic care in Greenville, SC? Schedule an appointment or contact us at (864) 400-8005.
