Thinking about taking your child to a chiropractor but not sure when to take him or her, or what to expect?
Chiropractic care has been shown to help many things, but chiropractic care doesn't “treat” anything, added Stephanie Wigner, D.C., a chiropractor at Circle of Life Chiropractic, which has offices in Point Pleasant Boro and Avon-by-the-Sea. She specializes in pediatric chiropractic care.
“When the spine misaligns, there is a disruption in the nervous system which can lead to many symptoms,” Wigner told Macaroni Kid. In restoring proper function of the nervous system, the body is able to heal and function the way it is designed to.
“Many parents report that their children eat better, sleep better and move better while under chiropractic care,” Wigner said.
Pediatric Chiropractic Care: What You Should Know
While you may have seen manual adjustments in the past where a chiropractor turns the patient’s neck and it makes a cracking sound, that’s not the only way to adjust the body. Children respond well to a gentler technique known as sustained contact, which involves holding the area for a few seconds until it’s in place.
Wigner said manual force isn’t applied to children, so there’s no cracking sound. As the child grows older other tools and techniques can be used.
Children can begin receiving chiropractic care shortly after birth, Wigner noted.
“The birth process can place a significant amount of stress on the spine, particularly the upper two vertebrae of the neck. Often during birth the baby is being pulled on or assisted out of the birth canal which can cause distress,” she said.
Babies experiencing a head tilt or difficulty feeding may benefit from a neck alignment assessment. Parents may also want to bring infants for adjustments during first-year milestones as well.
Most chiropractors have some training in pediatric adjustments. If you're considering taking your infant to a chiropractor, find a professional with additional training and certifications. Visit the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) website at www.icpa4kids.com to find a pediatric chiropractor.
That is my adorable son, Ben, with Dr. Wigner, pictured above. Full disclosure: She is his pediatric chiropractor and we love her!
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