Due In A Month: You Should Already Be Considering Pediatric Chiropractic Visits
Subluxation is a term used by chiropractors to describe the misalignment of the spinal vertebrae in relation to the other vertebrae. In newborns, subluxation often occurs naturally as a result of the natural birthing process. During birth, it's easy for the OBGYN to twist the tiny spine in unnatural ways. If not corrected by a chiropractor in the first two weeks, the misalignment of the spine can lead to potentially serious issues in childhood development, and these issues may become permanent.
Proper spinal alignment is critical to proper nerve and muscle system development. Pediatric chiropractors are not treating injuries that have occurred over a lifetime, as in adult patients. Rather, they are helping to ensure a child's body is properly aligned in order to promote healthy growth. A good analogy is to think of pediatric chiropractors as gardeners, who are pruning the bonsai tree to ensure it grows properly. Pediatric chiropractic care may also prevent or alleviate the symptoms of a host of childhood medical conditions like:
- Colic
- Constipation
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Ear Infections
Additionally, the central nervous system is critical to perception and awareness. Pediatric chiropractic realignments may help to guard your child against the development of ADHD and other conditions.
How Do Chiropractic Alignments Differ between Children and Adults?
Chiropractors adjust the amount of pressure they used to perform the realignments when we're working on patients of different sizes. In the case of a newborn, the chiropractor's touch may only be slight, but that's all it takes to adjust a child's spine into correct alignment.
Will My Newborn Require More than One Treatment?
Yes, think of pediatric chiropractic treatments as supplemental alternatives to regular visits to the pediatrician. Most newborns see a pediatrician many times during their first year of life, Likewise, your child will in all likelihood need an equal amount of chiropractic treatments. Though, as the treatments progress and the newborn's body becomes more acclimated to staying in alignment, the length between visits may increase.
Does health insurance pay for pediatric chiropractor visits?
A few health insurance providers allow for pediatric chiropractic care visits without a referral or a diagnostic health complaint. However, most insurances require the referral of a pediatrician before they will pay for pediatric chiropractic care. Find a chiropractor and get the referrals you need ready up ahead of time. You've probably already found a pediatrician if you are due soon.
For more information about pediatric chiropractors, contact a local clinic.