Chiropractic Care for Kids in Grand Rapids MI

chiropractor sees children for wellness chiropractic care

Chiropractic care is beneficial to both adults and children, according to studies. Chiropractic treatment can be helpful in various ways when performed with care tailored to your child's needs. Studies show that nearly 20% of chiropractic patients in the United States are children under 18, a decision that will almost certainly lead to a lifetime of wellness.

Many parents are now taking their children to a Grand Rapids MI chiropractor for pain relief. While it is true that chiropractors can help children with back pain, chiropractic care is much more than just treating back pain. Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, obstruct communication channels in the body, reducing function. Trauma or stress can cause these subluxations in anyone at any age. Even minor childhood traumas (bumps, bruises, falls, etc.) can cause pain, discomfort, and more during adolescence and adulthood. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and gentle way to restore children's alignment, health, and wellness.


Why Children Should See a Grand Rapids MI Chiropractor

A parent's primary concern is always their child's health and well-being, which is why most parents seek chiropractic care at our top-rated chiropractic clinic.

Here are some signs that chiropractic care could be a good option for your child:

  • Complaints of persistent or recurring neck or back pain
  • Uneven shoulders, compensating when standing or walking,
  • Inconsistent sleep patterns
  • Limited head or neck mobility
  • Trouble with eating
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Short temper (for example, an angry meltdown)
  • Sinus infections and constant ear infections
  • Swollen tonsils

How A Chiropractor Can Help Children

Regular visits to a chiropractor can benefit young children. Parents are sometimes unaware of the benefits of taking their child to a chiropractor. Chiropractic care can help children in various ways, including improved behavior and sleep.

Here are a few of the many reasons how chiropractic care helps children:

Improved sleep: Proper sleep is an essential part of a child's life. Sound sleep is vital for their daily functioning, development, and emotional well-being. Chiropractic care relieves stress in the body and can improve children's sleeping patterns.

Improved Immune System: Children suffering from a cold or infection can benefit from chiropractic care. This assistance can also boost their immune system.

Improved Attitude and Behavior: Chiropractic care relieves stress and anxiety while also improving a child's behavior. Chiropractic care can also help them improve their mood and attitude by relieving tension.

Improved Nervous System: Chiropractors make sure the spine is growing correctly. This prevents and treats specific nervous system issues like ear infections.

Improved Brain Development: Chiropractic care can help with overall brain development. Increased brain development promotes better concentration and focus and can reduce hyperactivity. This includes focusing on conditions like ADHD.


What to Expect at the Chiropractic Appointment

As parents, you are always concerned with what is best for your children. Chiropractic care is an excellent foundation for your child's health now and in the future. Like any other doctor visit, going to the chiropractor is usually not very exciting for a child. Getting your child ready before the appointment will help it go more smoothly.

Before taking your child to the chiropractor, you should learn everything you can and prepare your child for what is to come. No surprises mean they'll be more at ease during their visit.

If you're taking a very young child to the chiropractor, it's always a good idea to bring a fun distraction like games, their favorite toy, or whatever provides them with solace. This may help them feel less anxious, especially during their first visit.

Initial evaluation

Most new chiropractic patients, especially children, feel nervous at their first appointment. Treatment at a chiropractic clinic is always tailored to the patient. The appointment time for a new patient can range from thirty minutes to forty-five minutes, depending on the reason for the visit.

The chiropractor will meet with the patient and parents during the initial visit to obtain a complete medical history and any pre-existing medical conditions. Some paperwork, as well as the reason for the visit, will be required. The chiropractor will also need to know the severity of the pain and any other relevant information that will assist them in providing the best and most effective care for your child.

Adjustment

Chiropractic adjustments are safe for people of all ages, including newborns. The trained chiropractor will begin the delicate adjustment process after assessing your child's spine. They'll use their hands, a small tool, and other chiropractic therapies. The goal of this procedure, also known as spinal manipulation, is to improve spinal motion and improve your child’s body’s physical function.

When it comes to newborns and children, the adjustments are slightly different. The chiropractor uses significantly less force or pressure. The chiropractor will only use fingertip pressure for child adjustments. You may occasionally, but not always, hear a soft popping sound.

Post-Treatment Care

The reactions of children to chiropractic adjustments vary greatly. These can range from an adrenaline rush immediately following the adjustment to mild muscle soreness.

Aching or soreness in the spinal joints or muscles is the most common reaction to spinal manipulation. If this aching or soreness occurs, it usually occurs within the first few hours after treatment and does not last more than 24 hours. Giving your child an ice pack often helps to alleviate the symptoms of this chiropractic technique faster.

Also, unless otherwise instructed by your chiropractor, your child can engage in light activities immediately following treatment during this time. Furthermore, your child will require adequate rest and water consumption. Light exercise is also recommended.


Make an Appointment With Our Doctor

While the length of time between your child's chiropractic appointments will vary depending on their needs, it is recommended that no more than three weeks pass between adjustments. We recommend you make a follow-up appointment with our doctor right after your child's initial adjustment.

Every time you come to our Chiropractic Care Clinic, we will ask about your child's progress and we will recommend treatment to improve your child’s health. The chiropractic recommendations to change your child's lifestyle and habits must be followed to get the best results from your child's adjustments. While this may appear to be a lot of work, the benefits of chiropractic adjustments will make your child happier and healthier in the long run.


Common Questions our Patients Have About Chiropractic Care for Kids

Chiropractic care is typically associated with adults. After all, people seek a chiropractic specialist to relieve headaches, pain, and other aches that come with being an adult. You may have concerns about chiropractic care for your child and wonder if it is a good idea.

The following is a list of frequently asked questions about chiropractic care for children from our patients. These questions and answers may help to alleviate some of your concerns.

What age should a child see a chiropractor?

It is safe to take your newborn child to a well-trained chiropractor. Chiropractic care of children is safe and effective for children ages ranging from less than a day old to the age of 18 years.

Infants can benefit from chiropractic care. Many chiropractors are trained to access infants’ hips, collarbones (clavicles), and necks. However, treating infants differs from treating adults. Less force is required, and simple pressure is usually sufficient to adjust an infant.

Anyone can benefit from chiropractic treatment, including children of any age.

How can I tell if my child needs chiropractic care?

Here are a few signs that your child may need chiropractic care.

Birth trauma: Spinal cord and brainstem injuries can occur during birth but are frequently misdiagnosed. An infant who survives such an injury may develop long-term neurological problems.

Trouble with sleeping: If your child has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, this may be a sign that they need chiropractic care.

Bad Posture: Poor posture can result in accelerated spinal deterioration, low energy levels, and impaired cognition.

Colic: According to studies, children with colic who receive chiropractic care improve within a few weeks.

Why do kids need chiropractic care?

If your newborn or child has feeding and latching difficulties, sleep disturbances, tummy upsets (such as reflux), headaches, ear infections, or asthma, they should see a chiropractor.

As children age, they face new challenges, such as mental and emotional stress and prolonged sitting posture, which can cause headaches and back and neck pains. As teenage growth spurts, lousy posture and potential scoliosis may be an issue. With each new milestone, your child will need chiropractic care.


Contact The Chiropractic Doctors Today to Schedule an Appointment

At The Chiropractic Doctors you're in the right hands if you are looking for a reliable chiropractor to improve your child’s health. Contact us or schedule an appointment today so we can begin your child's journey to wellness. Our trained staff will genuinely care and listen to you and your child.

We recognize your time is valuable, so we stay on time with your appointment.

Monday
8:00am - 6:00pm


Tuesday
8:00am - 6:00pm


Wednesday
8:00am - 6:00pm


Thursday
8:00am - 6:00pm


Friday
8:00am - 10:00am


Saturday
By Appointment Only


Sunday
Closed

The Chiropractic Doctors

5747 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

(616) 432-3103