During the birthing process, there is a relatively small area to pass through
considering the size of the infant. During the delivery process, in order to minimize
discomfort of the mother and baby, abnormally excessive and unnatural forces are
commonly used. This can and commonly does result in injuries to the infant's spine - especially the cervical spine. As the months and years go by, the spine grows and
develops at a very rapid pace. When the baby begins to crawl and then walk, a
number of seemingly minor falls and collisions will occur as balance and the
knowledge of physics is still developing. As the youngster proceeds through
childhood, the minor collisions become severe and more frequent. The physical
traumas will continue into adolescence especially in the active and athletic youngsters.

Source: ProfessionalPlanets.com™ 1999

More and more parents are seeking chiropractic care for their children. Many
spinal problems seen in adults began as early as birth. Even so called 'natural'
birthing methods can stress an infant's spine and developing nerve system. The
resulting irritation to the nerve system caused by spinal and cranial misalignment
can be the cause of many newborn health complaints. Colic, breathing problems,
nursing difficulties, sleep disturbances, allergic reactions and chronic infections can
often be traced to nerve system stress.

Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns
checked right away. As the infant grows, learning to hold up the head, sit, crawl and
walk are all activities that affect spinal alignment and are important times to have a
child checked by a Doctor of Chiropractic.

As the child begins to participate in regular childhood activities like skating or riding
a bike, small yet significant spinal misalignments (subluxations) may occur. If
neglected, the injuries during this period of rapid growth may lead to more serious
problems later in life. Subtle trauma throughout childhood will affect the future
development of the spine leading to impaired nervous system function. Any
interference to the vital nerve system will adversely affect the body’s ability to
function at its best.

One of the most common reason parents seek care for their child is trauma from
an injury of some sort. These misalignments may or may not result in immediate pain
or symptoms. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify potential spinal injury from
these traumas, make the correction early in life and help avoid many of the health
complaints seen later in adults. Proper spinal hygiene is an important key to better
health.

Another sought out reason for care is the resolution of a particular symptom or
condition. Parents seek care for conditions such as colic, ear infections, asthma,
allergies and headaches (to name a few) because they have heard from other
parents that chiropractic care can help.

It is important to understand that the doctor of chiropractic does not treat
conditions or diseases. The expertise of the chiropractor is in checking the child’s
spine for misalignments that impair nervous system function therefore affecting
overall body function. The bones of the spine, the vertebrae, house and protect
the spinal cord. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and carries information
from the brain to the body parts and back to the brain again. Subluxations interfere
with the nerves’ ability to transmit this vital information.

The nerve system controls and coordinates the function of all the systems in the
body: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, hormonal, eliminative and immune system.
Any aspect of health may be impaired by nerve interference. The chiropractic
adjustment restores nerve system function allowing the body the ability to express
a greater state of health and well-being.

The doctor of chiropractic will take a case history and perform a chiropractic exam
to determine if spinal subluxations exist. Chiropractic adjusting procedures are
modified to fit a child's size, weight, and unique spinal condition. They are both
gentle and specific to the child’s developing spinal structures. Most parents report
that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and look forward to
subsequent visits. They also report that their children experience a greater level
of health while under regular chiropractic care.

Reference: ICPA - International Chiropractic Pediatric Association - website: http://www.icpa4kids.org/why/whychiro.htm

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