Why Children Need Chiropractic There are many reasons why children receive chiropractic care. Many spinal problems seen in adults begin as early as birth. Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth many parents have their newborns checked. Even so called ‘natural birthing’ methods can stress a developing spine. 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 can often be traced to a nerve system dysfunction. In the infant, 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 grows and 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 traumas will affect the future development of the spine leading to impaired nervous system function. Ant interference to the vital nervous 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; a fall or 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 is a particular symptom or condition. Parents seek care for conditions such as colic, ear infections, asthma, allergies and headaches because they have heard from other parents that chiropractic care helps. It is important to understand that the doctor of chiropractic does not diagnose or treat conditions or diseases. The expertise of the chiropractor is in checking the child’s spine for misalignments that impair the 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. Ant aspect of health may be impaired with 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 adjustment and look forward to subsequent visits. Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers (SPS) Your feet are the foundation of your body. Everyone has approximately 30 bones in each leg - 26 of which are in each foot. We depend on these bones to move us forward when we walk. With each step you take, more than 208 muscles exert their effect on the knees, hips, lower back and all the bones holding your body upright. It is not surprising that many knee, hip, and back pains are a result of poor functioning feet. Therefore your doctor may suggest foot orthosis, more commonly called Orthotics for the treatment of: *Low Back Pain *Leg (sciatic) Pain *Hip Pain *Muscle Aches and Pains *Joint Pain *Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain *Tight Muscles, Numbness *Pain between the Shoulders Additional Benefits May Include: *Cushions and Supports the Foot *Improves Postural Stability *Reduces Foot and Leg Fatigue *Distributes Weight Evenly *Improves Balance and Control When a patient presents with spinal subluxations, (misalignments of the spine), a careful examination of the spine is necessary. Often overlooked, though, is the importance of the feet to the normal funtion of the lower back. Feet and legs must bear the wieght of the entire body (and considerably more during some sports). Insufficient or inadequate pedal support exposes the spine to abnormal stresses and strains that eventually develop into low back pain. When some part of the foot is not moving properly (either insufficient or excessive joint motion). the resulting forces produce effects which can adversly influence the normal functions of the ankle, knee, hip, and even the back. Custom orthotics help hold chiropractic adjustments in place and reduce skeletal stress and pain. Doctors of Chiropractic receive extensive education and training. Doctors of Chiropractic receive extensive, demanding professional education. To receive a degree to become a chiropractor, one must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and five years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. Comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures enable chiropractors to thoroughly evaluate a patient, address disorders relating to the spine and determine the need for referral to other healthcare practitioners. Doctors of Chiropractic as primary healthcare professionals. According to the Center for Studies in Health Policy, "The chiropractor can provide all three levels of primary care interventions and therefore is a primary care provider, as are MD's. Chiropractors are gatekeepers to the healthcare system and an independent practitioner providing primary care services. The chiropractor's office is a direct access portal of entry to the full scope of service." Chiropractic recognized by governmental healthcare programs. Chiropractic is included in Medicare, Medicaid, Federal Employees Health Care Benefits Programs, Federal Workers' Compensation and all state workers' compensation programs. Click below for more information About Chiropractic:   Chiropractic is Safe and Effective...   It All Starts With Your Feet   Frequently Asked Questions...   It's All About Anatomy   History of Chiropractic   Back Pain Statistics   Beno Clinic Chiropractic Center, P.C., along with all information provided, is for educational purposes only and is not an attempt to replace the need to seek healthcare services or to provide specific healthcare advice. We strongly encourage users to consult with their chiropractor or other qualified healthcare professionals for personal healthcare attention and answers to personal questions. Beno Clinic Chiropractic Center, P.C. 8983 M-119 (P.O. Box 479) Petoskey, MI 49770 www.benoclinic.com Dr. James J. Beno E-Mail: benoclinic@benoclinic.com Phone: 231-347-4445   © 2001-2003 Healthy Practices, Inc. All rights reserved.