by Dr. Andrea Moses
Children today have regular checkups and screenings for their eyes, teeth, hearing, and even for the straightness of their spines. But what about the health of their spines? The spinal checkup could be the most important check a child receives in his or her life. The stress of even a normal childbirth, daily bumps and falls, sports injuries and the strain of the heavy loaded backpack can cause spinal subluxation (misalignment of the spinal vertebrae). Spinal subluxation complex can cause nerve dysfunction without eliciting immediate pain, but can lead to problems later down the road. This is why parents should not rely on “Little Johnny” to experience pain in order to have a spinal checkup. A regular chiropractic examination is the only way to determine if spinal subluxation is present and to assess the severity of the possible nerve dysfunction.
Besides regular spinal checkups, parents should be aware of certain warning signals that may indicate improper alignment, causing nerve dysfunction. Here is a list of just a few of the common postural changes that can serve as warning signals:
Physical warnings:
- a foot turned in or out
- one hip or shoulder higher than the other
- flared shoulder blades
Mobility warnings:
- popping bones
- frequent falling
- toe walking
We have found that families who come into our office are healthier than ones that do not seek regular chiropractic care. Besides structural health, being free of blockages to the nervous system can make a big difference in a child’s overall physical and emotional health. 
Among some of the benefits observed when a child has healthy nervous flow are decreased digestive problems such as stomach aches, constipation, colic; fewer ear infections; better nursing habits in infants; fewer headaches; improved respiratory function; less nervousness; and decreased bedwetting. Chiropractic is not a treatment for disease, but is a positive solution for nerve dysfunction.
Chiropractic has been proven to boost a child’s immune system. A healthy functioning nervous system ensures the child’s body can better deal with fevers, coughs, colds, and 101 other immune challenges. Without a healthy nervous system some children may live in sickness, condemned to a life of medicine.
For over 100 years doctors of chiropractic have been providing safe, effective care to infants and children. A chiropractor who cares for children uses a gentle technique adapted to the needs of the specific child. When the patient is very young a light touch adjustment is applied. Adverse events linked to pediatric chiropractic care are virtually nonexistent.
Checking the spine to enhance the nervous system function is just as important as all of the other routine check-ups we provide for our children. A visit to the chiropractor can not only help “Little Johnny” stay physically aligned, it can help him stay healthy. All children deserve a healthy body!