Beyond Adjustments: How Chiropractors Can Help in Pediatric Care

Date:  April 27, 2016

Chiropractors are a part of families’ healthcare teams across Canada, and they are of benefit to all members of the family. Naturally, many adults visit a chiropractor for a variety of conditions that they may develop due to aging, recreational and physical activities, and work. Yet, children and teens can also be at risk for injury, pain and dysfunction, and may benefit from chiropractic care.

Like adults, children and teens can also experience MSK pain and injuries to the back, neck, knees, shoulders and other components of the MSK system. The assessment and technique used to manage these issues are similar to those of adults, but gentler and adjusted to the body and age of the patient based on development. Studies have shown that manual therapies are safe for both adults and children^1,2,3,4.

Most of those injuries are preventable; these include musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries related to falls, sports and day-to-day life. In many cases, these injuries are minor and will either resolve naturally or require a trial of care. Chiropractic care can help not only in the treatment of an injury, but in preventing reoccurrence and future MSK conditions—especially for individuals at high risk due to high impact sports and activities.

At a typical first visit to a chiropractor, child patients are to be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to discuss assessment, diagnosis and plan of treatment. Depending on the symptoms, treatment can include gentle mobilizations or manipulation, soft tissue therapy, exercise, postural correction and lifestyle counselling.

The best way to learn more about pediatric chiropractic is to talk to your chiropractor.

Sources:

1. Hayes NM, Bezilla TA. Incidence of iatrogenesis associated with osteopathic manipulative treatment of pediatric patients. J AM Osteopath Assoc. 2006;106:606–608.

2. Vohra S, Johnston BC, Cramer K, Humphreys K. Adverse events associated with pediatric spinal manipulation: a systematic review. Pediatrics. 2007;119:275–283.

3. Miller JE, Benfield K. Adverse effects of spinal manipulative therapy in children younger than 3 years: a retrospective study in a chiropractic teaching clinic. Jour Manip Physiol Ther. 2008; 31(6):419–422.

4. Doyle MF. Is chiropractic paediatric care safe? A best evidence topic. Clinical Chiropractic. 2011;14(3):97–105.