Chiropractors Can Help Treat Your Kids Too !

The thought of chiropractic care is commonly associated with the elderly or with the middle-aged population that is beginning to feel the physical effects of aging. However when chiropractic care comes to mind, it is rarely associated with children.

A cross-sectional study published in the National Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine observed that in 548 chiropractic care clinics in the United States, Europe, and Canada, 21% of the patients seen were below the age of 18. While this may surprise some, it is crucial to keep in mind that children’s bodies are constantly growing and that in some scenarios growth patterns may not proceed as smoothly as desired.

The study highlighted that the main factors that necessitated chiropractic treatment were ailments that are commonly seen in children, such as asthma, ear infections, and in some cases, immune suppression. Ear infections and immune suppression are somewhat intertwined in that immune systems can still be in the process of developing and in some case are unable to effectively fight infection. Many studies have cited a very high efficacy of chiropractic care in treating simple ear infections, but the link between the two has yet to be established. Some theorize that proper blood flow helps blood and lymph travel to infected areas easier, better equipping the child’s body to fight infection.

Another common morbidity that chiropractic care has been linked to treating is asthma, which is present in a little over 7 million children in the United States. While research has not been able to confirm a definite link between chiropractic care, alternative medicine specialists believe that much like ear infections, increased blood flow could be a factor. When more blood is circulating around the body and specifically into the lungs, more oxygen is being absorbed and asthma-induced pulmonary constriction might be mitigated. Others have theorized that overall sound mechanics of the body’s skeletal system play a role in organ health and susceptibility to the sometimes-severe impacts of asthma.

Only further academic investigation into the relationship between chiropractic care and pediatric ailments will surely confirm its effectiveness. For now, many parents across the country are thrilled with the role that chiropractic care is playing in their child’s health.

Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of julie corsi