Chiropractic care isn’t just for adults with back pain. The benefits of chiropractic care extend beyond pain relief. It is actually focused on the health of the nervous system.

Physical, chemical and emotional stressors can all contribute to stress on the nervous system. This stress can cause nervous system interference, which essentially means that the brain and body can no longer communicate effectively. This can contribute to a variety of common
symptoms, including the ones below.

While most chiropractors have experience caring for children, chiropractors trained by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) are dedicated to continuing to learn how to better serve both the pediatric and perinatal populations.

From a chiropractor extensively trained through the ICPA, here are 11 signs that your child could benefit from pediatric chiropractic care.

Trauma during birth. The birth process can be very traumatic for a baby, whether it is vaginal or a C-section. Considerable amounts of force are placed upon the child’s head, neck and spine—especially if there were complications, such as dystocia, or interventions, such as the use of forceps/vacuum.

Developmental delays. Developmental delays can include delayed milestones, such as skipped crawling, delayed walking and delayed talking. Milestones reflect how the nervous system is developing.

Behavioral issues. ADHD, an inability to stay focused, and difficulty in school are often related to the function of the nervous system. The nervous system is what allows a child to process, interact with and respond to their environment.

Frequent illnesses. Some of the most common illnesses children experience include ear infections, colds, allergies and asthma. The immune system is highly intertwined with the nervous system.

Digestive complaints. Common digestive complaints seen in children can include colic, reflux, constipation, gas and bloating. These are often a cause of irritability in children and frustration for parents. The nervous system controls the intestines and other organs, which are essential for proper digestion, absorption of nutrients and elimination. 

Sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances can include bed wetting, night terrors and insomnia. Proper sleep is essential for growth, memory formation and recovery.

Physical injury. Children experience slips, falls and sports injuries. Proper biomechanics and muscle balance are important for avoiding and recovering from physical injury.

Torticollis. Torticollis is a condition in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle (located in the neck), is in spasm. This can cause a painful head tilt and difficulty turning the head.

Postural abnormalities. Many children have postural abnormalities, including forward head, rounded shoulders, uneven shoulders and head tilts as a result of lack of movement and too much time spent on screens. These imbalances can contribute to future pain, decreased mobility and increased chance of injury.

Breastfeeding difficulties. Breastfeeding is a complex task for a baby, requiring coordination of a variety of muscles. Both structural misalignments and nervous system interference, often from the birth process, can lead to difficulties with the latching and sucking mechanisms.

Overall wellness. Pediatric chiropractic care is a great way to achieve overall wellness by supporting nervous system health, improving performance and helping to prevent future pain and injury. Even if your child doesn’t have a noticeable symptom or complaint, they can benefit from chiropractic care.

All of these signs/symptoms are indications of potential nervous system interference and/or misalignment of the spine. When the brain and body can communicate more effectively, with the help of pediatric chiropractic care, many of these symptoms may improve or resolve.

Pediatric chiropractic care can start as early as the day a baby is born. With infants and children, the amount of pressure used to complete a chiropractic adjustment is gentle—the same as checking an avocado for ripeness.

Dr. Annamarie Nardini, DC and her husband, Dr. Matthew Nardini, DC are family, pediatric and perinatal chiropractors at The Homestead Family Chiropractic & Wellness, located at 433 Boston Post Rd, Darien. 

Connect at [email protected], TheHomesteadChiropractic.com or @thehomesteadchiro on Instagram. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 28.

The Homestead Family Chiropractic & Wellness - 433 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT

Drs. Anna and Matt Nardini are dedicated to helping you reclaim your health. With specialized training for pediatrics and pregnancy, they provide gentle, safe, and effective chiropractic ... Read More »