One of the toughest things parents experience is seeing their child in pain and being unable to do anything about it. From ear infections to broken bones after a playground accident, there are times when all parents can do is care for them and make them as comfortable as possible as they heal.
There are a number of medical conditions and injuries that a chiropractor can successfully treat in children. Growing pains, ear infections, back and neck pain, and injuries are the most commonly treated issues. If you’re considering getting chiropractic treatment for your child – whether it’s due to an injury or preventing neck and back pain that’s all too common among kids in sports, there are a few ways to get ready for their first chiropractic visit.
Your child’s first visit will be a consultation and examination. During this time you’ll be able to provide a complete medical history and explain why your child needs chiropractic treatment. During this time, the chiropractor may discuss recommendations, which could include outside referrals for imaging tests such as an MRI or x-ray.
If imaging tests are not needed, an examination will be performed to explore the status of your child’s health. The examination can help detect spinal misalignments, mobility issues, pain points, and more.
Children can receive similar chiropractic care as adults. Once a consultation has been completed, our chiropractors can discuss with you the course of treatment for your child’s needs. Our chiropractors will always use a gentle approach when conducting spinal adjustments and other treatments such as instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, electric stimulation treatment, and hot/cold therapy.
If your child is suffering from a specific condition or injury, the course of treatment will focus on remedying the issue as chiropractic treatment can help promote healing. Additionally, chiropractic care can help promote growth and development, help with digestive issues, improve a child’s immune system, and much more.
As the first appointment is more of a consultation than actual treatment, be prepared to provide a detailed medical history and answer any questions the chiropractic may have. Once a treatment plan has been decided, you can ask the chiropractor if there is anything to do prior to the first appointment for treatment.