Back Pain, Chiropractor, Massage Therapy, Muscle Pain, Sports Injury, Children, Pregnancy - Chiropractic - Australia
Children
The early years of a child's life are the most important in terms of long-term health and well-being. This is especially true for the development of a child's spine and nervous system. Babies and children grow quickly, and their muscles, ligaments and bones develop rapidly. Children can suffer from a variety of conditions related to poor spinal health. These include scoliosis, infantile colic, growing pains, asthma, ear infections, hyperactivity and congenital joint problems.
At birth, a child's spine is a single curve, shaped like a C. The newborn lacks the strength to hold up his or her head. At about six months, neck muscles develop and help the infant to hold up his/her head. At about nine months, the lower back curves, the muscles in the lumbar area develop, and the child learns to crawl and stand. The child now has the strength and balance to walk and run. Like an adult, the child develops three natural curves in the spine to support the body.
As they learn to walk and run, children fall and can suffer strains and sprains as a result. Detecting these problems at a young age is critical for the proper development of your child's spine. Many postural problems and back pains we experience as adults are frequently traced back to falls as children, or to a traumatic childbirth.
It is good to look for early warning signs of postural or other musculoskeletal problems in children. These include:
- tilting of the head
- neck sensitivity
- inability to lie on their back
- crying when moved out of their favourite sleeping position
- difficulty in breast feeding
- limited motion (perhaps with a leg or an arm)
- a bent body position
- unusual differences in the appearance of one side of their body from the other (such as one hip being higher)
Swelling, pain or constant crying and irritability are also signs of distress that should be evaluated, along with any unusual problems with eating, sleeping or playing.
There are several ways in which you can help your child's spine develop appropriately.
- Provide a firm bed.
- Ensure your child has a well-balanced diet.
- Teach your child not to slouch.
- Use an approved car seat that supports your child's head and neck.
- When lifting a baby, always support the back and neck with your hands. Pick up an older child by grasping his or her body under the arms.
- Don't put younger children in walkers prior to the child learning how to walk on their own. This could put pressure on the lower vertebrae of the spine.
Chiropractic checkups can also help identify problems that may appear in a child's early life. It is recommended that children attend up to six spinal examinations a year, at which time the development of the spine, joints and muscles will be investigated. Spinal check-ups performed when your baby begins to sit, crawl and walk can ensure that these movements are being performed correctly, and identify any possible impediments to proper spinal maturity.
Spinal examinations in children are simple, safe and non-intrusive. As few as six check-ups a year can help secure your child's long-term spinal and health and engagement in a fun, active life.
The early years of a child's life are the most important in terms of long-term health and well-being. This is especially true for the development of a child's spine and nervous system. Babies and children grow quickly, and their muscles, ligaments and bones develop rapidly. Children can suffer from a variety of conditions related to poor spinal health. These include scoliosis, infantile colic, growing pains, asthma, ear infections, hyperactivity and congenital joint problems.
At birth, a child's spine is a single curve, shaped like a C. The newborn lacks the strength to hold up his or her head. At about six months, neck muscles develop and help the infant to hold up his/her head. At about nine months, the lower back curves, the muscles in the lumbar area develop, and the child learns to crawl and stand. The child now has the strength and balance to walk and run. Like an adult, the child develops three natural curves in the spine to support the body.
As they learn to walk and run, children fall and can suffer strains and sprains as a result. Detecting these problems at a young age is critical for the proper development of your child's spine. Many postural problems and back pains we experience as adults are frequently traced back to falls as children, or to a traumatic childbirth.
It is good to look for early warning signs of postural or other musculoskeletal problems in children. These include:
- tilting of the head
- neck sensitivity
- inability to lie on their back
- crying when moved out of their favourite sleeping position
- difficulty in breast feeding
- limited motion (perhaps with a leg or an arm)
- a bent body position
- unusual differences in the appearance of one side of their body from the other (such as one hip being higher)
Swelling, pain or constant crying and irritability are also signs of distress that should be evaluated, along with any unusual problems with eating, sleeping or playing.
There are several ways in which you can help your child's spine develop appropriately.
- Provide a firm bed.
- Ensure your child has a well-balanced diet.
- Teach your child not to slouch.
- Use an approved car seat that supports your child's head and neck.
- When lifting a baby, always support the back and neck with your hands. Pick up an older child by grasping his or her body under the arms.
- Don't put younger children in walkers prior to the child learning how to walk on their own. This could put pressure on the lower vertebrae of the spine.
Chiropractic checkups can also help identify problems that may appear in a child's early life. It is recommended that children attend up to six spinal examinations a year, at which time the development of the spine, joints and muscles will be investigated. Spinal check-ups performed when your baby begins to sit, crawl and walk can ensure that these movements are being performed correctly, and identify any possible impediments to proper spinal maturity.
Spinal examinations in children are simple, safe and non-intrusive. As few as six check-ups a year can help secure your child's long-term spinal and health and engagement in a fun, active life.
