Pediatric Chiropractic Care: What Parents Should Know
The first years of a child’s life are filled with remarkable growth and change. During this time, children develop new movement skills as they learn to hold their head up, roll, sit, crawl, stand, walk and explore their surroundings.
Every child develops at their own pace. Genetics, environment, opportunities for movement and overall health can all influence development.
Why might a parent bring their child to a chiropractor?
Parents may seek a chiropractic assessment when they have questions or concerns related to their child’s:
- Neck, back or joint movement
- Comfort with certain positions
- Head or neck preference
- Posture
- Mobility or movement symmetry
- Recovery following a minor musculoskeletal injury
- Participation in sports or physical activities
A pediatric chiropractic assessment focuses on the child’s spine, joints, muscles and movement patterns. It does not replace the medical assessment or treatment of developmental, neurological or systemic health conditions.
What happens during a pediatric chiropractic assessment?
The assessment begins with a detailed health history. Depending on the child’s age and the reason for the visit, the chiropractor may observe or assess:
- Posture and general movement
- Neck and spinal mobility
- Joint movement
- Muscle tone and areas of tension
- Age-appropriate movement patterns
- Relevant orthopedic or neurological findings
Parents are encouraged to remain with their child throughout the appointment and to ask questions at any time.
If chiropractic care is considered appropriate, the chiropractor will explain the findings, available options, expected benefits, possible risks and alternatives before obtaining informed consent.
What does pediatric chiropractic care involve?
Chiropractic care for children is adapted to the child’s age, size, comfort and clinical needs. The approach used with an infant or young child is different from the care that may be provided to an adult.
Care may include gentle, age-appropriate manual techniques directed toward identified musculoskeletal findings. No treatment is provided until the parent or legal guardian has received an explanation and provided consent.
Not every child requires chiropractic care. Recommendations should be based on the individual assessment rather than a child’s age alone.
Working together with your child’s healthcare team
Chiropractors do not diagnose or treat developmental disorders unless the condition falls within the chiropractic scope of practice. Chiropractic care should not be presented as a way to prevent developmental disorders, improve brain development or treat conditions unrelated to the musculoskeletal system.
If an assessment raises concerns outside the chiropractic scope of practice, the chiropractor may recommend that the child be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional. This could include a family physician, pediatrician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, lactation consultant, speech-language pathologist or another qualified provider.
Parents should speak with their physician or seek urgent medical attention if their child:
- Loses a previously acquired developmental skill
- Is unusually difficult to wake or appears seriously unwell
- Develops sudden weakness, altered movement or balance difficulties
- Has experienced a significant fall or head injury
- Has difficulty breathing
- Has persistent fever, vomiting or signs of dehydration
- Is not meeting expected developmental milestones
Our approach at One Village Family Chiropractic
At One Village Family Chiropractic, each child is assessed individually. We listen to the parent’s concerns, complete an age-appropriate musculoskeletal examination and clearly explain what we find.
When chiropractic care is appropriate, recommendations are based on the child’s clinical findings and are reviewed as care progresses. When another type of assessment is indicated, we encourage referral or collaboration with the appropriate healthcare professional.
If you have questions about whether a chiropractic assessment may be appropriate for your child, please contact our office. A conversation or assessment does not guarantee that chiropractic care will be recommended