Why should I bring my child to see a chiropractor when they are healthy?
A common question I get from friends and practice members regularly: Why should my healthy child with NO symptoms see a chiropractor?
Well, I always like to answer this question with one of my own. Why do you take your child to the dentist when they have no complaints of pain in their mouth or teeth?! You would look at me and say, well Dr. Sam I want to help prevent them from getting cavities or catch any cavities that may already be there! Because as we know cavities don’t always cause symptoms. Herein lies your answer.
Most of us seek out our dentist for preventative care BEFORE problems arise. Chiropractors can be utilized in much of the same way. However, Chiropractors are more concerned with the health of your child’s nervous system rather than their teeth. It’s important to note that Chiropractors do NOT treat symptoms or disease, but rather they remove vertebral subluxation and associated nerve interference, thus optimizing function and communication within the body.
There was a study conducted in 1989 that compared results from two hundred chiropractors and two hundred pediatricians to determine, if any, differences were to be found in health status of their respective children as raised under different health care models. Nearly 43% of the children under the medical model suffered from tonsilitis, compared to less than 27% of the chiropractic children. The chiropractic children also showed lower antibiotic use and a lower incidence of disease, especially ear infections. If this group of chiropractic children became sick it is reported that the illness was mild in comparison to those exhibited by their classmates. Analysis of these results indicated a definite correlation between chiropractic care and superior health!! (We’ve had this information for over 3 decades! CRAZY!) So really, what does this mean? It means that a nervous system that is fully communicating with little to no vertebral interference can create an environment of better health!
The benefits of preventative care for children are incredible, and here are a few reasons on the WHY parents bring their kiddos in:
1. To enhance their child’s overall health and well being
2. To strengthen immunity and reduce the incidence of colds, earaches and general illness.
3. To improve their child’s ability to hold focus and concentrate.
4. To assist with behavioral disorders and offer greater emotional well-being.
5. To maximize their child’s plasticity. (aka brain and nerve development)
6. To help with asthma, allergies, and breathing difficulties.
7. To assist with sleep issues.
8. To improve spinal posture.
9. To help with colic and fussy babies.
10. To help alleviate bed wetting and digestive problems.
As the old saying goes:
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
Innately Well- Dr Sam Pajestka
References
1. Van Breda WM. Van Breda JM. A comparative Study of the Health Status of Children Raised Under the Health Models of Chiropractic and Allopathic Medicine. J Chiro Research. 1989;70-77.
2. Barham-Floreani, J. (2005). Well adjusted babies: A Chiropractic Guide for Holistic Parenting from Pregnancy Through to Early Childhood. NEU Book Design & Publishing.
