Chiropractic for kids
Chiropractic Care for Kids: Supporting Neurodevelopment from the Start
As a parent, you want your child to thrive. But did you know that the early years of life are crucial for wiring your baby’s brain and body for success? Chiropractic care can play a vital role in supporting your child’s neurodevelopment, helping them achieve milestones, and setting the foundation for lifelong health. Let’s explore why chiropractic care is an essential part of every child’s journey.
Early Development: Wiring for Thriving or Struggling
The first few years of a baby’s life are a critical period for growth and development. During this time, their brain and body are establishing patterns that can either set them up to thrive or to face challenges later in life.
As a chiropractor specializing in neurodevelopment, I’ve noticed that developmental delays often go unnoticed until children reach school age. By this time, the delays—whether in motor skills, speech, or emotional regulation—may already be well established. Research suggests that many of these delays begin in the first year of life, a crucial time for intervention and support.
The Role of Chiropractic Care in Tracking Development
Chiropractic care for children is about more than just spinal health; it’s about optimizing the function of their nervous system. From birth through growth spurts, chiropractors can help track and support a child’s development, addressing any concerns before they become significant challenges.
Through gentle adjustments and tailored exercises, chiropractic care can correct abnormal movement patterns, enhance nervous system function, and help children thrive. This proactive approach is especially valuable in the early years when neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and change—is at its peak.
Common Developmental Concerns Chiropractic Care Can Address
1. Primitive Reflexes:
Primitive reflexes are involuntary movements that develop in the womb and help babies survive the first year of life. These reflexes should integrate (disappear) by 6-12 months as postural reflexes take over. If primitive reflexes persist beyond this timeframe, it may indicate that the nervous system is functioning at a lower developmental level.
Unintegrated reflexes can contribute to challenges such as poor coordination, balance issues, emotional dysregulation, and learning difficulties. A paediatric chiropractor can assess these reflexes and provide gentle interventions to support their integration.
2. Dural Tension:
Dural tension occurs when the dura mater—the connective tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord—becomes tight. This can lead to a baby developing a “banana-shaped” curve, early rolling, or asymmetrical movement patterns. These issues can interfere with brain development and motor skill acquisition.
Chiropractic adjustments can relieve dural tension, promoting symmetry and allowing your baby’s nervous system to function optimally.
3. Cranial Movement and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Flow:
The bones of the skull are not rigid; they move subtly to pump cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which nourishes the brain and spinal cord, removes waste, and regulates nerve excitability. Restrictions in cranial movement can impair CSF flow, impacting nervous system function.
Chiropractors trained in cranial adjustments can restore this movement, improving CSF circulation and overall nervous system health.
4. Head Shape (Plagiocephaly):
Flat spots or asymmetry in a baby’s head, known as deformational plagiocephaly, affect up to 61% of infants. While this condition is often considered purely cosmetic, research shows it can also lead to neurodevelopmental delays.
Chiropractic care can address the underlying causes of head shape asymmetry, such as neck restriction or muscle imbalances, and help restore balance to the cranial system. Early intervention is key, as the soft spots in a baby’s skull close by around 24 months.
Tips for Parents to Support Development
In addition to chiropractic care, there are steps you can take at home to support your child’s development:
Increase Tummy Time: Encourage your baby to spend time on their tummy while awake to build strength and promote symmetrical development.
Reduce Time in Equipment: Limit the use of bouncers, car seats, and swings during awake periods to allow for more natural movement.
Alternate Sleep Positions: Place your baby in different orientations in their crib to encourage even pressure on their head.
Use Supportive Tools: Consider options like Mimos pillows (with guidance from a healthcare provider) to support head shape if this is a concern.
The Bigger Picture: Neurodevelopment and Beyond
A well-functioning nervous system is the foundation for a child’s health. When communication between the brain and body is optimized, children are better equipped to:
Develop motor skills like crawling and walking.
Build a strong immune system.
Regulate emotions and behavior.
Focus and learn effectively in school.
By addressing physical, emotional, and environmental factors that influence neurodevelopment, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to helping children thrive.
Research and Resources
For parents seeking more information on chiropractic care and child development, the following resources are invaluable:
Books:
The Well-Adjusted Baby by Dr. Jennifer Barham-Floreani
What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner (helpful for children with emotional regulation issues)
Articles and Studies:
Research on primitive reflex integration: Zafeiriou DI. “Primitive Reflexes and Postural Reactions in the Neurodevelopmental Examination.” Pediatrics (2004).
Studies on plagiocephaly and neurodevelopment: Collett et al. “Longitudinal Study of Neurodevelopment in Infants with Deformational Plagiocephaly.” Pediatrics (2013).
Organizations:
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA): Offers resources on pediatric chiropractic care.
Tummy Time Method™: Provides guidance on safe and effective tummy time practices.
Choosing the Right Chiropractor
When seeking chiropractic care for your child, look for a practitioner with specialized training in paediatrics. If you need help finding a paediatric trained Chiropractor near you please email us for some recommendations.
Chiropractic care is about more than just addressing physical symptoms—it’s about supporting your child’s overall development and helping them thrive. By focusing on the nervous system, chiropractic care can identify and address potential challenges early, paving the way for a healthier, happier future.
Investing in your child’s neurodevelopment now can prevent problems later, giving them the best possible start in life. Don’t wait for an issue to arise—consider chiropractic care as a proactive step toward optimal health and development for your little one.