Most of us go to the chiropractor after illness or injury. We understand that treatment is a vital part of healing and recovery. But did you know that our kids can also benefit? Chiropractic care does more than just help you get better, it builds balance and maintains a healthy body from before day one. Dr. Chani Henderson at Family & Sports Chiropractic Clinic in Vancouver WA is here to help along the journey.
When our kids are in pain, they can’t always explain what’s going on. They may point to a painful spot without knowing how its tied into a larger bodily function. Headaches can result from allergies, a bump while playing, poor sleep, dehydration or anxiety but all a child knows is that their head hurts. Even adults don’t always realize the true source of their pain, simply masking it with over-the-counter medicines. A chiropractor can help find and treat the root cause, so you skip the daily ibuprofen with breakfast.
Chiropractic treatment can also provide every parent’s favorite thing: sleep. Studies show that in kids, a visit can reduce crying times and colic as well as address muscle aches and growing pains that keep them awake. It can also help with reflux, constipation and other tummy issues that make sleeping tough.
Dr. Henderson can even help with care before the baby is born. As a skilled pregnancy chiropractor, she explains that “adjusting women through pregnancy is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. A healthier pregnancy means an easier labor and delivery, and a better transition into this life for the baby. Often times we see women years after a traumatic pregnancy and they have suffered from chronic, unrelenting back/pelvic pain ever since, simply because they were unaware of their options for care during the pregnancy. Pregnancy chiropractic care is not only safe, it should be an integral part of your healthcare.”
Older children, especially when school is in session, are germ magnets. Chiropractic care can even help them fight illness by making sure their body is working together at 100%. Research explains that “the nervous system relays information to the brain from the entire body and can directly influence receptors in the immune system. The brain has the ability to use nerve cells to communicate directly with the immune system and trigger an immune response, and vice versa. The immune system can send signals to the brain to let it know of any foreign, unwanted antigens. The brain can then tell the nervous system to react. Some studies show increased levels of antibodies and other essential cells in the immune system following an adjustment. In some cases, patients who were sick with colds, sore throats, and sinus congestion reported accelerated recoveries after their adjustments.”
If your little ones play sports, injuries can, and will, happen. A lifelong athlete herself, Dr. Henderson is fully aware of all the aches and pains, breaks and sprains that come with them. Don’t just write off lingering soreness, look to find the cause. “If you think you have an injury that is causing your performance to suffer, get in contact with us and we will help you through the process by diagnosing the pain, and providing a treatment plan to promote your return to pain-free activity.”
And visits can even be proactive. “Some sports injuries can even be prevented through proper chiropractic care,” explains Dr. Henderson. “If hips are misaligned or you have other issues with your back or joints, you may be compensating for that with your movement. Sometimes that compensation can actually cause other injuries throughout your body. Routine body maintenance through chiropractic care will help keep your body in working order making it less likely for injuries to occur.”
One of the best aspects of chiropractic care is that it provides help and relief without medicine. As we age, we’re happy to trade off relief for the occasional side-effect but kids can be more sensitive. Children’s ibuprofen, for example, may cause upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, or drowsiness. If they can be pain free without running that risk, it’s worth a try.
Growing up is hard work. As parents, we want to do anything in our power to make the journey exciting, educational, safe and fun. Prepare your little ones for every step of the way with a visit to the chiropractor today. Or give Dr. Henderson a call at 360.254.0400 to discuss your questions, concerns and medical history. She’s always happy to help.