Children’s Chiropractor in Newmarket

When we think about chiropractic care, we often imagine adults seeking relief from back pain, neck pain, or other musculoskeletal issues. However, children, too, can benefit from regular visits to a chiropractor.

A children’s chiropractor. Someone who has experience seeing infants, children, and teens. Dr. Jon Saunders has over 21 years experience in his family chiropractic practice.

The Modern Lifestyle and Its Impact on Children’s Health

With today’s lifestyle, filled with long hours of sitting, frequent use of video games, and active participation in sports, children are more susceptible to developing spinal and postural issues. This can lead to discomfort and pain.

A children’s chiropractor can help with:

1. Prolonged Sitting and Poor Posture:
In the digital age, children are spending more time sitting than ever before. Whether at school, doing homework, or playing video games, the amount of time they remain seated can negatively impact their posture. Slouching, hunching over screens, and poor ergonomic setups can lead to strain on the neck and back.

2. Video Games and Screen Time:
The popularity of video games has skyrocketed, and while they can be a fun and engaging activity, excessive screen time can take a toll on a child’s musculoskeletal health. Long hours in front of a screen can lead to forward head posture. It can also lead to other postural distortions which is often a precursor to tension headaches, neck pain, mid-back pain, and even lower back issues.

3. Sports and Physical Activities:
While staying active is crucial for a child’s overall health, sports and physical activities can sometimes lead to injuries, especially in growing bodies. High-impact sports, repetitive movements, and improper technique can cause joint misalignments, muscle strains, and other musculoskeletal issues.

Why a Children’s Chiropractor is Essential for Children

1. Early Detection of Spinal Issues:
Children’s spines are still developing, making it an ideal time to ensure that they are growing correctly. Chiropractic check-ups can help detect any spinal misalignments, scoliosis or postural issues early on. This can help prevent them from developing into more severe problems in the future.

2. Natural, Non-Invasive Care:
Chiropractic care is a natural and non-invasive approach to maintaining optimal health. Unlike medications, which may only mask symptoms, chiropractic adjustments aim to address the root cause of discomfort by realigning the spine and improving the body’s overall function.

3. Improved Nervous System Function:
The spine plays a crucial role in protecting the nervous system, which controls every function in the body. Misalignments in the spine can interfere with nerve signals, potentially leading to various health issues beyond just pain. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help ensure that the nervous system functions optimally, supporting your child’s overall growth and development.

4. Enhanced Athletic Performance and Injury Prevention:
For young athletes, chiropractic care can be a game-changer. Regular adjustments can help maintain proper alignment, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury. Moreover, if an injury does occur, chiropractic care can aid in a quicker recovery, allowing your child to return to their favorite activities sooner.

Chiropractic care is not just for adults—children can benefit greatly from regular check-ups as well. With the pressures of modern life, including prolonged sitting, excessive screen time, and sports activities, children are increasingly at risk of developing spinal and postural issues. This can lead to pain and discomfort. By incorporating chiropractic care into your child’s routine, you can help ensure they grow up healthy, strong, and free from the aches and pains that can accompany an active and modern lifestyle.

What is Involved in a Children’s Chiropractor Check-Up?

A children’s chiropractic check-up is a gentle and comprehensive process designed to assess a child’s spine, nervous system, and overall musculoskeletal health. Here’s what typically happens during the visit:

1. Initial Consultation

• Health History Review: The chiropractor begins by discussing the child’s medical history with the parents. This includes any past injuries, illnesses, birth history, developmental milestones, and current concerns or symptoms.
• Observation: The chiropractor may observe the child’s posture, gait, and general movement patterns to identify any visible misalignments or areas of discomfort.

2. Physical Examination

• Postural Assessment: The chiropractor will examine the child’s posture, checking for any imbalances or misalignments in the spine and shoulders.
• Spinal Examination: The chiropractor gently palpates the child’s spine to feel for any areas of tightness, tenderness, or misalignment.
• Range of Motion Tests: The chiropractor may guide the child through simple movements to assess the flexibility and range of motion in the neck, back, and limbs.
• Neurological Assessment: This may include checking reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination to ensure that the nervous system is functioning properly.
• Orthopedic Tests: If necessary, the chiropractor might perform specific tests to check for issues like scoliosis or other musculoskeletal conditions.

3. Chiropractic Adjustment (If Needed)

• Gentle Adjustments: If the chiropractor identifies any misalignments or areas of concern, they may perform a gentle adjustment. For children, these adjustments are extremely light and often involve using just the fingertips a specialized tool, or specialized drop-table bench. The pressure applied is similar to what you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
• Education: The chiropractor explains to the child and parents what the adjustment does and why it’s necessary, helping to alleviate any anxiety or concerns. As well, posture or strengthening exercises will often be given.

4. Follow-Up and Home Care

• Recommendations: After the check-up, the chiropractor may provide guidance on posture, ergonomics (e.g., how to sit properly at a desk), and exercises to support spinal health. They might also suggest modifications to daily activities, such as limiting screen time or adjusting sleep positions.
• Regular Check-ups: Depending on the child’s needs, the chiropractor may recommend follow-up visits to monitor progress and make additional adjustments if needed.

5. Addressing Specific Concerns

• If the child has specific issues such as headaches, digestive problems, or trouble sleeping, the chiropractor may explore these in relation to the spine and nervous system. Adjustments and care plans can be tailored to address these concerns.

Children’s chiropractic check-ups are designed to be non-invasive and comfortable, ensuring that the experience is positive for both the child and the parents.

If you would like your infant, child, or teen to see our children’s chiropractor for an assessment, book here.