We all want what’s best for our kids and navigating the endless array of parenting and medical advice for even the common cold is daunting. When to give medications, when to ride something out, when to seek expert help – it’s not always easy to know what to do and when. We only know that when they’re hurting, we’re hurting. What many parents might not know is that chiropractic care for your kids can be a useful tool in their healthcare. Chiropractic care can be part of a holistic, and individual-centric treatment plan for some common childhood ailments.
Colic
There’s nothing like the sound of a colicky baby to send parents over the edge. Colic is characterized by intense crying and fussiness for three or more hours a day. While love and patience may be the best “medicine” for dealing with colic, tired parents may find some relief from colic symptoms with professional chiropractic care. One study found that chiropractic adjustments can reduce crying by up to two hours per day.
Ear infections
Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their kids to the doctor. Nearly five out of six children will experience at least one ear infection by their third birthday. The American Academy of Pediatrics now discourages jumping into prescriptive anti-antibiotics for young children. By exploring natural remedies and treatments, many children can overcome ear infections without the side-effects associated with repetitive antibiotic use. Researchers have found a strong correlation between chiropractic adjustments and the resolution of ear infections in children.
Constipation
Constipation is a common issue for many kids. It also stinks for parents – pun intended. No one enjoys luring their child to the potty with a reward hanging in the balance for a job well done. If your child is fearful that going to the bathroom may hurt, then he or she may try a variety of tactics to avoid going. This becomes a vicious cycle that leads to more abdominal pain and constipation. The good news is, by keeping an eye on your child’s diet, establishing daily routines, and using other forms of natural care like chiropractic care can reduce stressful occurrences of constipation in your child.
ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is commonly identified when a child has difficulty paying attention and controlling their behavior. Over the past ten years the rate of children diagnosed with ADHD increase by 42 percent. The potential for over-diagnosis has caused a lightning rod of controversy within the medical profession as doctors have begun to speak out about the number of prescriptions that are filled each year for powerful stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall. Leading healthcare organizations have begun to encourage a more conservative approach to managing ADHD. Adding holistic care, such as behavioral therapy, has been shown to eliminate the use of medications for nearly 40 percent of kids. Recent research concluded visible improvement in ADHD symptoms (i.e., hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness, as well as behavioral, social, or emotional difficulties) through the chiropractic care of children previously diagnosed with ADHD.