Back pain isn't solely an adult ailment; children and adolescents can also suffer from it. As a parent, it can be concerning when your child complains of discomfort or pain in their back. Recognizing the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, including upper cervical chiropractic care, can be beneficial. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this concern.
Causes of Children's Back Pain
Postural Issues: Extended periods of sitting, often due to school or screen time, can lead to poor posture, contributing to back discomfort.
Injuries or Trauma: This can stem from sports, rough play, or accidental falls.
Growth Spurts: Rapid growth can lead to muscular imbalances or discomfort.
Heavy Backpacks: Overloaded or improperly worn backpacks can strain the back.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions such as scoliosis can contribute to back pain.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Constant or recurring pain.
Pain that gets worse during the night.
Restricted range of motion.
Signs of discomfort during physical activities.
Pain radiating to other parts of the body.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic as a Treatment Option
Upper cervical chiropractic care specializes in the alignment of the upper two vertebrae of the spine: the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). Misalignments in this area can impact the entire spinal column and nervous system. Here's why it's a worthy consideration:
Holistic Approach: Rather than simply addressing symptoms, upper cervical chiropractic targets the root cause of the problem.
Safe for Children: The adjustments are gentle, making them suitable for children's developing bodies.
Improved Nervous System Function: Proper alignment ensures that brain-to-body communication is optimal.
·Non-Invasive: It offers a non-pharmaceutical approach, avoiding potential side effects of medications.
Prevention Methods
Proper Ergonomics: Ensuring your child's study and play environment is ergonomically designed.
Regular Physical Activity: Encouraging sports or other activities can strengthen back muscles.
Educating on Backpack Safety: Teaching children to carry only what's necessary and to use both shoulder straps can reduce the risk.
Children's back pain can arise from various causes, but the good news is that there are effective treatments available, such as upper cervical chiropractic care. As parents, being informed and proactive can make a world of difference in managing and preventing back pain in your child. Upper cervical chiropractic care, with its gentle and holistic approach, can be a valuable tool in your arsenal to ensure your child's overall health and well-being.
How We Treat Back Pain In Children
Our upper cervical spine expert, Dr. Gordon Elder, recommends children with back pain receive treatment while they are still young. Not only will this help alleviate any symptoms or problems they are experiencing from back pain, but it will help prevent the harmful effects that back pain may have in the future.
Dr. Elder is a specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. Unlike traditional chiropractic methods, which involve jarring snaps and scary twists, the Blair Technique is gentle. As well, the Blair Technique is a technique that is safe and non-invasive—perfect for children.
Treatments begin with Dr. Elder screening your child through a consultation and advanced digital diagnostic tools. Once any misalignments are detected, the doctor can calculate and apply gentle, precise, and quick corrections.
The next step in treating back pain involves a series of quick follow-up exams to ensure the vertebrae remain aligned and to monitor the body's natural healing processes along the way. After that, the doctor recommends regular chiropractic checkups to help keep your child's spine healthy, strong and properly aligned as they continue to grow.
If your child is experiencing back pain, contact the Blair Chiropractic Clinic today for an appointment. We see clients in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.