As therapists we should approach the therapeutic environment as an investigator, seeking to offer the right path of care for our patients.  Sometimes that path may take us down roads that go beyond the psychotherapeutic environment; while other times we may desire a collaboration with other practitioners.  Chiropractors offer competent care for individuals suffering from a host of physiological, as well as, psychological needs. 

As always, it is recommended that you regularly consult with your primary physician on the benefits for your child.  Likewise, it is also recommended that you provide your child’s complete health history and medication history to the chiropractor.  Be certain that your chosen chiropractor has a working knowledge of child and youth related disorders, diseases, and health related matters.  It is always recommended that your health professionals are working collaboratively.  Do not forget that you are your child’s best health advocate and authority. 

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

“Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body’s main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient’s health. Chiropractors believe that health can be improved and preserved by making adjustments to these structures, particularly to the spinal column. They do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures, although they do refer patients for these services if they are medically indicated.” (ACC, 2011, Online)

The benefits of chiropractic care are musculoskeletal management of preexisting disorders, chronic and acute conditions, and as a preventive measure.  Through chiropractic treatment  a chiropractor can monitor a child following an accident; spinal health and maturity; headache management; and common issues related to physical childhood development. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT ON MENTAL HEALTH?

Mental health disorders are often a systemic matter, plaguing not only the mind, but as well as the physical body.  The relationship of mental health disorders on the back, legs, neck, and joints have long been a known fact.

A common mental health disorder is migraines. If a trigger of a child’s migraines are musculoskeletal issues then chiropractic treatment may be one of your alternatives to medication.  While migraines remain one of the most mysterious of physiological issues, the treatment of migraines symptoms has progressed over the past few years. 

The University Maryland Medical Center (2011) reported “…that spinal manipulation therapy may help in the treatment of migraine headaches. In one study of people with migraines, 22% of those who received chiropractic manipulation reported more than a 90% reduction of attacks and 49% reported a significant reduction of the intensity of each migraine.”

Mental health illness can ignite many body related discomforts, ailments, and issues.  Mental health issues can manifest as physical problems, which may be your body’s way of coping.  Chiropractors are there to offer your body relief, thus helping you to manage your life challenges.

Patients are unique and so are their needs. Often a collaboration of healthcare professionals are required to effectively manage a patient’s needs.  Chiropractic care is beneficial when looking at the link between the body and the mind.  It helps at times to have another healthcare professional take the time to listen, as well as, offer a hands on approach.  Chiropractic care is a gentle, noninvasive and medication free alternative that offers resolutions for problems associated with the human framework.

CAUTIONS OF CHILDHOOD CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT

Know the professional caring for your child.  Do your homework, ensuring that your child is receiving care from a qualified professional, and if possible, a professional that works regularly with children. Be certain that you and your child are comfortable with the chosen practitioner.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

In conclusion, the benefits of childhood chiropractic care may offer your child and family an alternative for health and personal wellbeing.  “Throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood, the chiropractic lifestyle offers choices and benefits for your greater health and well-being…” (ICPA, 2011, Online) The benefits of chiropractic care on the life of a child have been linked to improved sleeping, improved behavior and attitude, as well as, improved immune system function (ACC, 2011; ICPA, 2011). 

REFERENCES

Association of Chiropractic Colleges, ACC (2011) What is chiropractic? Retrieved. December 29, 2011, from http://www.chirocolleges.org/whatis.html

British Columbia Medical Service Plan, BC-MSP (2011) Medical and health care benefits. Retrieved December 27, 2011, from http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/benefits.html

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, ICPA (2011) Why chiropractic for children? Retrieved. December 28, 2011, from http://icpa4kids.org/About-the-ICPA/why-chiropractic-for-children.html

Leboeuf-Yde, C., Axen, I., Ahlefeldt, G., Lidefelt, P., Rosenbaum, A. & Thumherr, T. (1999) The types and frequencies of improved non-musculoskeletal symptoms reported after chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 22(9), 559-64.

The Royal Children’s Hospital, RCH (2011) Migraine headache Retrieved. December 29, 2011 from, http://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/factsheets.cfm?doc_id=3673

The University of Maryland Medical, UMM (2011) Migraine headache. Retrieved. December 28, 2011, from http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/migraine-headache-000072.htm

Authors:   Dr. Asa Don Brown, Ph.D. and Dr. Sheila Boehm, D.C.

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA