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
This is very important for everyone! Having correctly aligned joints makes it much easier to maintain your balance. This is particularly important for older people and also for kids, who have a higher risk of suffering from a fall injury. Thanks for this ❤
Thank you for sharing you story or experience. I found this very helpful to all the readers. Great work.
How safe is chiropractic adjustment? I’m considering on sending my 3 year old to the nearest chiro doctor here. Anyone who tried this treatment for their young ones?
No scientific proof that it will work by 100%, there’s no harm of trying. Chiropractic care is generally safe when employed skillfully and appropriately. Make sure you choose a certified chiropractors that can be trusted. Anyway, thanks for the useful information here.
Dear San Diego Chiropractor,
Thank you for your time and efforts. It’s interesting that one may have a feeling that something should work completely 100% when there is nothing that works 100% all the time (medicine, etc.).
Again, thank you for your time and efforts.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
I am a sports athlete before, now that I’m in my fifties I normally had muscleaches and back pains. I visited my doctor for help and instructed me to have a few labs and diagnostic examinations to determine what is the root cause of this. All of my results are normal and explained to me that it could be caused by hormone imbalances that’s usual in my age. Until, I discovered on the web about this chiropractic care that have aided thousands of people with back and muscle aches. I went to one of the famous chiropractic doctor and amazingly had cured my back pains while not taking any medications and undergoing obtrusive medical treatment methods.
Chiropractic care therapy is really beneficial. Excellent write-up, very educational. Continue on sharing one. Thanks! 🙂
Dear Chiropractor Nashville,
I am sincerely appreciative of your time and feedback. Your feedback is extremely beneficial to those seeking chiropractic care. Chiropractic care comes with it’s criticisms, but not unlike “all” professional fields, we have our naysayers. I am a firm believer that we will always have naysayers if we are offering a human service.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
Dear Dr. Asa,
What a great article to clear confusions of the parents who suspecting its effectiveness. Even though there’s no scientific proof that it will work by 100%, there’s no harm of trying. Chiropractic care is generally safe when employed skillfully and appropriately. Make sure you choose a certified chiropractors that can be trusted. Anyway, thanks for the useful information here!
Regards,
Jane
Dear Jane,
Thank you for taking the time to review and offer your feedback. It is vitally important that patients feel as though they can trust and have a positive standard of care. I do believe that chiropractic care offers many positive benefits, it is convincing the general public that it has positive benefits.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
Please review the research:
http://uschirodirectory.com/index.php/chiropractic-research/item/350-chiropractic-and-children-from-birth-to-18-years-old-conditions-cared-for-and-side-effects
Dear Dr. Bell,
I am sincerely appreciative of the review of my latest article and your comments.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
Health is holistic in that everything in the body is connected. It’s no wonder that receiving chiropractic care can benefit you mentally, just like laughing makes you healthier.
Dear Kirkland Chiropractic,
I am sincerely appreciative of your time and feedback. It is intriguing how simple gestures, adjustments (whether mental or chiropractic) and changes can drastically effect the life of another.
I am sincerely appreciative of your time and feedback.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
The benefits of chiropractic care are incredible! I have heard lots of success stories from my friends and relatives.
Dear Chiropractic Nashville,
I am sincerely appreciative of the time that you have taken to review and comment on my article: “Mental Health Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Children and Youth.” It is reassuring to know that others are having a positive effect from chiropractic care. Of course, there will always be naysayers; the important part is to live beyond the naysaying.
May you have a truly blessed day.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
I’ve seen and heard a lot of positive response from people who received chiropractic care and that’s more than enough proof for me that chiropractic care really works.
Dear Shiomo Baron,
Thank you for taking the time to reply and review my article on “Mental Health Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Children and Youth.” I appreciate your confirmation that chiropractic care has a positive effect.
May you have a truly blessed day.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
Maybe a look at the other side? I recall the York University case in 2001 quite well.
http://chirowatch.com/FSU/che050128mangan.html
Also please read this book; Spin Doctors: The Chiropractic Industry Under Examination
Description
Canadians visit chiropractors about 30 million times a year, and surveys show that patients are generally satisfied with their treatment. But studies also show that as many as two hundred Canadians a year suffer strokes brought on by neck manipulation. Spin Doctors takes a hard, dramatic, and spine-chilling look into the world of chiropractic medicine. You will be surprised to learn what chiropractors treat and why and how much it costs you as a taxpayer. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to protect yourself and your family from dangerous adjustments, practice-building tactics, bogus treatments, and misleading information.
Dear Dr. Mike
I am always appreciative of constructive criticism. As a therapist, I cannot ethically dispute your findings, because I have neither researched nor studied your findings. As a therapist, I can indicate that chiropractors have offered tremendous benefits unto many of my patients.
Debating or confirming your findings would be ridiculous if I have not given myself to research them. As a therapist, I refer to a variety of practitioners. Sadly, while we are all seeking to offer the best for our patients, there are risks with many professions. For example, in the field of medicine, there are known negative responses and repercussions that “can” possibly occur from psychopharmacological medicine. While we are all seeking to offer our best, risks are a part of the picture.
During my doctoral practicum, I worked with a psychiatrist who expressed that the worst part of his job was to offer not only a prescriptive medicine, but to offer a clinical diagnosis. I can confirm that this is a very challenging aspect of psychology; for you are acting as the ultimate authority and diagnostician.
Finally, while I am not seeking to argue your points, I am writing to thank you for your perspective.
Thank you for your time and feedback.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
chiropractic care has lot of benefits for kids, adults, women or men any one. nice article and this valuable information about chiropractic care’s mental treatment and its benefits is really good.
To Whom It May Concern at Chiropractic Care,
Thank you for taking the time to review and remark on my latest article. I I believe that there are benefits from chiropractic care. My knowledge comes from insights from my own research, and having relationships with chiropractic professionals.
Again, thank you for your time and feedback.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
Dr Brown I want to thank you for expressing the need for alternative therapies and treatments. Most medical professionals can be quite narrow minded and believe that only their area of medicine can be beneficial. Personally I frequent the care of my chiropractor and besides relieving stress and strain and headaches, I also am more tolerant and capable to manage the stresses of my life.
Keep up the thought provoking articles I enjoy studying and contemplating each one.
Tracy
Dear Tracy,
Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my latest article. As I had previously mentioned to Dr. Bell, it is encouraging that practitioners are becoming more-and-more collaborative, because after all, it should be about the patient and not our professional egos. For far too long, we have had for a dissonance amongst a number of professional practitioners, but in recent years there has appeared to be a more collaborative spirit occurring between practitioners.
Again, thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my latest article.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
Dr. Brown,
Thank you for putting this research together and delivering it so eloquently to the public. My wife and I have a pediatric and family practice in Bentwood, CA and I am constantly amazed at the results we get from adjusting the spine and nervous system of an infant or child . Fact is, children cannot be fully healthy with spinal misalignments (known as subluxations) which will cause nerve interference.
Keep up the good work!
Dr. Bryen A. Bell
Clinic and Wellness Director
BAC to Health Chiropractic Lifestyle
Dear Dr. Bryen A. Bell,
First of all, thank you for taking the time to reply to my latest article. It is interesting how interconnected one’s psychology and physiology is. Furthermore, it is encouraging that practitioners are becoming more-and-more collaborative, because after all, it should be about the patient and not our professional egos.
Again, thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my latest article.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
Dear Helen Green,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my latest article. I too think it is vitally important to offer a collaborative perspective when working with a patient/client. It offers the patient a broader view of their needs, and allows for them to have a basket of choices, rather than limiting them to one myopic perspective.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
It is interesting to read about the physical and psychological combination of symptoms in children. I think it is particularly important to liaise with the primary care physician first as stated in the article. I also agree that collaboration between different healthcare providers is important depending on the child’s problem. I think this is particularly important as different professionals may see the child’s problems from a different perspective and offer different treatments as appropriate. The article will be particularly helpful for parents not knowing what is wrong with their child.
Well thought out and presented with essential matters for parents and individuals to ensure are brought into care. Years ago I was hesitant about chiropractic care…however, having sustained significant injuries when a motor vehicle hit mine as I was sitting at a red light…and then having my physician actually recommend a specific chiropractor for treatment…my view changed. I must say I was reluctant even on making the appointment…did so in trusting my physician and went in giving the dear chiropractor instructions about what he was not to do (I had worked within the traditional ‘medical model’ system and was apprehensive. Fortunately the dear chiropractor was very patient with that, and professionally explained step by step what chiropractics is about and each procedure. The results from the chiropractic therapy were amazing! I concur with the author of this article, one does need to provide background medical history and ensure there is collaborative work for best care., whether that is for a child or an adult.
Eunice
Dear Dr. Eunice Johannson,
First of all, thank you for taking the time to reply to my latest article. I must agree, I too was quite hesitant at first when getting involved with the chiropractic field. It is so rewarding to have a practitioner who not only actively listens to our spoken needs, but hears the needs that are often unaddressed. I fully agree that a collaborative spirit is a must when working with our patient’s overall welfare.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown
Chiropractors have been a benefit to me all my life. My first visits began in grade 6 when a zealous gym teacher insisted I accomplish a “dive roll” or fail gym.
My chiropractor managed my pain and adjustments and I was off and running as a 12 yr old should.
What I enjoy the most about all my chiropractors, is that results are immediate. My other doctors require compliance and effort from me, but when I get adjusted the results are right there.
The physical benefits immediately benefit a patient’s mental state. Even if there is no pain but the adjustment allows the individual to walk straight and hold oneself up, the benefit is there. Young or old.
A healthy mind preoccupied with a hurting body, helps no one.
Dear Ian,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my latest article. Your story is so reflective of many stories that I have heard through this page, as well as, many LinkedIn groups connected to this article. The stories all begin with, “I have story of how”, or “my experience with a chiropractor when…”, then the positive benefits that occurred from their chiropractic adjustments. By the way, thank you for sharing your story and it’s positive perspective.
I am sincerely appreciative of your review.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Asa Don Brown