Taking Control of Your Health
The Stern Chiropractic Newsletter
Featured Topic: CHIROPRACTIC FOR KIDS
Referral Corner:
The Greatest Compliment my Patients Can Give is the Referral of Their Friends and Loved Ones. Thank You For Your Trust. This month, I would like to thank the following people for their trust: Dr. Debbie Stern, Dr. David Kanarek, Denise Stevenson, Lauren Fliehman and Debra Goldwasser.
Charity Corner:
Stern Chiropractic is collecting donations for The American Heart Association. A matching contribution will be made by Stern Chiropractic (certain restrictions apply). Please join me in helping find a cure.
Topic of the Month : CHIROPRACTIC FOR KIDS
Who falls into this category?
Children of all ages – from newborns up.
Why is Chiropractic and Acupuncture care important for children? Let’s find out.
The birth process may be one of the most traumatic events of our lives. The resulting irritation to the nervous system can be the cause of many newborn health problems. Colic, unexplained crying, poor appetite, breathing problems and allergic reactions can often be traced to nervous system dysfunction caused by a malfunctioning spine. In addition, the biomechanical issues that can arise from fetal development, compressing a newborn through the birth canal and/or the potential trauma of delivery when the head and neck of the newborn are being tractioned in attempts to deliver the child, can be substantial. For example, does your infant or the infant of someone you know only breastfeed on one side? This could be due to restrictions in the infants cervical spine (neck) caused by something that happened inutero or at birth and causes discomfort for the child to turn his/her neck in that direction so he/she does not want to nurse on that side.
Childhood Development
As newborns become infants and then toddlers they form the secondary curves of their spine, the Cervical (neck) and Lumbar (low back) lordosis’ (curves). The primary curves of the Thoracic spine (mid-back) and Sacrum (tail bone) are present at birth but the cervical lordosis forms as the child lays on his/her tummy and lifts his/her head. The lumbar lordosis forms as the child begins to stand and walk. If these curves develop properly, the spine will work like a big spring to absorb shock. If dysfunction exists in the spine, problems could arise.
As your child starts to walk and run he/she also starts to fall and get bumped around. All these little falls and bumps add up and can cause spinal joint dysfunction (subluxation).
Next, your child is school age and is playing sports, carrying heavy backpacks and sitting all day in school, the falls, bumps and hits, as well as the jarring from stop and go sports, can affect your child’s spinal health. Similarly, the excessive load of a heavy backpack, especially when worn on only one shoulder, and poor posture when sitting all day in class can take its toll on spinal function.
All along your child’s development, the child experiences ear infections, sinus infections, allergies and/or other illnesses. These illnesses could be associated with poor nervous system response, spinal dysfunction and/or food or environmental toxin allergies/ sensitivities.
Lastly, if your child is not treated after being injured in an auto accident (even a minor accident), in sports or elsewhere, he/she may develop dysfunction that stays with him/her a lifetime and may lead to early degenerative/arthritic changes. Even something as simple as an ankle sprain should be treated.
What Should You Do?
1. Bring your newborn in for a chiropractic check-up as soon as they are released from the hospital.
2. If your child is experiencing colic, does not nurse on one side or experiences any of the other symptoms listed above, bring them in for a chiropractic exam.
3. Follow each of the developmental milestones listed above with a chiropractic check-up to make sure everything is okay.
4. Don’t leave injuries untreated, even if they seem minor. Bring them in and get it checked out.
5. Take nutrition and posture seriously. Talk to me for more information.
What Happens At A Child’s Chiropractic Exam and Treatment?
A thorough history is taken that involves both the child and the parent(s). The history may explore any issues that existed during the pregnancy, delivery or during the child’s development. Following the history, a detailed physical examination is performed. Next is the report of findings which is presented to the parent(s) and child with a goal of providing the highest level of understanding of the problems, the treatment goals and the recommended treatment. If the exam was a “check-up” and all seemed well, healthy tip, nutrition and performance tips for sports may be discussed when appropriate. The treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, acupuncture (usually needless), nutritional counseling for healing and health, rehabilitation therapy and home exercises.
It Scares Me To Think About My Child Getting Adjusted.
Don’t worry. Chiropractic adjusting techniques are modified to fit a child’s size, weight, and unique spinal concerns. Children respond very well and quickly to chiropractic care. Parents often report that their children seem healthier than other kids their age and the kids love it so much that they race to see who gets adjusted first.
Many spinal problems seen in adults begin in childhood. Proper spinal hygiene is an important key to better health.
If your child does get hurt, would like to improve his/her athletic performance (via a more finely tuned nervous system) and/or would like to be and stay healthier Chiropractic Care is the way to go.
Stern Chiropractic is offering FREE Spinal Evaluations for all Children under 18 during the month of August. Call today to schedule your child’s appointment.
Products of the Month : Reusable Ice Packs
For all the bumps, bruises, aches and pains your family has. This reusable hot/cold pack is the best on the market, always stays pliable and is only $5.
I hope this information helps you take control of your health and your life! If you have any questions, feedback or have any suggestions for future topics, please call or email me.
If you know someone who would be interested in receiving this newsletter, if you would like to receive this newsletter via email, or if you would prefer to no longer receive this newsletter, please let me know.
Don’t forget the importance of maintaining your health with regular chiropractic and acupuncture care.
Sincerely,
Gregg Stern, D.C., FICPA