As a premier pediatric and family chiropractic clinic serving the Plantation and the greater Fort Lauderdale community in Broward county, Dr. Gena Chiropractic has witnessed the transformative power of chiropractic care in addressing common childhood ailments. From constipation to trouble sleeping, chiropractic adjustments offer a gentle and non-invasive approach to support your child's overall well-being. 

Let's explore how chiropractic solutions can make a difference in your child's health. These are some of the childhood ailments we see most often in our office:

Constipation: Easing the Flow

Constipation can be a common concern for parents, but did you know that spinal misalignments may contribute to this issue? 

Constipation in children can be linked to disruptions in the nervous system, affecting the proper functioning of the digestive organs. Chiropractic adjustments focus on aligning the spine, which, in turn, aids in restoring the communication between the brain and the digestive system. By addressing subluxations (neuro-spinal misalignments), chiropractors can help alleviate tension and interference in the nerves that control the digestive tract. This can lead to improved bowel function and a reduction in constipation issues. 

Many parents have reported positive changes in their child's digestive health after incorporating chiropractic care into their routine. One of the things we hear most from parents after they’ve brought their babies and toddlers to see us is that they are pooping better. We love to hear it!

Tip: Changes in your child’s diet are encouraged, such as increasing fiber intake and ensuring adequate hydration, to complement the effects of chiropractic care on constipation. Additional supplementation can also help.

Frequent Ear Infections: Finding Balance

Frequent ear infections can be frustrating for both parents and children, and can be the result of a compromised immune system. Chiropractic care focuses on the spine's alignment, which, in turn, can enhance the immune system's ability to fight infections. 

Chiropractic adjustments may focus on the upper cervical spine, where subluxations and misalignments can affect the Eustachian tubes' drainage — that’s the opening that connects the middle ear with the nasal-sinus cavity. By restoring proper alignment, chiropractors aim to improve the fluid dynamics in the ears, reducing the likelihood of infections. The upper cervical area (top of the spine) houses the cranial nerves. This allows it to effect all the nerves going to the eyes, ears, nose, throat and face.

By addressing underlying issues, chiropractic adjustments may help reduce the frequency of ear infections, offering relief for your little one. Parents often report back that their children experienced fewer ear infections and/or were able to avoid things like ear tube surgery by incorporating pediatric chiropractic care.

Tip: Highlight the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices and avoiding exposure to environmental factors that can contribute to ear infections. 

Trouble Sleeping: Restoring Harmony 

A good night's sleep is crucial for a child's growth and development. Sleep disturbances in children can be influenced by imbalances in the nervous system. Chiropractic care seeks to address these imbalances by ensuring that the spine is properly aligned, promoting better communication between the brain and the body and resulting in better sleep patterns.

The adjustments may focus on the spine's areas that influence the nervous system's regulation of sleep, through accessing the parasympathetic nervous system. By reducing tension and promoting relaxation, chiropractors aim to contribute to improved sleep patterns in children. If your child struggles with sleep, consider exploring chiropractic care as a natural and holistic solution for more ease in their life.

Tip: Encourage a consistent bedtime routine and create a sleep-conducive environment at home. Limit screen time before bed, and instead incorporate relaxation techniques and activities that promote a sense of calm.

Nervous System Regulation - ASD, Attention/Mood Disorders: A Holistic Approach

Chiropractic care extends its benefits to children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and attention/mood disorders. These are complex conditions involving the nervous system.

Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach by addressing underlying spinal issues that may contribute to these disorders. Chiropractors focus on improving nervous system function through gentle adjustments. While not a cure, chiropractic care may complement other therapies and contribute to a child's overall well-being. 

When the brain-body connection has more ease, both neurotypical and neurodivergent kids can experience more ease in their day-to-day life. Parents often report that their neurodivergent/ASD children experience more relaxed behaviors, improved sleep and even improvements in speech and in both fine and gross motor skills.

Tip: In these cases, it’s important to take a multidisciplinary approach, working with other healthcare professionals, therapists, and educators to ensure the best possible treatment plan for your little one, coupled with other lifestyle changes including diet.

Colic/Reflux (Upper Digestion Issues): Aligning for Comfort

Colic and reflux can cause distress for both babies and parents. Chiropractic adjustments help reduce subluxations that may contribute to digestive issues. Chiropractic care aims to address these neuro-spinal misalignments, particularly in the upper cervical spine, to support digestive function. 

Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to relieve tension in the nerves controlling the digestive system. This may contribute to a reduction in colic and reflux symptoms, providing relief for both babies and parents.  Parents have reported significant improvements in their baby's comfort and well-being after incorporating chiropractic care into their routine.

Tip: Use gentle massage and careful feeding practices to soothe your baby. 

Babies - Trouble Latching (Including TOTS - Tongue/Lip Ties): A Helpful Hand

Chiropractic care plays a role in addressing tongue and lip ties, which are conditions that occur at birth that restricts the range of motion for the tongue and/or lips. Both conditions can impact a baby's ability to latch during breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Chiropractic care plays a role in addressing these ties by focusing on the alignment of the spine and associated structures through the nervous system.

Chiropractors may use gentle adjustments to release tension in the muscles and tissues affected by tongue and lip ties. This can contribute to improved latching and breastfeeding success. Many parents have found chiropractic care to be a valuable addition to their journey of nurturing their newborn.

Tip: Seek support from lactation consultants and maintain open communication with healthcare providers.

Incorporating chiropractic care into your child's healthcare routine can provide a more natural and holistic approach to addressing common childhood ailments. As every child is unique, consulting with a qualified pediatric chiropractor is essential for personalized advice. If you're curious about how chiropractic care could benefit your child, reach out to us and let's work together on a journey toward optimal health for your little one. 

A healthy spine and nervous system lays the foundation for a healthy life. Embrace the potential of chiropractic care in supporting your child's well-being and helping them thrive. Remember, your health (and your children’s health) is in your hands; our hands are here to help.