My aim is to provide a high level of care to your children. I have a standard for the evaluation and treatment for each age group and problem. This has been created from clinical experience and following high level paediatric teachings in Australia. Your child’s progress and development is important to me!
General Indications
Common childhood conditions and problems encountered by chiropractors include the delay of early gross motor skills such as inability to turn the head fully, roll over both ways, sit independently, crawling in a cross patterning, delayed walking and bad posture. Infantile colic, the irritable baby and reflux may be manifestations stemming from problems in the neuromuscular system, which in turn may respond favourably to paediatric chiropractic.
Indications of spinal problems that you may notice in your child:
- Trouble turning the head to one side
- Preferred feeding on one side, latching, suck reflex problems
- Sleeping disorders
- Flat-head: flatness on the side of the skull
- Digestive issues: constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, reflux, “windy and bloated”
- Excessive crying, “colic” or irritability
- Ear infections
- Poor head control
- Can’t roll over
- Crawls with one foot up
- Falls repetitively
- Sitting in “W Position”
- Poor posture
- Bed wetting
- Lack of concentration
Initial Consultation
During the first consultation, I will take a full history of the pregnancy and birth. It is important to know the position of the baby in the womb (breech, transverse etc.) and the delivery method. I will also ask you about your child’s daily patterns (feeding, sleeping, crying, general wellbeing, etc). As babies are unable to tell us with words, a lot of information can be ascertained from their behaviour. For older children, I will take a thorough medical history. At the end of the first consultation, I will explain the treatment process to you and talk through your child’s treatment plan.
The Examination
During the examination, I will assess the postural and muscular tension, as well as the individual and global movement of the body, spine and neck. Particular attention is put on spinal mobility and alignment. I will perform a neurological exam to make sure your child is developing correctly (primitives reflexes, reflex and strength test etc). The head shape and symmetry of the cranial bones will also be evaluated. The examination may vary for babies and children due to their age and development.
The Treatment
For babies and children, treatment consists of gentle spinal, cranial and visceral paediatric techniques in areas found with imbalances. The treatments differ significantly from those performed on adults. I will use light fingertip pressure on the baby’s back, neck, head or abdomen. In older children, I may choose to use an instrument (known as an “activator”) to adjust the spine. I may also choose to gently massage the muscles on either side of the baby’s spine or stomach. Infant adjustments are very gentle, safe and effective. Typically a baby will be soothed by an adjustment.
Progress and Treatment Response
During the treatment sessions, I will always enquire about the progress and evaluate the mechanical changes. I may offer advice on nutrition, sleeping positions, exercises etc. For your child’s best possible outcome, I may recommend that we work with another health care practitioner in conjunction with my care (podiatrist, physiotherapist etc). Any referrals would be discussed with you.
When should you book an appointment? Get checked early!
Ideally, babies should be checked and adjusted as soon as possible after birth to help alleviate spinal problems caused by constraint or abnormal positioning in the uterus, or by spinal distress from the journey through the birth canal or during the delivery process itself.
Early detection and correction can prevent layers of damage from occurring in the child’s vital nervous system.
Chiropractic helps support children’s own natural ability to be healthy.
All children function better with 100% nerve function. All children deserve the right to express their fullest potential. Chiropractic care for children is safe, gentle and effective. It allows for the opportunity for maximum potential for well-being.
Bonus: Check out Dr. Jennifer’s 10 Reasons Parents Take Healthy Children to Chiropractors.
I am very happy to speak to you on the phone or by email if you have any questions.
Dr Lee Round
Doctor of Chiropractic