Pediatric Recommendations
Kids & Chiropractic
Chiropractic care for infants and children is safe, effective and can be an important part of your child’s life. Some kids are born into this world needing a little extra help. Others need some help as they grow and develop, are active in sports and adapting to life changes. Dr. Shantai can help parents determine what type of treatment is necessary as your kids mature.
Children should establish their chiropractic care history early in life. Just as a pediatrician does a wellness check-up on your children at key milestones, so do we. Important biomechanical milestones include:
Birth
Sitting Up
Crawling
Walking
Running
Transitioning to Sports
Sports Performance
How will I know to bring my child to see a chiropractor?
During the first few years kids should schedule wellness check ups monthly, or as milestones approach. However, if you see any of the following behavior, schedule an appointment sooner:
Infant who has colic, acid reflux, trouble nursing, head tilt, trouble sleeping, severe irritability
Baby who is crawling unconventionally – scooting or commando crawling
Toddler who is increasingly clumsy or falls a lot
Child who trampolines often
Suspicion of scoliosis
Growing pains
Any sporting or casual fall or injury
Headaches
Wellness Recommendations for Every Age
Newborns
All newborns should be examined for spine and cranial fixation that can develop in utero and from delivery (especially infants born via c-section or assisted/complicated birth).
Common signs to look for include:
Persistent neck rotation, routine spitting up/vomiting, visible discomfort, difficulty sleeping, suspicion of colic, facial asymmetry, constipation, falls, injuries
3-12 Months
Regular wellness exams at physical milestones (every 1-2 months), or at the time we are expecting the milestone, if delayed. Milestones include:
Rolling over, sitting up, pulling up, cruising, crawling, walking
Bring your baby in sooner if showing symptoms including:
Abnormal crawling (scooting, etc), visible discomfort, side preference (nursing, sleeping, being held), suspicion or diagnosis of ear infection, persistent neck rotation, spitting up, reflux, constipation, falls, injuries
1-4 Years
Regular wellness exams every 1-3 months are recommended
Bring your toddler in sooner if showing symptoms such as:
Delayed walking, feet pointing in or out, toe-walking, suspicion or diagnosis of ear infection, postural distortion, constipation, falls, injuries
4-11 Years
Regular wellness exams every 1-3 months are recommended.
Bring your Elementary Age Children in if showing symptoms like:
Back or neck pain, headaches, postural distortions, suspicion or diagnosis of scoliosis, growing pains, injuries, new sports, new school/backpack load
Chiropractic adjustments in kids this age also help regulate symptoms related to their nervous system such as bed-wetting, attention, hyperactivity and more.
12-18 Years
Regular wellness exams every 1-2 months are recommended.
Middle and High School Students should also be examined for the following symptoms
New sports, sports injuries, excessive trampoline use, menstruation, stomach pain, excessive gaming, postural distortions, injuries, growing pains
Exam preparation, reducing stress during studying, reducing tension in neck and shoulders during CSAPs, SATs, etc.
Many athletes are seeking chiropractic care for improved sports performance as early as middle school.