The importance of spinal health is often underestimated, especially when it comes to children. Childhood is a crucial time for spinal development, and even seemingly minor misalignments can lead to long-term health problems if left unaddressed. Understanding the common causes of misalignments in children is the first step toward safeguarding their spinal health. This article will explore five such causes.
1. Birth Process
The birthing process, even under the most normal circumstances, can put considerable strain on an infant's spine. Forceps or vacuum extractions, cesarean births, or even natural births can result in stress and potential misalignment of the baby's delicate cervical (neck) vertebrae. Some studies suggest that a significant percentage of newborns have some sort of neck injury due to the birth process, which underscores the importance of early chiropractic check-ups for infants.
2. Falls and Injuries
Children, especially those learning to walk or those engaged in active play and sports, frequently fall and bump into things. While such incidents might seem minor, they can cause spinal misalignments. Regular rough-and-tumble play, sports injuries, or more serious accidents such as falls from playground equipment or bicycles, can all lead to misalignments or subluxations in the spine.
3. Poor Posture
With the increasing use of technology from a young age, many children spend hours hunched over tablets, computers, and video games. This extended period of poor posture can lead to a misaligned spine, particularly in the neck and upper back. Additionally, carrying heavy backpacks or consistently sitting with improper posture can put undue stress on the spine, resulting in misalignment.
4. Growth Spurts
Rapid periods of growth, especially during the puberty stage, can contribute to spinal misalignments. As the body grows, changes occur in the musculoskeletal system. If this growth is uneven, it can put pressure on different parts of the spine, leading to misalignment. Also, during growth spurts, children may experience a lack of coordination or "growing pains," increasing the risk of falls and injuries, which can lead to further misalignments.
5. Congenital Disorders
Although less common, certain congenital disorders can cause spinal misalignment. Conditions such as scoliosis (a sideways curvature of the spine), spina bifida (a condition where the spine and spinal cord don't form properly), or torticollis (also known as 'wry neck', causing the head to tilt to one side) can all lead to misalignments. These conditions often require specific and regular chiropractic care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
How We Treat Spinal Misalignments in Children
Children's spines are vulnerable to a host of challenges and changes that can lead to misalignment. Regular upper cervical chiropractic check-ups can help monitor and correct these issues before they become significant health problems. At Upper Spine Knoxville, our approach to pediatric chiropractic care centers on providing gentle, effective, and safe treatments.
During your child's initial visit, Dr. Bejian Shamloo will spend time with you and your child discussing their unique symptoms and requirements. After evaluating your child's health history, Dr. Shamloo will employ a suite of specialized diagnostic tools, which include state-of-the-art 3D imaging and infrared thermography, to precisely locate and determine the angle of any misalignments in your child's upper cervical spine.
Using this vital information, Dr. Shamloo will create a customized treatment plan that respects the distinct anatomy of your child's upper cervical spine. Rest assured, our chiropractic adjustments are meticulously adjusted to each child's needs and are free of pain or discomfort. In the event of a detected misalignment, Dr. Shamloo will carry out a series of accurate, gentle adjustments to the involved vertebrae. By re-establishing spinal alignment, we aim to diminish inflammation, relieve recurring symptoms, and foster lasting physical and neurological health for your child.
If you're in search of gentle and effective chiropractic care for your child, contact Upper Spine Knoxville today. Serving Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as neighboring areas, Dr. Shamloo offers upper cervical chiropractic treatment to patients of all ages.