Chiropractic Kids Health
Childrens Spinal Development
Children are subjected to two formidable challenges to their musculoskeletal system during development.
The first is the trauma of passage through the birth canal, maybe one of the most dangerous passages to be traversed in a lifetime. This is a time when the cranial structures (sutures joints of the skull) under go molding to allow newborns to pass through the birth canal. There can be birthing traumas from difficult births requiring instruments or prolonged distressed labors placing stress on mum and baby.
The second major onslaught to the child’s emerging musculoskeletal system occurs when the infant has to master the transition from a four legs to two legs, then mastering the task of maintaining an upright spine, learning how to walk and hold their posture against gravity and movement.
Superimposed upon this burdensome task is the fact that the last major growth spurt usually occurs between the ages of 11 and 13, after which time both the complaints and treatment regimens of such individuals become congruent with those of adults. This is a particular time when scoliosis becomes more apparent.
The goal of all manual therapy interventions is to alleviate or eliminate perceived asymmetries in spinal structure, posture or gait so as to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms.
Referral to the appropriate medical specialist may be warranted in certain cases of children developmental problems which your chiropractor would advise you on.