A FEW WORDS...
...about the
health and well-being of your children
Falls,
bumps and bruises ... do they affect my child's long-term health?
The answer is YES! Most misalignments of the spine occur
before the age of 10 and get progressively worse with time if left
untreated. As you well know, falls and injuries are very common
to children. Learning to walk or ride a bike, wrestling with other
children, even being tossed up in the air by loving parents can
all lead to misalignments of the bones in the spine. These misalignments
are called subluxations. Subluxations of the spine result in nerve
damage and loss of proper function and health. (See more information
in our About Chiropractic Section). Chiropractors across the nation
help thousands of children each day with safe, natural care.
How
can I improve my child's overall health? When can I begin?
With regular chiropractic check-ups, a child will be
allowed the opportunity to correct misalignments of the spine (subluxations)
in their early phases before permanent damage can occur. Children
should have their spine checked immediately after birth and then
at least 2-4 times a year until fully grown. (This number will
vary from child to child). It is also important for a child's spine
to be chiropractically evaluated before participation in a new
sport such as football, basketball, tennis, soccer, or gymnastics.
I can see how chiropractic care has helped
me, but why does my child need it?
Children need chiropractic care for the same reason as
adults -- to restore proper alignment of the spine and allow proper
functioning of the nervous system. In fact, children will benefit
to a greater extent by chiropractors than adults. The reason for
this is that subluxations are detected early before they progress
into higher levels of damage. Chiropractic care at an early age
can allow children to grow up with their bodies functioning at
higher levels.
HOME SCREENING TEST
The tests listed below can help
indicate to you that your child needs chiropractic
care. These home tests in no way replace
a proper examination by your chiropractor.
These tests and many others will be used
at Genesis Chiropractic Clinic to fully
evaluate your child. If any of these tests
are positive, give us a call to schedule
a check-up or to ask further questions about
your child's health.
Shoe Test: Have your child
bring you a pair of their shoes. Hard soled
shoes will work best for this test. Examine
the heels to see if one heel is worn out
more than the other. If so, this can indicate
pelvic imbalance do to a subluxation.
Leg Check Test: This test
can be done easier with your child's shoes
on. Have your child lay on the floor on
their back. Kneel down by your child's feet
and gently grasp the bottom of the shoes.
Gently pull both legs a few inches towards
you and bring your child's feet together.
Is one leg longer than the other? If so,
this is an important clue to a larger problem.
Posture Test: This test
should be performed with your child barefoot.
Having his or her shirt off may help as
well. Place your finger at the top of each
hip. Is one higher than the other? Next,
look at the shoulders. Is one shoulder higher
than the other? They should not be. Next
check to see if your child's head tilts
to one side of the other. Imbalances in
any of these three areas are abnormal.
Scoliosis Test: Now step
behind your child. Look at the muscles on
your child's back. Is one side more developed
than the other? Next run your fingers down
the bumps in your child's spine. Does it
curve to one side or the other? The spine
should be relatively straight.
Don't
live another day in pain.
You
don't have to!
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