Our spine usually develops perfectly during the coarse of pregnancy with only a few exceptions. It is the process during birth and the time after children may develop spinal misalignments and disrupt the normal function of the spine. Spinal segments may be pushed or pulled out of alignment during the birthing process. Research has suggested that many problems our children encounter early in their life can be a result of birth trauma.
It seems children never run out of energy, they go all day long running, jumping, and playing hard. Sometimes all this physical activity puts stress on the spinal nerves and spinal column; this may lead to lowering a child’s resistance and open the door for many illnesses. Spinal problems can also occur in children as a result of the frequent falls in their young lives. Any sudden, unsupported movement of the head and neck in an infant can open the door for vertebral subluxations. On the other end of the spine, young children often fall onto their sacrum as they learn how to walk, putting enormous amounts of stress on the large sacroiliac joints. These joints are important because they offer a transition from our lower body to our truck and upper body.
Common indicators of spinal problems may include the child's head consistently being tilted to one side; restricted head or neck motion to one side; disturbed sleeping patterns where the child sleeps for only an hour or two at a time; feeding difficulties in the very young infant; the infant may have difficulty nursing at the breast on one particular side.
Common childhood disorders can also sometimes indicate a spinal problem. Persistent earaches, sore throats, colic, headaches, bed-wetting, and growing pains are some of the more common problems for which parents bring their children to the chiropractor.
The slightest misalignment can cause a child to suffer from adult type problems, such as headaches, back pain, poor concentration, irritability, etc. and for many, a simple, painless spinal exam will allow your Chiropractor to find, and treat if necessary any misalignments.
Chiropractic Care for children is much more than just spinal exams. Your Chiropractor can also examine and monitor the growth of your child’s body, address important nutritional needs, offer correct exercise programs, and help to prepare your child for a healthy adulthood.
Children also benefit from regular spinal exams!
Before coming to Back to Wellness and working with Dr. Matt, I was in almost constant pain that made it hard to do the things I love, mainly playing softball, running, and fly fishing. I had trouble bending at the waist, turning my head, or standing for any amount of time without severe pain affecting my feet and back. From the start, Dr. Derry made me comfortable with his methods of practicing chiropractic. We first had an initial consultation where he listened to my problems and helped answer any questions I had in regard to treatment. He then did a comprehensive examination, including X-rays and strength and flexibility tests, which helped him pinpoint the sources of my issues. Finally, he outlined a short term and long term plan for my problems, assuring me that his intent was not to create a lifelong patient, but to get me well in an appropriate amount of time. Before every procedure he performed, he was adamant about teaching me about my body and the way it would react to treatment so that I would be more at ease. After a couple months of treatment and rehabilitation, I not only was nearly pain free, but my balance and agility had returned to levels I had not known in years. My strength and flexibility were greatly improved as well, and I am now back to enjoying the activities that make my life complete. Dr. Matt has given me something that is invaluable, freedom to live without fear of pain. 
Gary C.
Children & Chiropractic 
