A pediatric chiropractor is a doctor of chiropractic who specializes in the care of children. They are trained to diagnose and work with neuromusculoskeletal problems, especially those that do not necessarily have an obvious cause or medical diagnosis. With so many questions about what they do, it can be difficult to find answers without asking your pediatrician or doing research on your own. We’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions below to help get you started!
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Is A Chiropractor a Doctor?
Yes, but it’s not as simple or straightforward as that. “Doctor” typically refers to a Medical Doctor (MD) and is who you would expect to see at a hospital or “doctor’s office”. A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is someone who performs chiropractic adjustments and has successfully completed an accredited four-year doctoral program in the field at one of 17 worldwide colleges. This training focuses on promoting wellness and proper function of the nervous system for their patients.
The dictionary defines “doctor” as a person who has been given formal training and authority in the practice of medicine, surgery or another medical specialty.
In some states, chiropractors are considered to be primary care providers-meaning they can diagnose and improve certain conditions without relying on other doctors for referrals.
The scope of chiropractic care varies from patient to patient and depends on the type of injury, condition or ailment that is affecting them at that time. Chiropractors often work in collaboration with other medical providers-such as doctors, dentists and massage therapists-to provide patients with a full-spectrum of care.
What is the difference between a chiropractor and someone who does physical therapy?
A pediatric chiropractor will often be trained in more than just hand-on adjustments. They are also educated to look at how the brain and nervous system are functioning and if there is interference in the way that they are communicating that can affect a child’s ability to grow and develop. A physical therapist is focused and trained primarily in working on physical deficits of pediatric patients.
The spinal cord is the connection between the brain and all other parts of the body. It carries messages from the nervous system, like pain signals, to every part below it in order to coordinate movement (including walking). Chiropractors help make sure the spine is in line to increase the efficiency of the communication between the brain and the body.
Why would a child need a chiropractor?
A chiropractor is able to see and diagnose problems that other doctors might not be able to. Some children need their spine realigned or “adjusted” because they were born with a dysfunctional curve in the neck, which can cause them pain as well as difficulties breathing.
Chiropractors also have techniques that they use for working with children with ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder or other neuro-developmental disorders. They may be able to help alleviate some of the symptoms by restoring proper function and balancing out a child’s nervous system through adjustments.
Is it safe for a child to go to a chiropractor?
Yes! Pediatric chiropractors are trained to adjust children of all ages, and they use gentle techniques that have been shown to be safe and effective. If your child has a specific issue that needs to be addressed, the chiropractor will work with you and your pediatrician to determine what is the best plan of action. If your child is overall healthy, chiropractic adjustments can still provide value to their daily functioning, mobility, emotional needs, and ability to deal with stress.
Some chiropractors specialize in helping children and will have the training to meet their needs, while others may not be highly qualified for the age group. ADIO Chiropractic in Madison WI is a pediatric chiropractor who specializes in helping children and families, so we understand the common issues for parents.
Can you be paralyzed by a chiropractor?
No one has ever been reportedly paralyzed by a chiropractor in the United States.
The doctors at ADIO Chiropractic have the training and experience to safely adjust children of all ages (infant-teenager) and also adults and elderly.
What is the best way to find out if a chiropractor can help my child?
Here’s the thing: chiropractors don’t just help with necks and backs and people in pain. They can also improve daily functioning. Sleep is a good example: An adjustment can help your baby sleep better, earaches heal faster, and calm colic (each of which are commonly related to sleeping troubles). And if you think about it, this makes sense because of how important and complicated sleep is for children.
It may be helpful to contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider for advice on whether they would recommend one. Talk with more than one medical doctor, since their opinions and knowledge can vary. A doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) will also be able to answer any questions that you may have.
What are some common reasons children go to a chiropractor?
A pediatric chiropractor can help improve any problem that affects your child’s health. Some of the most common problems they see in their offices include:
– sleep disorders
– headaches
– ear infections
– asthma and allergies
– scoliosis
– torticollis (unintentional tightening in neck muscles, which may cause a baby’s head tilt or turn)
What should I do if my child has a neck injury?
If your pediatrician suspects that there may be something more serious, you will need to go in for an x-ray and/or MRI as soon as possible. If not, then it’s still important to use common sense when dealing with the pain. Avoid any unnecessary neck movement, and use ice packs or heat pads to reduce the swelling.
Can chiropractor help with tongue tie?
Yes! Since chiropractors often see patients who have failed to see improvements in their symptoms from standard recommendations, they are able to look at the impact that has on the nervous system. By removing any interference on the nervous system it allows the tongue muscles and all other structures that the nervous system controls to function properly, which can improve the symptoms associated with tongue tie without surgery.
Can chiropractor help baby sleep?
Chiropractic care for babies can help with sleeping problems. Some babies have trouble sleeping. They might wake up because of discomfort. They can benefit from chiropractic care because when the nervous system is adjusted, it allows it to function better and which results in better sleep quality.
A child should not needlessly suffer with lack of sleep or troubles with sleep. A chiropractor can help them by adjusting the spine and restoring their mobility and function to allow a better night of rest.
How does chiropractic care help ADHD?
Research has shown that chiropractors can help patients with ADHD by adjusting the spine and supporting healthy nervous system function through chiropractic adjustments of spine. Chiropractors may also recommend exercises to improve flexibility and coordination.
How can a chiropractor help my child’s asthma?
A diagnosis of asthma is never made by a chiropractor, but they do specialize in helping people with breathing difficulties through spinal adjustments that help keep the spine mobile. Patients who see their chiropractor regularly may feel an improvement in their asthma over time.
Can a chiropractor help with behavior issues?
Patients with autism or behavioral disorders can benefit from spinal adjustments that can help improve their overall health and well being. Interference or stress on the nervous system alters the input that is going to the brain which can alter the way that the brain processes its world which can lead to altered brain development. When kids are struggling with meltdowns or tantrums, they may need help learning how to control their emotions. At ADIO Chiropractic, Dr. Eric offers regular seminars and online live workshops to teach parents/caretakers what is happening at different stages of brain development and answer questions. These workshops give practical advice for helping with behavior issues.
Is a chiropractor expensive?
The word “expensive” is a subjective term that means something different to everyone. The cost of chiropractic care is determined by where you live, what type of insurance plan you have and if the clinic accepts your health coverage at all. For example, in some areas an initial assessment may range from $200-$450, while in other areas it may be $150. Typical costs for each adjustment range from $30 on the low end to 100 or 150 on the high end. In the Midwest, like Madison WI, it’s common to pay $50 for an adjustment at the cash price.
ADIO Chiropractic provides financial options for new patients. We also offer individualized care plans that help keep individuals and families on track for improving their overall health.
How long does a typical adjustment take?
Most adjustments will last less than five minutes. Be sure to tell them if you have noticed things about your child so that nothing gets missed. Even things that seem arbitrary can be important.
Is chiropractic an alternative medicine?
In the United States, “alternative therapy” generally refers to methods not taught in schools or used by mainstream medical doctors and clinicians. However, it’s important to note that there are many types of options available for patients through complementary or integrative health care.
According to the National Institutes of Health’s Medline Plus, chiropractors are considered “complementary health care providers.” They use spinal adjustments to help with everything from low back pain to headaches. In some cases, they may prescribe exercises or recommend ergonomic changes in a patient’s home or workplace as well.
Do you have any questions for a pediatric chiropractor? Call ADIO Chiropractic in Madison, WI today.
We hope this has answered some of your questions and if not, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Schedule an appointment with ADIO Chiropractic today and learn how we can help alleviate pain in kids as well as adults. Call 608-824-0950.
