Chiropractic and Children

For over a century, chiropractors have been practicing their healing methods with astounding results. In many cases, the reactions to their methods have been greeted with skepticism and downright hostility by the established medical community and the public alike.

In spite of this type of reaction, chiropractic's patient base has increased consistently. Why? Chiropractic works. It works on young and old. Children are people too, and they have their own set of health issues that can be alleviated through chiropractic care. Some sources claim that by age six, the average child has suffered over 1,000 bumps, falls, and traumas.

Where's the scientific proof that it works? There have been numerous studies conducted that show the success of chiropractic care for children.

New Zealand Government Investigates Chiropractic Care for Children

A government inquiry conducted in New Zealand investigating chiropractic management of children showed that children suffering from a wide variety of disorders responded successfully to chiropractic treatment. As a result, it was recommended that children be viewed as a special population for chiropractic care and that government funding for that care be higher for children than for adults.

Ear Infections

Children under both medical and chiropractic care were the focus of a study that showed that children under chiropractic care had significantly fewer ear infections than those under medical care. Reported occurrence for medical patients was 80% as opposed to 31% for chiropractic patients.

Infantile Colic

A study was conducted on 316 infants suffering from moderate to severe colic. Precise diagnosis was important and the criteria to be met for entry in the study was rigid. The results? There was dramatic reduction in hours of colic occurring on the first day of chiropractic treatment, with a continued daily pattern of reduction during the study. After two weeks of treatment there was a success rate of 94%. The conclusion? "Standard chiropractic treatment constitutes an effective treatment of infantile colic."

Chronic Relapsing Tonsillitis

A study was performed on 76 children with chronic tonsillitis under the care of a throat specialist. Twenty-five of the children had their tonsils removed by operation. Nineteen, or 76%, still suffered symptoms. Thirty-seven were given manipulation. Of these children, 67% were cured of tonsillitis.

All of us at Absolute Health Chiropractic want to encourage parents to seriously consider regular chiropractic care for their children. Make regular visits part of the child's healthcare regime. The benefits will add up to fewer episodes of chronic childhood illnesses. This translates into less stress for you as a parent, reduced costs of medical treatment and drugs, and healthier, happier children.

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Thanks to Dr. David Singer for his October 1995 article in "The Chiropractic Journal" titled "Children and Chiropractic"