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The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Even as the public is becoming more aware of the benefits of early detection and care of the vertebral subluxation complex, the odds are that you were looking for pain relief for yourself as an adult when you first went to see your family wellness chiropractor. During your initial examination, it's possible that a certain phase of degeneration was detected. If you were informed that you are at phase 1, the original damage to your spine was likely 10-20 years ago. If you were at phase 2, the original damage to your spine was probably about 20-40 years ago. For example, if you first saw your chiropractor when you were in your late 20s and you're in phase 1 of degeneration, then the damage to your spine originated when you were a preteen.

So, the most obvious answer to the question of why your child may need chiropractic care is: to avoid having your child suffer the same pain that first brought you into a chiropractor's office by starting care early. Spinal problems that go undetected or neglected in children become more serious problems as adults.

Your Child's First Adjustment

When your child is seen by your family wellness chiropractor, their spine and nervous system will be analyzed to determine if a vertebral subluxation is present. Often, the doctor will touch the spine and muscle (static or motion palpation), examine the length of the legs (pelvic misalignment may shorten one leg) or examine your child's posture (level of head, shoulder and hips).

If your child does indeed require an adjustment, your chiropractor will gently place his or her hands to the spine with a light touch. Often, only the fingertips of the doctor's hand are used to gently move the vertebrae, allowing the body to return to its normal position.

The essence of chiropractic is that it acknowledges that the body functions from the inside out. A simple way of understanding this concept is A.D.I.O., or Above (brain function), Down (spinal chord), Inside (nerve supply), Out (to every tissue of the body, including muscles, organs and glands). When the nervous system is functioning at its optimal level, then you and your children are experiencing a true expression of health.

Moving You and Your Family to a Wellness Lifestyle

You may already be aware of the benefits of chiropractic care. You may have experienced for yourself the relief that comes from having a properly aligned spine. If you have not had your child's spine evaluated, it's time to schedule an appointment to determine if there is a vertebral subluxation (which is painless until later in life).

Like dentistry, chiropractic, when started young, provides your child with a way to attain full-body health that lasts a lifetime.

Claudia Anrig, DC, practices in Fresno, Calif., and is on the board of directors of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, an organization that can answer your questions regarding the value of chiropractic care during and after pregnancy.