Upper Cervical Glen Carbon & Edwardsville

Dr. Thad Vuagniaux, Chiropractor

Kid’s Corner

Upper cervical care is an excellent part of the overall care plan for many diseases and disorders in children. 

Upper Cervical KidsUpper cervical care is providing relief for many different disorders—allowing the body to better repair itself. This care provides relief and often assists other treatment methods for issues including diabetes, asthma, inner ear disorder, lower back pain and others. Since this treatment is so effective on adult patients, many wonder if it is an acceptable treatment for children.

Upper cervical care is, in fact, an excellent part of the overall care plan for many diseases and disorders in children. An upper spine that is out of alignment can cause significant nerve damage and make it more difficult for the body to fight off other diseases and illnesses.

Parents may be a bit nervous about seeking upper cervical care for their children since the body and spine is still growing. This is certainly a valid concern, but parents should rest assured that upper cervical chiropractic care is very safe for children.

Upper Cervical Glen Carbon kidsUpper cervical care only affects the top two vertebrate and as such, has much less of an impact on a growing spine than other types of chiropractic care. Parents can rest easy knowing that this type of treatment is safe and not likely to cause any damage to a child—in his or her spine or elsewhere in the body.

The best thing about upper cervical care is that it is not painful or invasive. Patients normally feel a sense of comfort and relief during and after the treatment. While our practice is not focused on curing any particular illness or disease, the care that we give is effective in making the nerves in the body work as they are intended. This care gives the body the tools it needs to repair itself.

Here are 5 ways that your child can benefit from chiropractic care.

  • Birth Trauma Recovery
    Labor and delivery can be just as hard on a newborn as it can be for the mother. Infants experience a large amount of stress during birth – new home, new sounds, more lights, and people always wanting to touch them. Doctors poking and prodding to gather vitals and issue vaccinations or tests. A gentle chiropractic adjustment can help to alleviate the toll stress can take on an infant’s body.
  • Colic
    ​Colic is a dreaded symptom that is difficult to treat in newborns because the cause is unknown. If you have tried everything else, why not try chiropractic care? We have had many parents report that their little one is sleeping better and crying less after receiving care. There has also been research into the treatment of colic with chiropractic adjustments as well. A study conducted and released by The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics concluded that “chiropractic manual therapy improved crying behavior in infants with colic.”
  • ​Preventative Care
    Our healthcare system is built around the idea that you wait to see a doctor until you are already ill or hurt. Wouldn’t it be smarter to keep kids healthy rather than waiting to treat them after they fall ill? You should regularly see a chiropractor in addition to other wellness physicians for preventative care and treatment.
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  • Injuries
    From learning to crawl, sit up and stand to walking and running, you know as a parent that there will be plenty of falling as your child learns to center themselves with the effects of gravity. As children get older they become bolder and braver, attempting stunts that would make you cringe on your best day. Injuries from these aren’t always obvious like a cut or broken bone, there could be micro trauma. As your child ages and bones grow, these micro traumas can result in the misalignment of their spine. Chiropractors are educated and trained in the detection and treatment of these misalignments to reduce or prevent side effects. Have your child see us regularly to prevent long term effects in the future.
  • Illness
    Your central nervous system and immune system are intertwined. If there is stress or interference in your central nervous system, then your immune system will not be able to optimally function. Chiropractic adjustments realign the vertebrae in the spine, allowing the central nervous system to function as it is intended to work with your immune system to promote healing within the body.

Upper Cervical Glen Carbon kidsPARENTS FAQs

ARE ADJUSTMENTS PAINFUL?

Usually, children – and adults, too – find upper cervical adjustments to be pain-free. However, some young children may be surprised by the sudden adjustments and cry for a short period. We will discuss this with you and your child when you come in before we do any adjustments.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS UPPER CERVICAL CARE?

A number of signs may indicate that your child could benefit from upper cervical chiropractic care. You may notice your child’s head consistently tilted to one side, restricted head or neck motion, or difficulty nursing at the breast on one side. Chronic earaches and headaches are among other common symptoms that your child may need chiropractic care. The only way to know for sure is to have your child examined by a professional chiropractor specializing in upper cervical care.

Upper Cervical Glen Carbon kidsHOW SOON SHOULD I GET MY CHILDREN UNDER THIS CARE?

As soon after birth as possible, and then have them checked periodically as they grow up. You could not possibly give your child a better gift than to make certain that the one organ of the body that controls all of the other organs and body functions, the brainstem, is doing its job without interference from the tiny bone just below it.

WHAT MAY CAUSE MISALIGNMENT TO A CHILD’S SPINE?
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Children’s spines are susceptible to misalignment just as adult’s spines are. The many falls that come during their adventures as children, whether learning to walk or simply playing, are enough to cause spinal subluxations. Some infants even acquire subluxations as a result of the trauma of childbirth.

WHAT RISKS ARE INVOLVED IN USING CHIROPRACTIC CARE ON CHILDREN?

The risk of a child suffering a permanent injury from an upper cervical chiropractic adjustment is extremely rare. Your upper cervical doctor will take precise measurements and extreme care when working with your child.
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If you have any questions or concerns about our care for children and young adults, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to help you understand our services and tell you more about our practice.