Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Research shows that spinal problems that go undetected or neglected in childhood may become more serious problems as adults. Early detection and prevention is imperative.

Dr. Lardi has a special interest in caring for children of all ages – including newborns, infants, and toddlers. She had completed advanced training in this area and is a member of the International Chiropractic Paediatric Association.

Why Chiropractic for Children?

More parents are discovering the important chiropractic care plays in their child’s overall health. Children who receive regular chiropractic care get sick less often, and do generally live healthier lives.

Parents bring their children to our office seeking a natural approach to addressing day-to-day health concerns including:

“Well-Baby Check-Ups” for Your Newborn

Chiropractic also plays an important role in your newborn’s health and well-being. We encourage all new mothers to bring their newborns in for a “Well-Baby Check-Up” to ensure their nervous system and spine are functioning optimally after the trauma of birth. Learn more about the benefits of “well-baby check-ups” for your newborn.

Many childhood health conditions may be the result of distortions in the spine, resulting in stress on the nervous system. Since the nervous system controls all functions of the body, any interference can have wide-ranging effects on your child’s health and wellbeing. For this reason, it is important to detect spinal problems early.

A compromised position in the womb and the process of child birth itself can be the first source of stress on a still developing delicate spine and nervous system. Even minor spinal trauma caused by, for example, improper lifting of the child out of a car seat, or during diaper changing, can affect the nervous system and interfere with your child’s normal healthy. For this reason, we encourage all new mothers to bring their newborns in for a “Well-Baby Check-UP” to ensure their baby’s nervous system and spine are functioning optimally after the trauma of birth.

As your child grows, and starts to walk, run, climb, or ride a bike, the inevitable falls and bumps can affect the still developing spine. While these incidents may seem “harmless”, the result is often misalignments of the spinal bones and compromised nervous system function, which can potentially cause loss of health. Further, many childhood complaints that are brushed off as “growing pains” can often be tracked back to the spine.

As your child grows, and starts to walk, run, climb, or ride a bike, the inevitable falls and bumps can affect the still developing spine. While these incidents may seem “harmless”, the result is often misalignments of the spinal bones and compromised nervous system function, which can potentially cause loss of health. Further, many childhood complaints that are brushed off as “growing pains” can often be tracked back to the spine.

Answers to Additional Questions About Pediatric Care

  • Why is early detection of spinal problems important?
    If ignored, these problems may worsen and can become more difficult to correct, potentially interfering with your child’s growth and development. More importantly, spinal problems that go undetected or neglected in childhood may become more serious problems in adulthood. Therefore, early detection and prevention is imperative.Chiropractic care does not treat or cure illnesses, but rather focuses on ensuring the developing spine is functioning optimally, thereby reducing stress on the nervous system. This will allow the body’s natural healing potential to function at its best.
  • Is chiropractic care safe for my child?
    Absolutely! Chiropractic techniques used on children are extremely safe and gentle. In fact, babies often sleep right through the adjustment.Chiropractic techniques are modified for each person’s size and unique spinal problem. Since an infant’s spine rarely has the long-standing muscle tightness seen in adults, techniques for infants and children are much different to those for adults. They are extremely gentle, safe and effective.Knowing exactly where to adjust, newborns and infants are adjusted with no more pressure than you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Many parents have commented that they see almost instant improvements in the well-being of their child.
  • When should I take my child to see a chiropractor?
    While chiropractic is effective in managing acute health concerns (ie ear infections, constipation, etc.), we promote prevention and encourage parents to have their child’s spine and nervous system checked in the early stages of life, regardless of symptoms. Your child may not be sick, but their spine may be developing with misalignments or distortions which can stress the nervous system. Since the nervous system controls all functions of the body any interference can have a negative effect on health. Therefore, an optimally functioning spine and nervous system will allow your child’s body to have a greater capacity to resist illness more effectively, and allow the body’s natural healing potential to function at its best. Prevention is key.During a “Well- Baby or Well-Child Examination”, we ensure that the spine and nervous system are functioning at their optimum, and identify any problems early – while they are easy to correct. Then periodic wellness check-ups will protect against illness, strengthen the immune system, and allow for monitoring of symmetrical growth and development.With the bumps, falls, and the generally active lives of most children, regular wellness check-ups help ensure your child stays healthy as they grow!
  • How can I recognize if my child has a spinal misalignment?
    It is important to recognize, that like a tooth cavity, spinal misalignments are not visibly apparent in most instances. For this reason, it is important to have your child’s spine checked regardless of symptoms. Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct even the most subtle spinal distortions.However, if your child demonstrates any of these obvious signs of spinal misalignment, a visit to the chiropractor is imperative:

    • Head tilt or restricted motion to one side
    • Flattening of the head
    • Difficulty breastfeeding due to limited neck movement or a poor latch
    • Altered sleeping patterns
    • Changes in appetite
    • Tugging on one or both ears
    • Long periods of constant, inconsolable crying
    • Change in behaviour (withdrawn or aggressive)

What We Do

Our approach is simple. When parents bring their child in for an examination, we look specifically for distortions in the spine, and if detected gently reduce it with safe, gentle and natural chiropractic adjustments. This helps restore nervous system integrity often allowing the body to heal. This may happen regardless of age and regardless of what the particular symptoms are called. If necessary, we may also offer nutritional advice and show parents what they can do at home to help in the healing process.

Parents love our approach. We explain everything in advance. Our adjusting approach is safe and results are achieved naturally. Give us a call. We’d like to help.

Contact our office to schedule your child’s Complete Chiropractic Examination and learn more about how chiropractic can play a role in your child’s overall health and well-being.

Pediatric Chiropractor Burlington ON | (905) 631-3000