Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Santa Cruz
You may wonder why a child would need chiropractic care. There’s an old saying, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” Because early influences have a permanent effect, Network Chiropractic Wellness Center wants to help children get off to the healthiest start early in life, and keep them on that path to optimal wellness.
“The value of caring for the developing child and teenagers is to help build stronger self-empowered resourcefulness within themselves, and also to encourage the principle that the body can heal itself,” said Dr. Bjorn.
Childbirth As First Trauma
Children have a rapidly growing brain and nervous system. One of the first traumas that can actually occur is birth. There have been children born with cords around their neck, colic, or torticollis. Birth traumas can translate into challenges in the toddler years and childhood development stages. Fortunately, early chiropractic care can address trauma from birth.
The Importance of Getting Your Child Checked
Our belief is that every child should have an annual check, as we encourage more of a wellness approach to care. Once we’ve addressed a more chronic pattern or acute situation, we encourage parents to have their little one move on to a wellness pediatric visit. During these visits, Dr. Bjorn checks the nerve flow and nerves, keeping them from getting irritated.
The other reason we recommend your child get checked is that children also have pain. However, they don’t always know how to communicate about it. They may point to their head or tell Mommy and Daddy they have an “ouchie” in their back or neck. Or, they may hold their head more, and then we find they’re having headaches every day. Sometimes those issues come from their spine, which is why kids should get their spines checked.
Here are some typical childhood issues that often respond well to chiropractic care:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Bed wetting
- Chronic colds
- Colic
- Constipation
- Ear infections
- Headaches
- Low back pain
- Mobility concerns with hips, pelvis, knees and ankles
- Neck pain
- Nerve interference
- Scoliosis
We specialize in gentle techniques, and see rapid results based on the condition and age of the child.
Yes, we see infants to those in their late teens. While chiropractic is beneficial during every stage of childhood, the most impactful time for kids to get care is in the developing years.
Dr. Bjorn focuses on the emotions of teenagers and pre-teens. “Teens will talk about stress at school, home, or in relationships. They may say they didn’t get good rest, or that they’re stressed and their back hurts,” he said. Dr. Bjorn talks to these patients about how life can be overwhelming, and that our bodies need regular release and integration. That’s where chiropractic is so valuable.
“I’ve watched kids go off to college and return on their Christmas break, for example, saying they need to get adjusted,” said Dr. Bjorn. These young patients know their bodies and recognize how chiropractic can help them feel their best.
Fostering a Chiropractic State of Mind
Dr. Bjorn finds it rewarding when his young patients grow up with a chiropractic state of mind that their body can make a change on its own. “They use that in their early adult years, and are less likely to depend on medications, and more likely to turn to natural methods to help their bodies heal,” he said.
Get Started Today
If you’re unsure whether this office is right for you, please call us to discuss. Dr. Bjorn is also a dad and will help you find resources for your child’s concerns.
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