Wellness Center
Your Childs Health
Most parents know how important annual
checkups of their children's teeth are, but few realize that spinal
checkups are just as vital to their child's health and development.
Spinal problems are often missed, and can quickly develop into serious
problems as your child grows. Spinal problems develop even in young
children from injuries such as falls, that puts stress on the developing
spinal structure. This stress often causes an imbalance in the spinal
structure affecting many vital nerves in the child's young bodies.
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Although
many injuries show no lingering symptoms at first, back pain, as well as
other symptoms like headaches,even possibly stomachaches, or
hyperactivity can develop, often with unexplained causes. Scoliosis, the
abnormal curvature of the spine, is another concern in the development
of children. All spines curve front to back. With scoliosis, the
affected spine curves from side to side and twists, throwing the body
out of alignment. This condition often appears during the teenage years,
but can also be found in young children. Although scoliosis is often
found to be a hereditary condition, the causes of most cases are
unknown. In 1988, the National Scoliosis Foundation, Inc. showed figures
that "one in every 10 persons has scoliosis. " Its conclusion
states that a 30 second screening of 10 to 14-year olds can make a
difference.. If left uncorrected in a growing child, scoliosis can bring
on mild to severe pain, physical deformity, and even dangerous heart and
lung problems. Usually, the first sign that scoliosis may be present is
when clothes do not fit properly. There are some simple checks for
scoliosis that can be done at home. While standing, a child should bend
forward, keeping his or her head level. Examine the straightness of the
child's spine. Also, while standing, a child's shoulders should form an
imaginary horizontal line across the top of the shoulders. Scoliosis as
well as other spinal problems are serious and your child should be
examined annually by a trained professional. Chiropractors are well
trained in detecting scoliosis as well as other spinal problems. To
schedule an examination, contact our office. |
