Today, more than 30 million adults in the United States rely on chiropractic treatments to manage pain caused by various conditions, and 11% of these patients are adolescents and young children. Like how adults benefit from chiropractic care, kids can also enjoy the practice's many benefits — promoting better overall growth and development. 

Dr. Arthur Hoffman and other chiropractors in Glen Chiropractic and Acupuncture of Minnetonka, Minnesota, are trained to provide safe and effective pediatric chiropractic care among children.

What Does Pediatric Chiropractic Care Include?

Pediatric chiropractic care is adapted to fit each patient's needs. First, the chiropractor will meet the patient and check their medical history provided by their parents or guardians. Then, they will conduct a physical examination to help them identify spinal issues and other underlying health problems. 

Generally, adjustments for newborns and young children are different as chiropractors will significantly use less force, using only the pressure of their fingertips to make corrections. 

The Benefits of Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Pediatric chiropractic care can provide many benefits for children, and even if your child doesn't have a specified condition, visiting a chiropractor is a good idea. It can help your child live a healthier lifestyle, promoting better growth, development, and well-being. Benefits of pediatric chiropractic include, but aren't limited to the following:

• Improved nervous system function
• Faster recovery from an injury
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Corrects poor posture
• Eases neck and back pain

Chiropractic adjustments for children prioritize improving the function of the nervous system, which is the network vital to brain and nerve development, behavior, and the immune system. 

Is Pediatric Chiropractic Care Safe?

There are no known risks associated with chiropractic treatment for children. A study from the ICPA found a minimal percentage of children experiencing some discomfort during adjustments but no adverse reactions or effects. That means pediatric chiropractic treatments are relatively safe. However, always consult with your child's pediatrician first before making an appointment.