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Many adults go to the chiropractor for relief of back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. But, not everyone knows that kids as young as one day old can benefit from the skilled hands of an experienced chiropractor. We sat down with Overland Park chiropractor Dr. Justin Grabouski to get some insight into the benefits of chiropractic adjustments for children.
Q: What is the right age to see a chiropractor?
Dr. Justin Grabouski: People are often surprised when I tell them that we have seen infants less than one day old in the office. In fact, the first few days after birth is an ideal time to find a pediatric chiropractor. Patients of our Overland Park office will often visit while pregnant and then bring their baby in so that both mother and child can have a postnatal adjustment.
Q: What can happen during childbirth that makes pediatric chiropractic so important?
Dr. Justin Grabouski: Birth is one of the most physically traumatic events of our lives. The process of moving through the birthing canal puts enormous pressure on the neck, shoulders, and spine. Even though an infant is extremely pliable, the force applied to their bodies can leave them permanently altered. This is especially true with assisted births, and babies who are pulled out of the birthing canal with a vacuum or other implement may be subject to force that can cause musculoskeletal misalignment.
Q: What makes a pediatric adjustment different from an adult adjustment?
Dr. Justin Grabouski: That’s a great question, and the answer is that a kid chiropractor modifies their techniques so that they are extremely safe and gentle. Pediatric chiropractors are very cognizant of how they touch and adjust infants and young children. We do not use the same force we would use on a full grown adult. In fact, an infant chiropractic adjustment uses as much force as you would to check the ripeness of a tomato. Understanding biology and the growth process is crucial, as little ones are still developing their ligaments, joints, bones, muscles, and tendons.
Q: What are some common reasons that parents bring kids into a pediatric chiropractic office?
Dr. Justin Grabouski: Every kid chiropractor I know, including myself, sees children for colic, constipation, ear infections, gas, and acid reflux. Chiropractic can also help babies with latching issues associated with back and neck discomfort while nursing. Something that’s important to keep in mind here is that pediatric chiropractic does not address the symptom but the root cause of discomfort or, in the case of ear infections, nerve transmission. We don’t write prescriptions, and gentle chiropractic care is a noninvasive way to improve your and your children’s health from birth onward.
Ultimately, this Overland Park kid chiropractor recommends that parents bring their children into the office within a few days of being released from the hospital. He also further explains to us that being checked during each developmental milestone (raising their head, rolling, crawling, etc.) is important for your child’s overall health and wellness.
Dr. Justin Grabouski furthered his post-doctorate chiropractic studies at one of the top prenatal and pediatric clinics in North America. His Overland Park office, Grabouski Chiropractic, offers online scheduling and same-day appointments to make bringing the entire family in for care easy and convenient for you.