Pediatric Chiropractic in Aiken
From infancy through the school years, children’s bodies are constantly growing and changing. Birth, learning to walk, playground tumbles, sports and everyday activity can all place different demands on a developing body.
At Living Well Family Chiropractic, we provide gentle chiropractic care adapted to each child’s age, size and stage of development. The focus is on evaluating spinal and joint movement and using an age-appropriate approach when care is indicated.
NEW PATIENTS
Gentle Care for Growing Bodies
Pediatric chiropractic care looks different from care for an adult. With infants, Dr. Christopher Ethridge uses very light hand pressure rather than the type of adjustment most adults might picture when they think of chiropractic care.
Why Parents Bring Their Children to a Chiropractor
Parents may seek chiropractic care when they have concerns about how comfortably their child is moving or want to have their child’s spine and joints evaluated after the physical stresses that can come with growth and activity.
Depending on the child, we may evaluate concerns such as:
- Neck or back discomfort
- Joint stiffness or restricted movement
- Postural changes
- Sports-related strains and physical stresses
- Spinal curvature that may warrant further evaluation or monitoring
If a concern falls outside the appropriate scope of chiropractic care, parents should also work with their child’s pediatrician or other healthcare provider.
Care That Changes as Your Child Grows
Techniques are selected according to the child’s age and needs. For infants, care may involve light fingertip pressure. With toddlers and younger children, Dr. Ethridge may use Activator®, a small spring-loaded instrument that delivers a light, controlled adjustment.
Older kids may receive gentle drop-table adjustments. The padded table lowers slightly during the adjustment, allowing our chiropractor to use a controlled approach without relying on the same techniques he might use with an adult.
He also generally avoids taking X-rays of children unless there is a specific reason for imaging, such as concern about a fracture or spinal curvature that needs to be evaluated or monitored.
A Thoughtful Approach to Your Child’s Care
Parents naturally have questions when considering chiropractic care for a child. Dr. Ethridge takes time to explain what he finds, which techniques he recommends and why they may be appropriate before moving forward.
If you’d like to learn more about pediatric chiropractic care at Living Well Family Chiropractic, contact us to schedule a visit and discuss your child’s needs.
