Are there general subluxation patterns during early child development?

Many parents turn to chiropractic first in an attempt to have a child’s particular ailment “fixed”, because they know it is the safest and most effective natural approach. However, there is a small group among them who know of the true value of chiropractic care. These parents seek to maintain the overall wellness of their family, rather than trying to restore health after sickness arrives. These parents utilize chiropractic for their entire family on a regular basis as a preventive measure, but more importantly as a means to maximize their children’s future potential.

Chiropractors detect and correct vertebral subluxations. Subluxations interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system. Subluxations can exist for years with little to no symptoms, all the while causing dysfunction throughout the entire body. The level of impact on a child’s health depends on the degree of interference present, but we all know that any interference is way too much.

When determining areas of subluxation in children, the chiropractor will check the entire spine to ascertain levels of involvement. Objective findings of subluxation will be monitored on each successive visit to determine improvement and course of care. What are the guidelines? The following generalities will help act as a guideline as to where a problem may be originating.

The Newborn

Check primarily the upper cervical spine. Occiput(C0) involvement usually occurs with a history of some type of in-utero constraint. Atlas(C1) involvement occurs quite frequently from the trauma of birth. Axis(C2) subluxation has been associated with separation anxiety from the mother. Children who were born caesarean have a tendency to subluxate in the upper to mid-thoracic areas. Many associate later with chronic respiratory involvements.

One To Six Weeks Of Age

Check upper cervical spine. Occiput, C1, and C2. Common problems relating to the upper cervical subluxation include: otitis media (middle ear infections), infantile colic, and asthma.

Eight To Ten Weeks Of Age

Check the lower cervical area. According to Mosby, this is the time that a child starts to hold their head upright in a sustained position. As this occurs, and the cervical curve develops, the lower cervical vertebrae can become subluxated.

Five Months Of Age

At this age, the child is able to push up from a prone position with their forearms and maintain that position. They can usually roll from prone to supine to prone again. They can straighten their back when sitting. This is a common time for lower thoracic subluxations to develop. You may see children with colic at this age. The lower thoracic subluxation may be a part of the problem.

Eight Months Of Age

The child now usually can sit upright without support. Check the lumbar spine. The lumbar curve is in full development at this time.

Ten Months Of Age

This is the time that the child can pull itself to a standing position, but is unable to let itself down. They tend to “plop” down onto their sacral area. Make sure the sacral segments are checked at this stage.

Twelve To Eighteen Months

This is the ambulatory time for the child, either by vigorous crawling or walking. Make sure the sacroiliac area is checked. Once again, it is important to have the child’s entire spine checked at all times in development. Maintain your family’s good health through regular chiropractic care.