Dr. Wade specializes in the care of children. His internship was with Dr. Larry Webster, grandfather of chiropractic pediatrics and inventor of the Webster Breach Turning Technique for inverted “breach” babies. So adjustments begin while still in the womb!
The video is very important for any parent concerned about their children’s health. We are located in Anniston, AL, in close proximity to Heflin, Lincoln, Talledgea, Anniston, Jacksonville, Pell City, Piedmont and Gadsden in Northeast Alabama. Call (256) 237-9423 for an appointment. Autism, Asthma, Colic, Constipation, Ear Aches, Bed Wetting, ADHD, Sports Injuries, Allergies, and many other childhood conditions
One of the greatest areas of confusion in regard to scoliosis has to do with its cause. Many mothers are burdened with a sense of guilt, feeling that scoliosis was “in their genes” and somehow “passed down” to their son or daughter. Although an article in the Scientific Journal of Spine (which is considered by many to be the top orthopedic journal in the world, accepting only 13% of submissions) came out recently stating that no specific gene has even been linked to scoliosis, much of the current resources and energy of the scientific community remain committed to the search. Perhaps they would do well to consider a study published back in 1992, suggesting that perhaps the cause of scoliosis can be traced to an injury to the part of the brain responsible for coordinating motor & sensory input.
This condition, referred to as Kinetic Imbalance due to Suboccipital Strain, or “KISS,” is well-documented in scientific literature and is generally found in newborns due to birth trauma such as Caesarean section, multiple births, prolonged labor, or the use of extraction devices.
In this study, published in the Journal of Manual Medicine and entitled, “Kinetic Imbalance due to Suboccipital Strain in Newborns,” over 600 children with evidence of KISS were evaluated. The authors noted that this condition, if left unchecked, could lead to postural problems such as scoliosis, due to the interference on the nerves that are responsible for coordinating the motor input from the body with the sensory input from the eyes.
But is chiropractic safe for children? In one study of chiropractic treatment for SIDS, over 20,000 children were treated without a single one experiencing an adverse event. Compare this to the fact that in 2004-2005, more than 1,500 children under age two were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for medical events caused by cough and cold medications, and 3 deaths were reported.
Motion is LIFE
Over 85 years ago, a medical doctor by the name of Henry Winsor performed autopsies upon 50 cadavers at the University of Pennsylvania (see this study at:http://danmurphydc.com/Article_48-03.Winsor.pdf). He was searching for a correlation between diseased organs and fixations in the spinal column. He found 139 incidences of diseased organs. In 129 of these incidences, there was a direct correlation between the presence of disease and fixation at the level of the spinal column, where the nerves innervating this organ could be found. In the 10 remaining incidences, fixations were evident either immediately above or below; this can be accounted for by the fact that some nerves exit the spinal column and then travel up or down a few segments before synapsing with the organ.
Our body is in a constant tug-of-war between two halves of the autonomic nervous system (ANS): the sympathetic & parasympathetic division. Our sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the primal “flight-or-fight” response and is triggered by stressful events & situations. The parasympathetic division controls our resting functions, stimulates digestion, and, in most cases, has an opposing effect on the sympathetic division. This is important because there are two receptors in our spinal column, each of which stimulates either the sympathetic or parasympathetic system.
The sympathetic division is stimulated by nociceptors, which detect pain. Increased nociception (pain) leads to sympathetic dominance, resulting in chronic, prolonged stress upon the body. The parasympathetic division is fueled by mechanoreceptors, which activate with motion & are responsible for communicating the positions & actions of our body to our brain.
Bringing this all together, fixation leads to a loss of motion, which in turn leads to decreased mechanoreception, sympathetic dominance, and, eventually, the manifestation of disease. The information presented by Dr. Winsor almost an entire century ago is as true today as it was back then: motion is LIFE – lack of motion, DISEASE & DEATH.
What is the best way to ensure your spine remains mobile, flexible, and healthy? First, perform the Spinal Twist exercise (presented in the August 2006 newsletter) every day. You brush your teeth & comb your hair everyday, yet false teeth and wigs are available for purchase; false spines are not. Next, see a chiropractor regularly. If you change the oil in your car more often than you have your spine checked, you might want to re-think your priorities. The principle is the same – an ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of cure – but it is a scary fact that the majority of the population spends more time, money, & energy on caring for an inanimate object than on their spine, which is the very core of their own health & well-being (Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, once said, “Look well to the spine for the cause of disease”). Chiropractic mobilizes fixated segments, which restores balance to your nervous system. The nervous system, in turn, controls every organ in your body. So, keep moving, keep healthy!
Pediatric and Family Care Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a child be evaluated by a chiropractor?
Parents may seek a chiropractic evaluation when a child has a musculoskeletal concern involving areas such as the back, neck, posture, mobility, or movement. An evaluation is intended to better understand the child’s history, symptoms, and physical findings and to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate. Chiropractic care should not replace routine pediatric medical care or treatment for conditions that require evaluation by a pediatrician or other healthcare professional.
What happens during a pediatric chiropractic evaluation?
A pediatric evaluation begins with a discussion of the child’s health history, current concerns, previous injuries, and other relevant information. The physical examination can then be adapted to the child’s age, size, development, and reason for the visit. If findings suggest that another type of healthcare evaluation is needed, referral may be recommended rather than chiropractic treatment.
Are pediatric techniques different from adult techniques?
They can be. Children differ from adults in their size, development, and physical characteristics, so any examination or treatment should be adapted accordingly. If chiropractic care is considered appropriate, the techniques and amount of force used should be selected with the child’s age, comfort, examination findings, and individual needs in mind.
Will my child need X-rays?
Not necessarily. X-rays should not be performed simply because a child visits a chiropractor. Imaging should only be considered when it is clinically appropriate based on the child’s history, symptoms, examination findings, and other relevant factors. If imaging is recommended, the reason for it should be explained to the parent or legal guardian.
Can a parent remain in the room?
Parents and legal guardians are generally an important part of a child’s healthcare experience. If you would like to remain with your child during the evaluation or treatment, discuss this with the Anniston Chiropractic team. Any office-specific procedures can be explained before the appointment.
How do you adapt care to a child’s age and comfort level?
A child’s age, size, developmental stage, ability to communicate, and comfort should all be considered during an examination and any subsequent care. Procedures can be explained in age-appropriate language and adjusted when necessary. If a child is uncomfortable with a procedure, that concern should be addressed rather than simply pushing forward.
What should I tell my child before the appointment?
Keep the explanation simple and reassuring. You might tell your child that the doctor will talk with you, ask some questions, and check how their body moves. Avoid making promises about exactly what will happen because the appropriate examination depends on why your child is being evaluated. You can also encourage your child to ask questions and tell the doctor if anything feels uncomfortable.
What happens if my child is frightened or uncomfortable?
A child’s comfort matters. If your child becomes frightened or uncomfortable, tell the clinical team so the examination or procedure can be explained, modified, paused, or stopped as appropriate. There is no need to force a non-emergency chiropractic procedure simply to complete an appointment.
Do you coordinate care with pediatricians when appropriate?
There may be situations in which communication or referral to a pediatrician or another healthcare professional is appropriate. With the necessary parental or legal authorization, relevant clinical information can be shared when coordination of care is needed. Chiropractic care should complement—not replace—appropriate pediatric medical care.
Are parents required to consent before treatment?
Consent requirements for minors are governed by applicable law and the circumstances of the child’s care. A parent or legal guardian should be involved in decisions about a minor’s chiropractic treatment, and the office should obtain the consent required before providing care. Anniston Chiropractic can explain its current consent procedures when you schedule your child’s appointment.