Chiropractic Care for Infants, Children and Teens in Langley
Children can experience muscle and joint problems just like adults. Falls, sports, growth, prolonged screen use and everyday activities may contribute to pain, stiffness or restricted movement.
Infants may also be assessed when parents notice limited neck movement, persistent positional preferences or signs that movement appears uncomfortable.
At Benefit Chiropractic & Wellness, care is adapted to each child’s age, size, symptoms and comfort level. Parents are included throughout the assessment and treatment process.
Reasons to Bring Your Child to a Chiropractor
Parents may consider a chiropractic assessment for:
- Back or neck pain
- Muscle or joint discomfort
- Sports and activity-related injuries
- Pain following a fall or minor injury
- Headaches associated with neck tension
- Restricted or uncomfortable movement
- Posture-related discomfort
- Repetitive-strain concerns
- Limited neck movement or a preference for turning to one side
- Neck or jaw tension that may be affecting an infant’s positioning or latch
- Persistent fussiness or colic-like behaviour when discomfort or restricted movement may be contributing
Not every concern is appropriate for chiropractic care. If your child’s symptoms require assessment by a physician or another healthcare provider, we will explain this and recommend an appropriate next step.
Assessing Infants
Babies cannot explain when something hurts. Parents may instead notice that their baby is unusually fussy, difficult to comfort, sensitive in certain positions or reluctant to turn their head in one direction.
Some infants are also brought in following a difficult, assisted or C-section delivery when parents notice neck or upper-back tension, restricted movement or a strong positional preference.
Dr. Andrew assesses the baby’s movement, neck range of motion, positioning and muscle tension to determine whether a musculoskeletal concern may be contributing to the behaviour. If treatment is appropriate, gentle, low-force techniques specifically adapted for infants are used.
Colic-like symptoms and excessive crying can have many possible causes. Chiropractic assessment does not replace evaluation by a physician, particularly when a baby is unwell, feeding poorly, failing to gain weight or displaying other concerning symptoms.
Infant Neck Mobility and Feeding
Some babies are brought in after a parent or lactation consultant notices that they have difficulty turning their head to one side, prefer feeding in one position or have more difficulty latching on one breast.
In these situations, Dr. Andrew assesses neck mobility, positioning and muscle tension to determine whether a musculoskeletal restriction may be affecting the baby’s ability to position comfortably during feeding.
Breastfeeding challenges are often multifactorial. We encourage parents to continue working with their physician, midwife or lactation consultant when additional feeding support is needed.
Age-Appropriate Care
An appointment begins with a discussion of the concern, relevant health history and any injuries, activities or birth-related information that may be relevant. An age-appropriate physical examination is then performed.
Treatment techniques are modified according to the child’s age, size and stage of development. Care may include gentle joint mobilization, low-force chiropractic techniques, soft-tissue treatment and appropriate movement or exercise recommendations.
Treatment is only provided with the consent of a parent or legal guardian and with the child’s cooperation.
Experience Treating Infants, Children and Teens
Dr. Andrew Erjavec has more than 20 years of chiropractic experience and has completed additional education related to pediatric and prenatal chiropractic care.
He has worked with patients ranging from infants to young adults, including active children and teens involved in sports and martial arts.
Book an Appointment for Your Child
If your child is experiencing pain, restricted movement or difficulty returning to regular activities—or you have noticed that your baby appears uncomfortable or has limited neck movement—we can assess the concern and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
