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Children

Back and Spine Health Dr. Jimenez Chiropractic for Children: A child’s health includes physical, mental, and social well-being. Knowing the basics of keeping kids healthy, like healthy foods, making sure they get enough sleep, exercise, and safety. It is also important for kids to get regular checkups with their health care providers. Regular visits offer a chance to check a child’s development.

They are also a good time to catch or prevent problems. Other than checkups, school-age kids should be seen for significant weight gain or loss, sleep problems or change in behavior, a fever higher than 102, rashes or skin infections, frequent sore throats, and breathing problems.

Chiropractic care for children offers a solid foundation for wellness. A regular chiropractic lifestyle offers choices and benefits for your greater health and well-being throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood. The following video and articles will help you understand the importance of the chiropractic family wellness lifestyle.


Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders

El Paso, TX. Chiropractor, Dr. Alexander Jimenez looks at childhood developmental disorders, along with their symptoms, causes and treatment.

Cerebral Palsy

  • 4 Types
  • Spastic Cerebral Palsy
  • ~80% of CP cases
  • Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy (also includes athetoid, choreoathetoid, and dystonic cerebral palsies)
  • Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
  • Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Autistic Disorder
  • Asperger�s Disorder
  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder�Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
  • Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Red Flags

  • Social Communication
  • Limited use of gestures
  • Delayed speech or lack of babble
  • Odd sounds or unusual tone of voice
  • Difficulty making eye contact, gestures and words at the same time
  • Little imitation of others
  • No longer uses words they used to use
  • Uses another person�s hand as a tool
  • Social Interaction
  • Difficulty making eye contact
  • Lack of joyful expression
  • Lack of responsiveness to name
  • Does not try to show you things they�re interested in
  • Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests
  • Unusual way of moving their hands, fingers or body
  • Develops rituals, such as lining up objects or repeating things
  • Focuses on unusual objects
  • Excessive interest in a particular object or activity which interferes with social interaction
  • Unusual sensory interests
  • Under or over reaction to sensory input

ASD Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)

  • Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text):
  • Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example, from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interactions.
  • Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication.
  • Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understand relationships, ranging, for example, from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts; to difficulties in sharing imaginative play or in making friends; to absence of interest in peers.

ASD Diagnostic Criteria

  • Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text):
  • Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g., simple motor stereotypes, lining up toys or flipping objects, echolalia, idiosyncratic phrases).
  • Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior (e.g., extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals, need to take same route or eat same food every day).
  • Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g., strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests).
  • Hyper – or Hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g. apparent indifference to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement).

ASD Diagnostic Criteria

  • Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities, or may be masked by learned strategies in later life).
  • Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.
  • These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) or global developmental delay. Intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder frequently co-occur; to make comorbid diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, social communication should be below that expected for general developmental level.

ASD Diagnostic Criteria (ICD- 10)

A. Abnormal or impaired development is evident before the age of 3 years in at least one of the following areas:
  • Receptive or expressive language as used in social communication;
  • The development of selective social attachments or of reciprocal social interaction;
  • Functional or symbolic play.
B. A total of at least six symptoms from (1), (2) and (3) must be present, with at least two from (1) and at least one from each of (2) and (3)
1. Qualitative impairment in social interaction are manifest in at least two of the following areas:

a. failure adequately to use eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction;

b. failure to develop (in a manner appropriate to mental age, and despite ample opportunities) peer relationships that involve a mutual sharing of interests, activities and emotions;

c. lack of socio-emotional reciprocity as shown by an impaired or deviant response to other people�s emotions; or lack of modulation of behavior according to
social context; or a weak integration of social, emotional, and communicative behaviors;

d. lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g. a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out to other people objects of interest to the individual).

2. Qualitative abnormalities in communication as manifest in at least one of the following areas:

a. delay in or total lack of, development of spoken language that is not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through the use of gestures or mime as an alternative mode of communication (often preceded by a lack of communicative babbling);

b. relative failure to initiate or sustain conversational interchange (at whatever level of language skill is present), in which there is reciprocal responsiveness to the communications of the other person;

c. stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic use of words or phrases;

d. lack of varied spontaneous make-believe play or (when young) social imitative play

3. Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities are manifested in at least one of the following:

a. An encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that are abnormal in content or focus; or one or more interests that are abnormal in their intensity and circumscribed nature though not in their content or focus;

b. Apparently compulsive adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals;

c. Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms that involve either hand or finger flapping or twisting or complex whole body movements;

d. Preoccupations with part-objects of non-functional elements of play materials (such as their oder, the feel of their surface, or the noise or vibration they
generate).

C. The clinical picture is not attributable to the other varieties of pervasive developmental disorders; specific development disorder of receptive language (F80.2) with secondary socio-emotional problems, reactive attachment disorder (F94.1) or disinhibited attachment disorder (F94.2); mental retardation (F70-F72) with some associated emotional or behavioral disorders; schizophrenia (F20.-) of unusually early onset; and Rett�s Syndrome (F84.12).

Asperger�s Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)

  • A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
  • marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction.
  • failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level.
  • a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g. by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people).
  • lack of social or emotional reciprocity.
  • B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
  • encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus.
  • apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals.
  • stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements).
  • persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.
    C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
    D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language (e.g., single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years).
    E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self- help skills, adaptive behavior (other than social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood.
    F. Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Inattention – gets off task easily
  • Hyperactivity – seems to move about constantly
  • Impulsivity – makes hasty actions that occur in the moment without first thinking about them

ADHD Risk Factors

  • Genetics
  • Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or drug use during pregnancy
  • Exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy
  • Exposure to environmental toxins, such as high levels of lead, at a young age
  • Low birth weight
  • Brain injuries

Developmental Screening

childhood neurodevelopmental disorders el paso tx.

www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp- screening.html

Primitive Reflexes

  • Moro
  • Spinal Galant
  • Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
  • Symetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
  • Tonic Labrynthine Reflex
  • Palmomental Reflex
  • Snout Reflex

Treatment Of Developmental Delays

  • Remediate any retained reflexes
  • Educate parents on providing a structured environment
  • Promote brain balancing activities
  • Address food sensitivities and remove likely problematic foods
  • Treat the patient�s gut � probiotics, glutamine, etc.

Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome

(PANS)

  • Abrupt dramatic onset of OCD or severely restricted food intake
  • Symptoms are not better explained by a known neurologic or medical disorder
  • Also at least two of the following:
  • Anxiety
  • Emotional lability and/or depression
  • Irritability, aggression and/or severely oppositional behaviors
  • Behavioral/Developmental regression
  • Deterioration in school performance
  • Sensory or motor abnormalities
  • Somatic signs including sleep disturbances, enuresis or urinary frequency
  • *The onset of PANS may start with infectious agents other than strep. It also includes onset from environmental triggers or immune dysfunction

Pediatric Autoimmune Disorders Associated With Streptococcus

(PANDAS)

  • Presence of significant obsessions, compulsions and/or tics
  • Abrupt onset of symptoms or a relapsing-remitting course of symptom severity
  • Pre-pubertal onset
  • Association with streptococcal infection
  • Association with other neuropsychiatric symptoms (including any of the PANS �accompanying� symptoms)

PANS/PANDAS Tests

  • Swab/Strep culture
  • Blood tests for strep
  • Strep ASO
  • Anti-DNase B Titer
  • Streptozyme
  • Test for other infectious agents
  • MRI preferred but PET can be used if necessary
  • EEG

False Negatives

  • Not all children who have strep have elevated labs
  • Only 54% of children with strep showed a significant increase in ASO.
  • Only 45% showed an increase in anti�DNase B.
  • Only 63% showed an increase in either ASO and/or anti�DNase B.

Treatment Of PANS/PANDAS

  • Antibiotics
  • IVIG
  • Plasmaphoresis
  • Anti-Inflammatory protocols
  • Steroid medications
  • Omega-3’s
  • NSAIDS
  • Probiotics

Injury Medical Clinic: Chiropractor (Recommended)

Sources

  1. �Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.� National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml.
  2. Autism Navigator, www.autismnavigator.com/.
    �Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).� Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 May 2018, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html.
  3. �Introduction to Autism.� Interactive Autism Network, iancommunity.org/introduction-autism.
  4. Shet, Anita, et al. �Immune Response to Group A Streptococcal C5a Peptidase in Children: Implications for Vaccine Development.� The Journal of Infectious Diseases, vol. 188, no. 6, 2003, pp. 809�817., doi:10.1086/377700.
  5. �What Is PANDAS?� PANDAS Network, www.pandasnetwork.org/understanding-pandaspans/what-is-pandas/.
Infantile Colic And Chiropractic Treatment | El Paso, TX.

Infantile Colic And Chiropractic Treatment | El Paso, TX.

Infantile Colic: If you have ever cared for an infant with colic, you know how frustrating and helpless it can make you feel. It is so hard to see a little one in such obvious discomfort and you can�t help them no matter what you do. When you have a baby who experiences frequent colic it can be heartbreaking. An infant is so small and they can�t tell you where it hurts or what is wrong; all they can do is cry.

Chiropractic has been proven to help with infantile colic. It can soothe fussy babies and ease the nerves of frazzled parents. Some moms and dads may be a little ambivalent about the idea of having a chiropractor �work� on their baby, but the benefits are incredible � and baby�s comfort is definitely worth it.

What Is Colic?

Colic is a condition that has frustrated parents since the beginning of time. The most prevalent symptom is the severe distress that occurs over predictable periods of time. It is labeled colic when there is no obvious underlying condition that could cause the distress, and occurs in babies that are newborn to 3 months (sometimes up to 6 months), healthy and well fed.

The bouts of crying and distress can last hours, days, or even weeks. Often it seems that there is no way to comfort the baby or provide relief. Symptoms of colic include:

  • Crying that does not seem to have a reason
  • Crying that is intense and indicates obvious distress
  • Crying that occurs at predictable times
  • Changes in posture that include tense abdominal muscles, clenched fists, and curled legs.

What To Expect When You Take Your Infant To A Chiropractor

Some parents may balk at taking their infant to a chiropractor, their minds filled with images of the stereotypical snap, crackle, and pop that is so often associated with the practice. However, infant chiropractic is different and much milder. Chiropractic adjustments for infants are very gentle.

The chiropractor will use his fingers to gently apply pressure to areas on the back and neck. Most babies completely relax as the doctor corrects the misalignments � some even fall peacefully asleep. When you are choosing a chiropractor for your baby, ask if he or she is experienced in working with babies.

infantile colic el paso tx.

How Chiropractic To Treat Colic Works

Childbirth is not a gentle experience. As the baby�s tiny body is compressed and stretched as it is emerging into the world, it can cause the vertebrae of the neck and back to become misaligned. If the delivery included vacuum extraction, forceps, or prolonged pushing, or other things that doctors or midwives must do to assist in delivery, the chances that the baby will experience misalignment are very good.

When these misalignments, called vertebral subluxations, are significant enough, it can impede on how well other major systems in the body are able to function. Digestion is one area that can be greatly impacted and when digestion of formula or breastmilk is compromised it can be the cause of major distress and discomfort for the baby. This can lead to episodes of colic.

Studies That Support How Chiropractic Helps Infantile Colic

There have been several studies that explores the efficacy of chiropractic for colic. The majority of this research has shown that it is a very effective treatment.

A 1999 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported that spinal manipulation for colic is a very effective treatment for the condition. Babies treated using chiropractic experienced a decrease in crying by 67 percent. Babies who received medication experienced a decrease in crying by 38 percent. Another study showed similar results. Chiropractic improved crying behavior in babies that had colic.

Chiropractic is an effective, gentle, and drug free way to treat colic. Babies can thrive and be free of distress and discomfort while mom and dad can get some much needed sleep � and peace of mind.

Injury Medical Clinic: Migraine Treatment & Recovery

Kids Diagnosed With ADHD | How Chiropractic Benefits | El Paso, TX.

Kids Diagnosed With ADHD | How Chiropractic Benefits | El Paso, TX.

Kids: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by impulsivity and hyperactivity over a period of more than six months. Symptoms are usually noted and the condition can be diagnosed in children younger than 7 years of age.

It impacts kids socially and academically. According to the CDC, around 10 percent of children in the United States, age 5 to 17 years, has been diagnosed with ADHD. It is usually treated with medications that can have very serious, even frightening side effects. Chiropractic care has been proven to be an effective treatment for ADHD in children.

The Truth About ADHD Medication

The increasing prevalence of ADHD has led to the development of several drugs that are intended to treat the symptom�s conditions. Ritalin has long been the standard for treating ADHD. This drug is a schedule II controlled substance and its effects are frighteningly similar to cocaine and amphetamines.

What�s more, it has been linked to certain cardiac related conditions in young children. Adderall, another ADHD drug is very popular on the street and students in high school and college illegally sell it and use it. Emergency room visits due to Ritalin intoxication has been steadily increasing and is at the same level as ER visits that involve cocaine. Both Ritalin and Adderall, as well as many other ADHD drugs, are highly addictive and commonly abused.

Chiropractic For Kids Diagnosed With ADHD

Chiropractic care does not necessarily �treat� ADHD, but it does have very positive effects on children who have been diagnosed with the condition. There have been several studies that support how chiropractic helps ADHD. It is a safe, natural treatment for the condition and helps treating the symptoms. It goes far beyond treating back pain and neck problems. The adjustments can help a great deal.

The chiropractor will find subluxations in the spine and address them. Regular adjustments can help with more efficient and effective nerve flow. If the child has a spinal misalignment that could be the cause of the behavioral issues. Another popular theory is that an imbalance in the child�s muscle tone creates the brain activity to be out of balance. Adjusting the child�s spine restores balance to the brain and body.

Chiropractic also offers a whole body approach to wellness and that can help ADHD symptoms as well. The child may be exposed to a variety of sound and light frequencies as part of their therapy. The doctor may also recommend certain dietary changes and exercises. In many cases, eliminating certain foods from a child�s diet can cause many ADHD symptoms to subside or even disappear completely.

A chiropractor may have specific lifestyle changes:

  • Find out if the child as any allergies and address them
  • Eliminate additives, food dyes, preservatives, and sugar from the child�s diet
  • Avoid any stimulants like nicotine, alcohol, and certain medications while pregnant
  • Use unprocessed, natural foods and avoid all herbicides and pesticides
  • Avoid stress while pregnant; take time to relax

These changes can make a significant difference in the child�s behavior.

There is also an upper cervical technique that chiropractors use to realign the bones in the spine and skull. It is believed that when these bones are out of alignment it puts pressure on certain areas of the brain, resulting in the behavior issues. This treatment has a very good response rate in kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Chiropractic care is a viable alternative to some of the more undesirable treatments for ADHD. It is easier on the child and healthier as well as safer. It will help them perform better in school and have better behavior at home. More parents are opting for chiropractic care instead of harmful drugs. It is a child�s best chance.

Injury Medical Clinic: Chiropractor Recommended

7 Ways Chiropractic Benefits Children | El Paso, TX.

7 Ways Chiropractic Benefits Children | El Paso, TX.

7 Ways: Chiropractic�traditionally is considered by many to be a treatment for adults. However, research shows that the treatment can be very beneficial for children. It can make birth easier and help give babies a healthy start in life. Young children can benefit from many of the childhood conditions that chiropractic helps treat. If you haven�t thought about chiropractic are for your child, take a look at these benefits of treatment; bet you�ll be convinced.

7 Ways Chiropractic Benefits Children

Promotes Optimal Health & Wellness

A properly aligned spine promotes good posture which promotes better health. However, it doesn�t stop there. When the spine is properly aligned the neural pathways are clear, allowing the central nervous system to function as it should. Additionally, the whole body approach that chiropractic takes helps provide a good foundation for healthy eating and regular exercise in children.

Helps Treat Asthma, Colic & Other Childhood Issues

There are numerous studies that show chiropractic is a viable treatment option for a variety of childhood conditions and illnesses. Chiropractic for asthma has long been discussed and is being embraced by more and more parents as well as the medical community as people are seeing first hand that it really works. There have also been studies that show chiropractic for colic is a very effective remedy, particularly for chronic colic in babies.

Helps Treat Birth Trauma

Birth trauma occurs more often than many people realize. It is typically only recognized or acknowledged when it is significant and causes severe damage or distortions. Some experts regard it as an underpublicized problem which means it is an undertreated problem.

Some studies show that using chiropractic to treat birth trauma can be very beneficial for the child. It addresses musculoskeletal injuries as well as problems with the brain stem and spinal cord caused by birth trauma.

Boosts Immunity

A flu epidemic in 1917 and 1918 was killing people � but the chiropractic patients were coming out much better than those who did not receive chiropractic treatments. They had a 5% death rate while those who were under chiropractic care had a .25% death rate. That is significant.

Regular chiropractic care can help boost immunity in children and adults. The spine plays a major part in health and the immune system. The body is better able to fight off infection, and if that isn�t enough to convince you it is also very effective in treating allergies.

7 ways chiropractic benefits children el paso tx.

Treats ADHD/ADD

Chiropractic does not �treat� ADHD/ADD but its positive effects on children who have been diagnosed with this condition has been documented in several studies. There have also been findings that suggest chiropractic may be more effective than medication.

Children who undergo chiropractic for ADHD have exhibited improvement in behavior and parental ratings of the child�s hyperactivity have also improved.

Aids In Resolving Breastfeeding Issues

Several studies have shown that chiropractic helps resolve breastfeeding problems in babies. Babies who have trouble latching on or staying on the breast and other problems can lead to breastfeeding failure. These studies assert that the outcome doesn�t have to be complete failure.

The birthing process can be very difficult on a baby, particularly when the baby is large or has large shoulders and traction is required to birth the child. Chiropractic care can help realign the baby�s spine so they are more comfortable during feeding and have better flexibility.

Decrease Risk Of Injury

The bones of babies and toddlers are more flexible than adult bones but they can still sustain injury. Regular chiropractic care helps keep the ligaments and joints supple which, in turn, helps prevent injury. This is particularly beneficial once the child becomes more mobile and begins turning over, sitting up, crawling, pulling up, and walking. It can help the child transition to each of these phases much easier and smoother.

So there you have it� 7 ways chiropractic benefits children. Ready to get your family started under chiropractic care? Then give us a call today!

Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic: Sport Injury Treatments

ADHD: Chiropractic Treatment Can Help In El Paso, TX.

ADHD: Chiropractic Treatment Can Help In El Paso, TX.

There was a time when Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, was laughed off as �kids being kids.� Research has shown, however, that ADHD is a neuro behavioral disorder that is often diagnosed in children. In fact, 1 in 10 children receives a diagnosis of ADHD and experts are taking notice of the condition�s impact in learning and even daily living.

ADHD Drugs – Dangerous Game

Traditional treatments for ADHD are often heavily dependent upon medication, particularly stimulants like Ritalin. This drug has long been the standard for treating children diagnosed with ADHD and it, along with other similar drugs, have been shown to be somewhat effective in treating the symptoms of the condition in many patients. Unfortunately, that is not all that these drugs do.

Several of the drugs marketed specifically for ADHD are schedule II controlled substances and act very similar to amphetamines. Drugs including Ritalin have effects that closely mimic those of cocaine. Several of these drugs have been linked to cardiovascular problems in children and teens. Many of them are highly addictive.

Drugs like Adderall have become street drugs abused by teens and college students who enjoy its �speed� effects or who use it to stay awake so they can study. Some young women are abusing the drug by taking it as a diet aid.

Aside from all of this, though, are the effects a child�s brain and body undergo when they take the medication as prescribed. There is usually a distinct behavioral and personality change which often presents as a �dulling� or �stoned� reaction.

There are also great concerns that too little is known about the long term effects of taking ADHD drugs. It is a dangerous game to play with a child�s life.

adhd el paso tx.

Studies & Research

Several studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments as a viable therapy for ADHD. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 1989 was one of the early studies to explore this. The conclusion of the study was �impressive evidence� that the majority of the subjects did improve while using specific chiropractic care.

It also called for more studies to be conducted to further explore the possibilities that chiropractic care offers. Another study published in Explore (NY) in 2010 also provided strong evidence that chiropractic spinal manipulation has significant benefits for patients with ADHD.

Chiropractic For ADHD

Chiropractic is steadily gaining ground as a viable, effective, non-drug treatment for ADHD patients. Doctors of Chiropractic are teaming up with chiropractic neurologists to help move children away from the drugs. As they create chiropractic based ADHD treatments they not only free children from the unpleasant side effects of the medication, they also introduce them to a healthier lifestyle.

The patient is put through a variety of tests including a brain function exam. Their auditory and visual reflexes are tested as well as other assessments to determine not only the problem, but the specific manifestations of the problem as they relate to the patient. This results in a very individualized treatment plan that is tailored specifically to the patient�s needs, unlike �one size fits all� approach of drug therapy.

Through these individualized programs, data on the patient�s progress is constantly being gathered and compiled by the chiropractic neurologist. Often, children who go through such programs not only experience a significant grade improvement in the first three months, they also experience improvement in their academic performance even after the program is complete.

Improvements in patients who use drug therapy only experience the improvements as long as they are taking the drugs. Chiropractic neurology changes the brain function of the patient so that they enjoy its effects and benefits for life.

If you or a loved one is suffering from this condition, give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!

Pool Safety Tips

Pool Safety Tips

School is out, and the cool, fresh water of the local swimming pool awaits beckoning. Long, sunny days, the smell of sunscreen, and the laughter of the playing children will fill the next few months.

However, there are elements of this delightful picture that can end up causing harm to children and adults alike. It’s important to take a few key precautions when enjoying a day at the pool this summer. Doing so will minimize the risk of the summer laughter turning to tears.

Here are six bright ways for adults and children to stay safe at the pool this summer.

Pool Safety Tips:

#1: Enroll In Swimming Lessons

Playing in the water is a fun, refreshing activity, but can turn dangerous quickly. According to the Red Cross, the single biggest precaution to take to ensure summer safety is to make sure your children are able to swim. Book age appropriate swimming lessons for your children as young as possible.

#2: Avoid Spills With Water Shoes Or Rough Bottom Sandals

Nothing brings a playful pool day to a screeching halt like a slip and fall on the side of the pool. This goes for you, too, Mom and Dad!

Bare feet offer no traction on wet and slick concrete, and falling can cause serious accidents that require stitches, casts, and, well, chiropractic visits! Make it a rule to wear water shoes or sandals around the pool at all times.

#3: Take Measures To Fight Off Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear is a common condition that is brought on by water remaining in the ear canal, allowing germs to grow. Yuk!

The CDC reports that this condition results in an astonishing 2.4 million doctor visits every year. Guard against this by teaching your children to tilt each side of their heads toward the ground to drain their ears, and to dry their ears thoroughly with a towel every time they get out of the pool.

If you or one of your little swimmers experience ear pain after a pool day, take them to the doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment.

pool#4: Beware Of Little Critters

Hot days and bare skin are too much temptation for bees, mosquitoes, and ticks. Bites from these creatures range from itchy to extremely serious. Ward them off with bug spray, or sunscreen with insect repellent.

Ticks in particular are dangerous. If you or your child gets bitten by a tick, remove it promptly and clean the area thoroughly.

#5: Be Cautious Of Overdoing It

A day at the pool can be a blast for the young ones, but wagging the cooler and lawn chairs back and forth to the pool can exhaust an adult, causing injury. Remember to lift heavy items with your legs, and don’t overload yourself. An extra trip to the car is worth it to avoid a neck or back strain.

#6: Prepare For Disaster

Okay, that is a little melodramatic, but it pays to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Pack a small kit with alcohol, tweezers, bug bite cream, and bandages. Keep the kit in your car or pool bag. Better safe than sorry.

Pool days are a big part of the hot summer months, and are usually lazy and enjoyable. Keep them that way by taking these six tips to heart and talking to your children about the pool rules. With a little preparation up front, the chance of fun-dampening or dangerous instances happening to your family will be greatly minimized.

Prevention, Recognition & Management of Youth Sports Injuries

This article is copyrighted by Blogging Chiros LLC for its Doctor of Chiropractic members and may not be copied or duplicated in any manner including printed or electronic media, regardless of whether for a fee or gratis without the prior written permission of Blogging Chiros, LLC.

Asthma Sufferers Breathe Easier With Chiropractic Care

Asthma Sufferers Breathe Easier With Chiropractic Care

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that has afflicted more people in the last 20 years than ever. Some doctors attribute the increase to the pollutants in the air, the changes in the modern diet, and lack of adequate ventilation in homes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, asthma symptoms vary by individuals and may be mild, severe, or somewhere in between. Shortness of breath and tightness in the chest, along with a wheezing sound when exhaling are common asthma symptoms. Common treatments include inhalers and other medications.

With the millions of asthma sufferers seeking relief, non-traditional treatments have emerged in addition to the everyday remedies. One of the alternatives that has shown positive results is chiropractic care.

A person who suffers from asthma can enjoy multiple benefits from chiropractic. Four of the top benefits chiropractic care can bring to asthma patients are the following:

Reducing The Frequency Of Attacks

Over time, spinal adjustments can help some asthma sufferers decrease the number of attacks. When a spine is in alignment, energy flows through the nerves to the person’s organs. A nonaligned spine can cause the energy to fail to flow through the nerve endings as effectively, and a host of issues can arise.

The lungs can suffer when the spine is not aligned. Chiropractors are able to treat the spine so that, over time, it aligns. In some cases, this helps lung function and decreases the number of asthma attacks.

Stimulating Air Flow

The lungs are obviously vital for breathing, but the airway and diaphragm also play a part. Both of these can be hindered by a spine that is not aligned.

When a chiropractor works with a patient to align the spine, the airways and diaphragm can move more freely, allowing better airflow. While this is not a cure for asthma, in many cases stimulating a body’s airflow can help decrease the suffering the chronic condition causes.

asthmaBoosting The Immune System

A significant number of asthma attacks are brought on and exacerbated by an individual’s low immune system. Chiropractic care helps increase the effectiveness of the immune system.

Think of it this way: The autonomic nervous system is connected to the body’s immune system by way of the endocrine system. When the spine is out of line, it can affect the immune system.

If a person suffers from chronic asthma attacks, this could be the time when he or she has an episode. A chiropractor who can align the spine can create a positive domino effect. The nervous system improves, the immune system improves, and the asthma attacks decrease.

Working In Conjunction With Traditional Asthma Medication

People with asthma commonly use inhalers and steroids to manage their symptoms. Chiropractic care is non-invasive and works with these treatments to lessen the instances and severity of attacks.

A study by Michigan Chiropractic Council showed that asthma sufferers who went through 30 days of chiropractic treatments reported a 70% reduction in medication.

Patients who commit to chiropractic can sometimes manage the symptoms more naturally, and lessen their dependence on medications. (It’s important to note that patients should never go off medications on their own. Always speak to a doctor before changing medications).

Patients fortunately have a variety of treatment options. For those who don’t respond to traditional medication, or who wish to decrease their dosage, non-traditional choices like chiropractic may be the answer.

Tips For Preventing Dehydration

It’s advisable to speak to both your medical doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic about your asthma symptoms. By having both disciplines co-manage your case, you�ll work toward a healthier outcome, possibly even without the use of drugs. Give us a call to learn more.

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