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It is a misconception that back problems only occur in adults. Babies, toddlers and school-age children can also suffer greatly from back problems or spinal disorders.
The onset of a back disorder may already occur at birth. Birth traumas are often the result of forceps or vacuum deliveries, induced push contractions and caesareans, but even normal births can cause problems. Serious deformities are usually clearly visible. But also the less visible, small deformations of the skull and spine can cause physical problems, such as colic (stomach cramps) sleeplessness ear infections etc.
Later, frequent falls of young children are another factor that can disrupt the development of the spine and cause a chronic vertebral problem in later life.
If a young child uses one leg more than the other out of habit while playing, this can cause a pelvic tilt. Also, a leg that is shorter than the other one can cause a tilt of the pelvis, resulting in a crooked growth of the vertebrae.
Schoolchildren with well-stocked bookbags on their backs and who also often have a tendency to “hang out” in chairs or on couches also constitute a risk group. Furthermore, they usually lift without thinking. The consequences may be a poorly functioning back and neck or blocked back and neck vertebrae due to incorrect loading.
A favourite activity of many young people is sport, which involves fast, abrupt movements and defending a ball with one’s own body. In the worst case, the spinal column is adversely affected. However, the child does not have to experience immediate pain or discomfort; it can nevertheless lead to health problems later in life.
Studies of school-age children show that more than 76% of them show more or less spinal deformities. It is therefore important that children also become aware of their posture. Young people still have the advantage that they can easily correct bad posture. In short: pay attention to your child’s posture!
“Learned young is done old”.
This saying applies to your child’s posture, especially because overgrowth at a young age can cause many problems later. The Chiropractor is highly skilled in recognising and treating vertebral column problems and knows exactly what care children need. More and more parents take their children to the Chiropractor annually; this is comparable to the annual dental check-up by the dentist.
Chiropractic approach
In order to make a diagnosis, the entire history of the child’s health is first examined. Then a thorough examination of the spine and pelvis takes place. The chiropractor then examines whether there are abnormal movements or blockages, which can cause misalignment or incorrect loading of the joints or nerve irritations. Chiropractic treatment is aimed at correcting an incorrect posture and improving the mobility of the vertebrae, which also restores the nerve functions. Regular check-ups by the chiropractor prevent your child from growing crooked…
Seven easy ways to recognise back problems early:
1. Shoulders
Have the child stand up straight. Both shoulders should be the same height. A higher shoulder is not good and can be an indication of a back problem.
2. Clothing
Check whether the hem of your daughter’s dress or skirt is hanging straight. A higher side can mean that something is wrong. The same applies if the clothing has to be altered on one side each time.
3. Spine
Have the child stand in front of you without clothing; then let it bend forward from the middle, arms hanging relaxed. Check whether the muscles on one side of the spine contract more than on the other or whether one side is higher than the other (can be a sign of scoliosis).
4. Shoes
It is well known that children wear out their shoes very quickly. But if one shoe is worn out faster than the other (and especially if the sole on one side is noticeably more “finished”), there is a chance of a spinal problem.
5. Head
The head should be upright in the middle and not tilted. Compare the height of the ears to see if the head is straight.
6. Fingertips
With arms hanging down, the fingertips should reach the same distance.
7. Hips
Put your hands on the child’s hips and check whether they are equally high.
If you think after these tests that something is wrong with the spine of your child, do not hesitate to make an appointment for a check-up with your Chiropractor. Please note that your child may have the abnormality in the back without it necessarily being visible to the naked eye. If your child complains of back or neck pain, it is wise to have the Chiropractor look at it. Recent studies of schoolchildren show that as many as 40% of children between the ages of 8 and 16 have periodic pain in the back or neck.
Exercises that are good for the development of the back (and brain):
Swimming:
With swimming, most of the muscles in the back are used, without much danger of overloading.
Trampolining:
Trampolining is a good stimulation for the muscles, balance and coordination.
“The animal world” as an example:
- Let children imitate animals: How does a snake move?
- How does a crab walk?
- How does a dog wag its tail?
- How does the elephant move its trunk?
Let your imagination run wild; you may also want to put on some music to make it extra fun.
We help you with back problems in the DEN HAAG region
Our doctors are qualified as Doctors of Chiropractic. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to De Ruggesteun and hearing more about your natural health goals. Want to know more? Book an appointment today!