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Expert Q&A

	By Bruce Salzinger, D.C., CCSP Chiropractor

What are some reasons I should consider taking my toddler to a chiropractor?

Our brain and spinal cord encompass our central nervous system (our CPU, or central processing unit, if you will). This central nervous system controls and coordinates all function, 24/7. So critical is this system to our survival it is encased in bone – the brain in the cranium or skull and the spinal cord in the vertebral column.

Human beings, and in fact all animals with vertebra, have moving parts (joints) to enable movements. The movements occur across the joints, and the movement is initiated by a muscular contraction coordinated and controlled by the nervous system. Because of this joint movement, pressure can be put on the nerves that diminish their ability to transmit the precious impulses optimally. Pain is just one obvious symptom of this pressure.

However, the nerves are only approximately 10 percent sensitive to pain. Pressure on a different area of the nerve would equally affect its function but no pain would be felt. For example if the nerve pressure were on the motor portion of a nerve going to the leg, the person would have reduced strength or reflexes into that area. If the pressure were on the sensory portion, the symptoms could be numbness and tingling, hot and cold or throbbing for example.

The chiropractors job is to determine if there is nerve pressure caused by a subluxation, regardless of the symptom. A subluxation is a bone out of place, denying proper biomechanical function relative to the ones above and below it. By adjusting the subluxation, the pressure is taken off of the nerve, and optimal communication is restored with the brain. If a patient's problem is determined to be other than subluxation related I would consider a referral to the proper specialist. Most doctors of chiropractic also counsel their patients on diet and exercise.

Toddlers need to see a chiropractor for the same reasons people of all ages benefit. An optimal functioning spine and nervous system equate to optimal health. Include a nutritional and exercise approach that supports our anatomy and physiology, and before you know it, you are the best that you can be.

Healing and maintenance of health come from "above down inside out." Not from outside in."

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