How a Chiropractor Can Help Your Child with Constipation

It’s hard to overlook the articles circulating on social media right now. Miralax is under fire -for good reason- and parents are crying out for another answer to their child’s constipation issues. I feel the need to speak out on this because so many families don’t think to talk to a chiropractor about this problem.I see many families who do come in with an infant begging, “Help her poop!” And the relief I hear in their voices later that day (when they call to excitedly thank me) is wonderful! When taking care of a new baby, you follow their bowel movements so closely, and you notice every tiny struggle. But something happens after the diapers come off, when the babies turn to children. Somehow parents miss the constipation until it turns in to chronic stomach aches, backaches, crying, and debilitating pain. By this point, parents are reaching for any over-the-counter option they can find – suppositories, laxatives, miralax, whatever looks promising… but there are better options.While you can read more about natural options on the blog HERE and HERE, I have yet to break down solely why chiropractic care is a very important factor in aiding a child’s digestive system and can be key in getting them to have a bowel movement regularly.Research shows that between 5-28% of children today suffer from chronic constipation. These children worsen the cycle by fearing to go when the feeling arises due to the pain. But regular chiropractic care can help.A chiropractor finds the subluxations – think ‘energy blockers’ – within the body. These blockages prevent the nervous system from completing its job of firing neurons to their destination in a timely manner. As the nervous system controls everything within the body, this can be detrimental, and can surely effect the gastrointestinal track. Typically, patients suffering from constipation are found to have subluxations through the center and lower portions of the spine. These areas are linked to the colon and intestines, and a subluxation within this area causes inflammation, which can trigger constipation. A gentle chiropractic adjustment can be enough to allow for easy bowel movements again.It’s important to note that chiropractic care is not a one-time-fix. Regular visits are needed to maintain proper alignment within the body. This, combined with a diet void of dairy, processed foods, and high in protein, fiber, and real whole foods may be enough to keep a child using the bathroom regularly. Resources:http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/successful-resolution-of-chronic-constipation-in-pediatric-patients-with-adjustments-to-sites-of-vertebral-subluxation.html