A Chiropractor for Every Kid

Startled looks and questioning stares greet local doctors when they inquire if parents have had their child evaluated by a family chiropractor. "Why would I take Johnny to see a chiropractor when he’s never complained of backaches or headaches?" they ask.

"It’s true that many clients seek chiropractic help for relief from such common maladies, but the reality is that the first role of chiropractic care is systemic rather than therapeutic," says Dr. Jean Mikula, who cofounded the Mikula Chiropractic Center of Grand Rapids with her husband Dr. Brian Mikula in 1996. "Our job is to make sure the nervous system–brain, spinal cord and nerves–is functioning properly," he explains. "When it does it brings numerous benefits."

This pair of family chiropractors regularly witnesses client results ranging from a decrease in symptoms, improved immune function and more energy to better concentration and restful sleep. "Our profession works on the basis that the nervous system serves as the master control system in the body, regulating cell, muscle and organ function," clarifies Jean Mikula. "Proper alignment of the spinal bones surrounding the nervous system is essential for optimal health."

"And that’s where we come in," adds Brian Mikula.

Of course a properly functioning body is highly desirable at any age. Which is why the Mikulas agree that it’s wise to ensure that every child receives a chiropractic evaluation shortly after birth. They explain that this way any subluxations, that is, misalignments of the spinal column that could put pressure on a nerve, that may have occurred in-utero or during the birth process can be detected and corrected early.

It makes sense that even a "normal" vaginal birth exerts pressure on a newborn’s head, neck, and shoulders while exiting the birth canal. Far too often modern births also involve the use of forceps, vacuum extractions and/or cesarean sections. "Numerous articles and experts cited by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association have warned of the damage that occurs to the nervous system in the neck of newborns during the trauma involved in the common birth process," says Brian. "Researchers report that neck subluxations can lead to problems like middle ear infections, infantile colic and asthma."

Evidently, developmental stages throughout infancy create additional opportunities for subluxations to occur. Parents generally know that at about 8 to 10 weeks of age babies begin to hold their heads in upright and sustained positions. As this occurs, the natural curve begins to develop in the cervical spine. "It’s imperative that the neck muscles are developing evenly during this time," observes Jean.

At about 5 months of age, babies begin to push up and roll. Bumps and falls during this period are common causes of subluxation problems. At 8 months, children usually can sit up without support. "The lumbar, or low back, curve is in full development at this time," says Brian. Of course, while learning to balance sitting upright, kids often may tip over and bump their heads and bodies.

By 10 months, kids are pulling to standing positions and "plopping" down onto their sacrums, or tailbones. "Sacral subluxations are common at this stage," advise both Mikulas. Such subluxations can interfere with proper low back, hip and leg development, "sometimes leading to scoliosis" according to the literature.

Twelve to 18 months is a time to get busy. At the same time that tots become fast crawlers and walkers, they’re still learning about what their bodies are capable of doing. Being ambulatory presents new risks as well as opportunities for growth.

Recent research shows that subluxations occurring during any of these early developmental stages can have implications on a child’s future health, according to Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics and Specialty Department of the International Chiropractors Association.

Later along the line, common causes of subluxations in older children include anything from falls off bikes or other sport injuries to stress at school. "Even children who appear healthy may have subluxations, creating hidden problems that may take years to surface," says Jean. "That’s why it’s so important to have a child’s spine checked for subluxations at each stage of development."

Everyone is familiar with the many benefits of regular physical checkups of our vital signs, teeth and eyes. The addition of a periodic chiropractic checkup just makes sense.

Source: Dr. Jean Mikula and Dr. Brian Mikula have served families in West Michigan for more than 12 years at Mikula Chiropractic Center, 4056 Plainfield Ave. NE, St. E, in northeast Grand Rapids. They may be reached at 616-365-0255 or Info@MikulaChiropractic.net. The couple has three children of their own, ages 10, 8 and 6, all of whom have benefited from chiropractic checkups. To learn more visit MikulaChiropractic.net or ICPA4kids.org.