It’s no secret that children aren’t always on their best behavior – their growth and development are happening rapidly, and that can make it difficult for them to self-regulate. Not to mention things like a proper diet, getting good sleep, and other environmental factors can make them unpredictable. But it is important to recognize when a child’s behavior is more than just situational and crosses over into being a concern. Underlying health issues or nervous system challenges, like those addressed by a Billings chiropractor, can be the key to helping your child function well and feel better.
Addressing Behavioral Issues in Children
Children can exhibit behavioral issues in a wide variety of ways. This includes everything from tantrums to open defiance or the inability to listen when it’s necessary, which can be labeled as ADHD. Some of these issues may be developmentally appropriate, like a toddler telling you no, while others are quick to become pathologized by traditional doctors. In fact, it is extremely common for children to be placed on medication meant to “fix” these issues.
However, medication is usually a temporary fix, one that only masks the concerns rather than addressing the root cause of the behavioral issue. And in some cases, medication meant to alter your child’s behavior can have adverse effects on their personality, sleep habits, and appetite. These issues can cause new behavioral issues, leading to a sort of cycle of medication without actual healing or overall improvement.
Chiropractic Care for Childhood Behavior
The goal of chiropractic care for any concern is always to identify the root cause of the issue and address it in a way that offers long-term solutions. Unlike medication, chiropractic care is a natural and manual option that avoids risks and side effects. Dr. Thomas Keogh is committed to treating children with this same holistic approach to give them their best chance at a good outcome.
Impulse control and activity functioning in the brain are the most common culprits when it comes to childhood behavioral concerns. This can often be linked to spinal misalignments between the child’s nervous system and the rest of the body, causing poor function and a lack of behavioral control. Alignment of the spine can improve the functioning of the brain and lead to better impulse control and reasoning.
In addition to these specific brain functions, Bare Chiropractic is dedicated to the whole-body health of children. Each adjustment and care plan will take into account the overall health of your child to provide a healthy foundation for them to grow. As the body begins to experience alignment, it learns to recognize healthy behaviors and make stronger connections with the brain that can lead to a lifetime of healthy habits.
Parents often note improvements in sleep after their children are seen by a chiropractor like Dr. Thomas Keogh, as well as improved academic performance and overall behavior. If you would like to address your child’s behavior, as well as their overall quality of life and health, make an appointment with Billings chiropractor Dr. Thomas today.
Sources
Cawthra, L. “Chiropractic management of a 5-year-old boy with sleep disturbance and challenging behavior: an evidence-based case report.” http://rcc-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Cawthra-L_Case-report_0315.pdf.
Walton, E.V. “The Effects of Chiropractic Treatment on Students with Learning and Behavioral Impairments Due to Neurological Dysfunction.” International Review of Chiropractic, 1975; 29: 4-5, 24-26. http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/the-effects-of-chiropractic-treatment-on-students-with-learning-and-behavioral-impairments-due-to-neurological-dysfunction.html.
