Children, Sports and Spines

Dr. Deanna Barbaro

Yes, it is that time of year again, time for the rigors of organized sports to take over your children’s lives once more. Daily stress and activities that push the body to it’s outer limits. Full speed collisions, falls to the ground, and head and limbs being rammed, pulled and twisted beyond their normal ranges. Even with seemingly normal, easy or moderate exercise. What are some of the damaging effects of these punishments? How likely are your children to develop problems or be seriously injured? How can y o be sure that they are even performing at their optimum altitude.

 The development, growth and function of our bodies is directed and controlled by the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Luckily, the brain is in a vault of bone. However, although the spinal cord and spinal nerves are also protected by the bones of spinal column, these bones are freely movable and can become injured or misalign easily. This creates pressure and obstruction to the spinal cord and nerves that will result in obscured growth, improper development and inferior function.

When the muscles and joints are not working properly they will become less flexible, weaker and more likely to become injured or deteriorate into arthritic or degenerative conditions. This pressure and interference causes decreased nerve supply to the tissues, organs and systems of the body. This leads to impaired body functions, a loss of proper attentiveness, a lack of concentration and lowered energy. With less than perfect function, that child will not be able to perform at the highest level possible in school, at play and within their family. A body functioning below normal capacity will have a lower resistance to infection or illness.

The science, philosophy and art of chiropractic allows chiropractors to analyze the spine for the detection and correction of spinal misalignment and vertebral subluxation. A spine out of it’s proper alignment is much more prone to serious damage. Chiropractic adjustments align the spine and remove nerve interference, thus restoring proper health and optimal function. This makes you less susceptible to illness, safer from injury and allows you to perform at your best without the use of drugs or surgery. This is why the top professional and Olympic athletes get chiropractic care and millions of parents seek chiropractic for themselves and families each year as a safer, natural form of health care.

The unfortunate fact is that the majority of children have never had their spine, their lifeline, professionally examined by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. Research states that over 90% of all vertebral misalignments remain silent for months, even years until the pain or complaint is felt by the individual. By the time the subluxation is found, there can be permanent, irreversible deterioration of areas in the spinal column and spinal nerves. One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a complete spinal examination by a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Every child needs a health spinal column. It is the framework that will support and protect your child throughout his or her growing years and adulthood.