Jeanne Ohm, DC
Doctors of chiropractic have been working with children since the early days of chiropractic, over 100 years ago. Their reliable services have offered parents a safe option for natural health care. The founder of chiropractic, D.D. Palmer, D.C., had this to say in 1910: “The principles of chiropractic should be known and utilized in the growth of the infant and continue as a safeguard throughout life.” Truly, the importance of chiropractic care for the family was recognized and practiced since the onset of the profession.
Over the years, the practice of chiropractic became known by many as merely the treatment of bad backs and necks. When I began care, in 1976, I went to a doctor of chiropractic because of spinal injuries. Within several months of regular care, my back pain resolved but, even more significantly, my migraine headaches went away, my allergies subsided, my bouts of asthma disappeared and my menstral cycle became regular. My doctor of chiropractic explained that chiropractic care was the restoration of normal nerve function. Since all body functions are dependent on a healthy nerve system, many health changes can occur under regular chiropractic care. Thus began my revelation about true health and wellness and my pursuit of chiropractic as a career.
When we first opened our office, 24 years ago, my husband and I discovered that most people, like ourselves, begin care because of spinal injuries and/or pain. And when we take the time to explain the essentials of chiropractic to our patients, they, too, understand the role chiropractic plays in the family wellness lifestyle.
Today, we have parents coming to our office drawing the natural conclusion that, since doctors of chiropractic are working with the nerve system, their children need care as well. Just a few weeks ago, a mother made an appointment for her son in our office. In our initial consultation she revealed that her son had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and, since ADHD was determined to be a dysfunction of the nervous system, the logical steps for her son should include care that addressed interference to the optimal function of his nerve system. Based on speaking with other parents and researching the role of chiropractic on the internet, she chose to bring her son in for an initial exam to determine if her child had any spinal subluxations that may be affecting his ability to concentrate.
Today is, fortunately, the age of information, where parents are privy to knowledge previously kept from the public. The internet has allowed parents to explore and research information on their own—affording them the ability to make informed decisions for their families’ well-being. Additionally, parents are talking with other parents, sharing success stories about their children’s health, and opening new doors and options they were not previously aware of. The importance, safety and efficacy of chiropractic care for children is reaching more and more parents, and whole families are participating in wellness lifestyle changes that are making a huge impact on their families’ present and future well-being.
It is truly an exciting time of movement and change as parents are taking active responsibility for their families’ health. We respect and appreciate parents’ right to choose ellness, and we will continue to provide parents with perspectives that offer families the solutions they are seeking.