At the Back to Health Chiropractic & Acupuncture Wellness Center, we know that your child lives an active lifestyle. In a wide range of ways, play and being active is a vital part of childhood. It provides a fertile ground for children’s growth and development; physically, emotionally, and socially.
Unfortunately, play, activities and sports are also the most common ways that children injure themselves. Over four million children under the age of 15 are hurt every year. From the playground to recess and sports teams – accidents happen and children get injured or experience pain.
As adults, we accept there is a certain amount of risk involved in nearly all childhood activities. Parents and caregivers share the ultimate responsibility for providing a safe and healthy playing environment. Adults and caregivers have the ultimate responsibility of providing a safe and healthy environment for children to thrive.
However, at Back to Health we know that even with an abundance of care and precautions, and even in the safest of settings, accidents do happen. Children may get hurt. Caregivers understanding how and why children get hurt during common active play is an important first step in helping the children we care for
Surprisingly, fractures account for less than 15 percent of injuries. Sprains, strains, contusions, abrasions, and lacerations make up 60 percent of all sports injuries to children. Generally, the younger the child, the less severe the injury from an accident. However, it is also true that the more rapidly children grow; the more susceptible they are to injuring a bone growth site (knee, heel, shoulder, elbow, hip, and back).
Given the spontaneous nature of children and the “controlled chaos” of children’s play, it’s of no surprise that falls and twists most often result in the more common strains and sprains, bruises, and abrasions.
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Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and the fastest-growing team sport in the U.S. Young soccer players who are hit by the ball, fall, and come into contact with other players, often suffer bruises, knee, ankle, and shin injuries.
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Playground equipment, although not associated with a sport, is responsible for an estimated 206,700 injuries annually. Three-quarters of all playground injuries happen on swings and monkey bars. Injuries on slides and seesaws account for the remaining fourth. (US Consumer Product Safety Commission).
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Children who complain of elbow pain are most likely to be suffering from an overuse syndrome. Little League Elbow, for example, results in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. This injury is directly related to the frequency and intensity of the pitch. Swimmers and skaters may also be at risk for overuse injuries because of repetitive stresses on particular joints.
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Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease is not a disease, but a mechanical injury of the knee. It occurs at the location where the kneecap tendon attaches to the tibia. The disease happens in children and young adults. It affects those who have most likely experienced micro trauma or overuse from repetitive kneeling, running, and jumping activities.
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If a child complains about back or neck pain that persists, restricts activities, or interrupts sleep, it is a concern that should be taken seriously.
At Back to Health, Dr. Erik LeMoullec is well-prepared to care for any injury or pain your child experiences. He can help rule out the most serious concerns through evaluation and examination. Often children’s pain or suffering is due to soft tissue injuries, overuse syndromes, or postural issues.
Studies show that the role of chiropractors is crucial. Chiropractors excel in treating and preventing painful conditions in children. When injury strikes or your child complains of pain we are ready to help them get back to feeling their best!
In cases that require further treatment (concern of a potential fracture), Dr. Erik works closely with local specialists & radiology centers. He will make the appropriate referral to be sure your child quickly gets the care that they need. He is also able to play an important role in care and rehabilitation. Dr. Erik will focus on making sure your child’s healing process is the fastest and best possible.
As a parent and trained practitioner, Dr. Erik understands that all children require a uniquely gentle approach to care. He has expertise in the pediatric chiropractic treatment of pain and injuries. His knowledge and approach have resulted in successfully treating children of all ages daily. The Back to Health Chiropractic & Acupuncture Wellness Center is fully equipped to manage your child’s specific injury, follow-through care & very importantly, re-injury prevention.
Did you know?… The treatment of sports injuries has been a basic approach in chiropractic care since its beginning. And now there is a specialty (chiropractic sports physician) devoted to the care and handling of athletes and their injuries. As your child begins participation in organized sports & activities, Dr. Erik can offer guidance. Guidelines on exercise, conditioning techniques, nutrition, and general fitness are all important and specific to young athletes.