Teenagers deal with a lot these days, from school and sports to social life. Staying healthy is super important, and chiropractic care can really help. It’s not just for adults with back pain -chiropractic care can support teens too. It helps with stress related tensions, prevents injuries, and keeps posture in check. Sophie started to see a chiropractor when she was a teenager and look where she is now! This was due to postural related strains as well as aches and pains related to her trampolining days.
Why Teenagers Might Benefit from Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on the function of the spine and the nervous system, which are essential for overall health. Here are some common reasons why teenagers come to see us at Marlborough Chiropractic Clinic.
1. Posture Problems
With teens leading the way in the digital age nowadays, it's no surprise that many young people are dealing with neck aches, back pains, and tense shoulders thanks to slouching over these gadgets for hours on end. And let's face it, it's not just about feeling uncomfortable; aches and pains can affect one's focus.
Studying for long hours can take a toll on a teenager’s posture too, especially with children and teenagers working on sofas and on beds as digital devices have become more portable.
Teens, listen up! It's time to start paying attention to how you sit and stand. Doing simple things like stretching often, taking breaks from screens, and setting up your workspace the right way can save you from a world of posture hurt down the line.
2. Sports Injuries
Many teenagers are involved in sports, which is great to get you out of the desk chairs and in the fresh air! From time to time though we do see some injuries related to sport involvement, like sprains, strains, and joint irritation. Chiropractic care can aid in the recovery process.
Chiropractic adjustments stimulate nerve endings in joints that help the brain know what is happening, so that the brain can coordinate muscle activation that promotes efficient movement and power. This helps teenagers to be more aware, able to listen to their bodies and not push through pain or dysfunction.
3. Growth and Development
The teenage years mark a crucial phase in an individual's life characterised by rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive development. This period is defined by significant growth spurts and hormonal changes that can impact overall well-being. Chiropractic care plays a vital role in supporting adolescents during this transformative stage by focusing on the function of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system.
Adolescents often experience growing pains as their bodies adjust to their changing structures. Regular chiropractic care can help alleviate discomfort associated with these growth related issues, allowing teenagers to navigate this period with greater ease and comfort.
Hormones can play havoc with the body during puberty. More and more evidence is emerging regarding correlations between hormone fluctuations and soft tissue injuries. Athletes like Dina Asher-Smith have been campaigning hard to raise awareness of the link.
4. Stress and Mental Health
Teenagers often experience high levels of stress due to academic pressures, social dynamics, and other factors. This can lead to development of stress related conditions including headaches, shoulder tension and pelvic tension. Chiropractic care can help to relieve aches and pains related to muscular stress as well as giving tips to help manage stress and promote relaxation.
What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit
A visit to the chiropractor involves several steps to ensure comprehensive care:
1. Initial Consultation
During the first visit, our chiropractors conduct a thorough examination, including a review of medical history and a physical assessment. This helps us understand the teenager's specific needs, concerns and any goals they are working towards. We check blood pressure, perform neurological checks and a series of functional checks on various areas of the body.
2. Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment, the chiropractor will develop a personalised treatment plan. This plan may include a variety of spinal adjustments, exercises, and lifestyle advice including relaxation tips, exercises or nutrition advice tailored to your teenager’s needs and goals.
3. Spinal Adjustments
Spinal adjustments involve the chiropractor using their hands or special instruments to apply controlled force to the spine. As children are not skeletally mature until the age of 16-18, much lighter adjustments are utilised on the skeletally immature joints. For more information on how adjustments work, check out our blog page on adjustments!
4. Follow-Up Visits
Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. The frequency of these visits will depend on the individual’s condition and response to treatment and their growth rate. It is common to see regression in symptoms or function through periods of quick development or growth as the body works to adapt to the new stage of maturity and growth.
Interested in Chiropractic Care as a profession?
We love having students come and shadow in the clinic. Whether you're 14 and trying to decide what GCSEs to take, or considering university options and career choices, you are always welcome to come and see the clinician side of chiropractic. We will be able to go through the different routes Sophie and Tom took to become Chiropractors and the options available for further study.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care can be a valuable tool in promoting the health and well-being of teenagers. By addressing issues related to posture, sports injuries, growth, and stress, chiropractic adjustments can help teenagers navigate their adolescent years more comfortably and healthily.
If your teenager is experiencing discomfort or if you simply want to support their overall wellness, give us a call to discuss any questions or head over to our booking page to get them booked in. Follow up appointments are reduced to £25 until they turn 18.
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