Dr. Lewis has worked with many little ones in our clinic in Joplin, MO. As a mother or father, there is no more terrible feeling than seeing your kids in pain and not being able to do anything about it. Maybe you're worried about the side effects of the medications or maybe even these conventional approaches to pain management haven't helped. Recent research suggests that more parents of children with chronic neurological conditions are turning to chiropractic and other complementary and alternative therapies to help their children live normal, pain-free lives.
Canadian Study Results
In one investigation of pediatric patients at Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton, Canada, and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the authors reviewed over 200 surveys completed regarding both male and female patients with an average age of almost 10 years old. The diagnosis of the patients ranged from epilepsy to headaches to cerebral palsy.
The group found that around 60% of the parents surveyed had sought some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The most prevalent CAM methods were therapeutic massage and chiropractic care. Multi-vitamins were the most utilized CAM products.
In the surveys examined, most participants reported that they found positive health results with CAM and appreciated the negligible or completely non-existent side effects. They also pointed out that if you do choose to use CAM products, it is always best to disclose this to your primary-care provider .
In a prior study involving the same two hospitals, researchers reviewed 939 questionnaires completed by parents who had children with chronic illnesses. Just as before, the parents also highly agreed that CAM supplements and treatments such as chiropractic care were used quite often and very helpful when dealing with children who struggled with chronic disorders. The ones discussed in the report were disorders pertaining to cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, oncology, or respiratory issues.
Improved Communication Equals Better Outcomes
Both of these reports point out the advantages of using complementary and alternative medicine like chiropractic care when helping a little one manage their chronic health issues. It offers an alternative that does not create undesirable side effects and focuses on complete body wellness, making it perfect for children with chronic ailments.
You want the best for your children and Dr. Lewis is here to provide a natural approach to keeping your kids healthy. Give Dr. Lewis a call today at (417) 782-2504 for an appointment.
References
Galicia-Connolly E, et al. CAM use in pediatric neurology: An exploration of concurrent use with conventional medicine. PLoS One. 2014; 9(4).
Adams D, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use by pediatric specialty outpatients. Pediatrics 2013; 131; 225.