Knocks and falls occur all too frequently during childhood, but there is not much we as parents can do to prevent it. Studies show that by the age of seven, a child will have fallen around 2,500 times, and prior to turning three, they will have had three major falls out of a cot, change table, or flight of stairs. Although children possess quite a resilience, this may mask the subtle damage that leads to poor postural and neurological function across time. These understated signs and symptoms can go unnoticed by parents and if left unchecked, can lead to entrenched health problems. It is important to keep in mind that each seemingly insignificant slip and fall our child has does add up, so it is always best to err on the side of caution and take them in for a check-up. In some cases, the minor accidents can subluxate your child’s spine and damage their developing skull. Birth to two years of age is a critical period of brain development, and any disruption from injury can have long-lasting or even permanent effects on the structure and function of the brain. Playground falls are one of the most common accidents and studies have shown that over 200,000 children are taken to the hospital each year to have playground injuries assessed. Undetected subluxations can result in problems later in childhood such as headache and back pain. It is incredibly common for children to experience these symptoms for “no apparent reason,” and these problems can remain throughout adulthood. As adults we may experience a health issue that seemed to happen “out of the blue,” such as our necks becoming stiff when we wake up or our backs giving out when we go to tie our shoe. These common issues are solved best with a Chiropractor, who’s work is gentle, safe, and effective, so it is important that we as parents take in our children after a minor or major fall.
