Help! My Child Is Lethargic: Can Chiropractic Care Help?

As a parent, you always want your child to be happy, healthy, and full of energy. However, there might be times when you notice that your child is unusually tired, listless, and inactive. While lethargy can be caused by various factors, one common underlying cause is spinal misalignments. These misalignments can impede the proper functioning of the nervous system, leading to a range of health problems, including lethargy.

Fortunately, chiropractic care can treat spinal misalignments and their resulting health issues. Here at Back In Motion Chiropractic, Dr. Cameron Weishaar is experienced in treating patients of all ages, including children. Let’s explore how chiropractic care can help with adolescent lethargy.

What is adolescent lethargy?

Adolescent lethargy can be defined as a general sense of fatigue and lack of energy that is experienced by young people. While it’s normal for children to feel tired after intense physical or mental activity, constant lethargy can be a sign of an underlying health problem. Some common causes of adolescent lethargy include poor diet, lack of exercise, sleep disorders, hormonal changes, depression, and anxiety.

Signs of Chronic Lethargy in Children & Adolescents

Recognizing chronic lethargy in children can be challenging as its symptoms can often be mistaken for normal teenage behavior. However, there are specific signs that parents can observe that may indicate a child is suffering from chronic lethargy. These include:

• Constant fatigue: Despite having adequate sleep, your child seems constantly tired and lacks the energy for daily activities.
• Lack of interest: Your child may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. They may also seem uninterested in school, hobbies, or social activities.
• Difficulty concentrating: Chronic lethargy can cause difficulty in focusing or maintaining attention for extended periods.
• Sleep disturbances: Despite feeling tired, your child may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Conversely, your child may always be tired, seeking out sleep, wanting to rest at any time of day (despite minimal physical activity), and falling asleep unexpectedly.
• Physical symptoms: These may include headaches, dizziness, and unexplained aches and pains.
• Mood swings: Your child may display signs of irritability, frustration or feelings of hopelessness.

If your child exhibits several of these signs over an extended period, it could be a sign of chronic lethargy, and it might be beneficial to seek professional medical advice.

How can spinal misalignments cause lethargy?

The spine is the main pathway for the nervous system, which controls and coordinates all bodily functions. When the spine is misaligned, it can compress nerves and disrupt the flow of vital information between the brain and the body. This can lead to a range of health problems, including lethargy, as the body’s energy levels are compromised.

Spinal misalignment in children and adolescents is more common than you might think. Many factors can contribute to these misalignments, known as subluxations, including poor posture, heavy backpack use, sports injuries, and falls. According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, even the trauma from the birthing process can cause subluxations in newborns. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that 72% of children surveyed had some form of spinal misalignment. Therefore, it’s essential to include regular spinal checks as part of your child’s health care routine.

How can chiropractic care help with adolescent lethargy?

Chiropractic care can help with adolescent lethargy by correcting the spinal misalignments that are causing it. Dr. Weishaar uses Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP) to analyze the spine and identify any misalignments or abnormalities. CBP is a comprehensive, evidence-based system that focuses on restoring the spine to its optimal state.

What does chiropractic treatment for adolescent lethargy involve?

Chiropractic treatment for adolescent lethargy involves gentle, non-invasive adjustments to the spine. These adjustments aim to realign the vertebrae, restore normal movement, and reduce nerve interference. Over time, this can improve the functioning of the nervous system and increase the body’s energy levels. Dr. Weishaar may also recommend other complementary therapies, such as massage, exercise, and nutritional counseling, to support the overall health and well-being of the child.

How long does it take for treatment to show results (and increase energy) in kids?

The timeframe for seeing improvements in adolescent lethargy with chiropractic care can vary based on several factors—including the severity of the spinal misalignment, the overall health of the child, and the child’s adherence to the treatment plan. In some cases, patients may start to see changes as soon as after a few sessions, while others may require a longer course of treatment to notice significant improvements. It’s important to remember that chiropractic care focuses on correcting the root cause of the issue rather than merely alleviating the symptoms, which can take time. Dr. Weishaar will monitor your child’s progress closely and adjust the treatment plan as necessary to ensure the best outcome.

Are there any risks or side effects of chiropractic care for children and adolescents?

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe for children when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor. Dr. Weishaar has undergone extensive training and has years of experience in treating children. The techniques used in chiropractic care for children are gentle and low-force, and there are no risks or side effects associated with the treatment.

Chiropractic Care for Kids in Spokane, WA

As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes their health and well-being. If you notice that your child is lethargic and low on energy, spinal misalignments might be the underlying cause. Chiropractic care, specifically Chiropractic BioPhysics®, can help in correcting these misalignments and reducing nerve interference. This can lead to an overall increase in energy levels and improved health. At Back In Motion PS Chiropractic, we understand how important your child’s health is to you, and we’re committed to providing them with the best care possible. Book a chiropractic consultation today to learn more about how we can help your child.

BACK IN MOTION PS CHIROPRACTIC
Add: 1717 W Francis Ave #202 Spokane, WA 99205, United States
Phone: 509-443-3535
Mail: [email protected]