10 Chiropractic Treatments of Headache For Children 7-14

Does My Child Have a Headache?

Diagnosing medical concerns in children presents unique challenges, since children lack the communication skills of adults. Parents must carefully observe their children and combine conversation with observation to identify headaches, migraines, or other ailments.

Signs a child is suffering from a headache include:

• Quieter than usual behavior
• Increased moodiness
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Preference for rest or lying down
• Desire to sleep rather than be active
• Complaints of pain, nausea, or appetite loss
• Sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises

Some children are more susceptible to headaches due to co-occurring conditions:

• Anxiety
• Epilepsy
• Depression
• Sinus diseases
• Sleep disorders
• High blood pressure
• Jaw and eye problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome

When uncertain, consult a pediatrician to accurately diagnose medical conditions in children, as they possess the tools and expertise needed for proper assessment.

The Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine

Children can experience both headaches and migraines, and chiropractic care can treat each condition. According to WVU Medicine, "migraines in children can be different from migraines in adults. For example, most adults with a migraine have pain on only one side of their head. Children are more likely to have migraines on both sides."

For a headache to be classified as a migraine, the child might experience nausea, vomiting, intense sensitivity to lights and sounds, and typically desires rest in a dark, quiet place. Sleep often helps migraines resolve.

Common migraine triggers in children include:

• Exposure to strong smells (bleach, tobacco smoke, perfume)
• Weather changes and temperature fluctuations
• Allergies, hormone changes, and emotional stress
• Poor health habits: excessive screen time, insufficient sleep, skipping meals, inadequate hydration, excessive sugar and processed foods

While chiropractic care can treat headaches and migraines effectively, identifying and addressing root causes is critical.

Chiropractic Adjustments for Headaches and Migraines

Chiropractic adjustments restore the spine to proper alignment, correcting misalignments caused by various factors. Children's bodies are more supple than adults' and easily influenced by environment, accidents, and rough play. When a child's spine misaligns, it can impact nerve pathways and cause or contribute to headaches and migraines.

One study found that "children who received chiropractic care for headaches reported significantly fewer days with headaches than children in the study who also struggled with headaches but who did not receive chiropractic care."

Chiropractors adjust children similarly to adults but typically take more time, explain procedures in child-friendly language, and proceed slowly to avoid alarming the patient. Physical adjustments often resemble those for adults with headaches, though technique differs based on significant differences in body size, height, and weight.

Chiropractic Adjustments as Pediatric Care in Nashville

Cool Springs Chiropractic in Franklin delivers exemplary specialized care for children and adolescents. Dr. Peter Hinz explains: "At Cool Springs Chiropractic, our expert team provides tailored chiropractic care to address our patients' unique health needs, including treating headaches in children."

Schedule an appointment by calling (615) 503-9900 or using the online system for a limited-time $49 New Patient Special.

Office location: 3252 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 13, Franklin, Tennessee

For information or questions, email info@coolspringschiropractic.com