Bottom Line:
Constipation is a common issue many for children. It also stinks for parents. No one enjoys luring their child to the potty with a reward hanging in the balance for a job well done. But, for many families, the frequency of bowel movements with your child can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Fortunately, most cases of constipation aren’t a medical emergency and can be resolved without the use of medications.
Why it Matters:
Passing a large, dry stool isn’t fun. And if your child is fearful that it may hurt, then he/she may try a variety of tactics to avoid going. This becomes a vicious cycle that leads to more abdominal pain and constipation. So how do you break the cycle? A combination of high-fiber foods, plenty of fluids, exercise, and even Chiropractic care have been shown to improve the regularity of children.
· High-Fiber Foods: foods that are high in fiber can help prevent gas and bloating.
· Exercise: regular physical activity and exercise can reinforce normal bowel function.
· Chiropractic: researchers have children may have an increased frequency of bowel movement after receiving Chiropractic adjustments.
Next Steps:
Encouraging your child to take time out from play and regularly use the toilet is an excellent first step towards overcoming issues with constipation. By keeping an eye on their diet, establishing daily routines, and using other forms of natural care (such as Chiropractic), your child should be on track to grow up regular!
Science Source: Successful resolution of chronic constipation in pediatric patients with adjustments to sites of vertebral subluxation. Clinical Chiropractic. 2008. Constipation in Children. Mayo Clinic. 2018
Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings and Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 10 years. You can reach Dr. Tope at drryno@structuralchiro.co.nz or 06•651•1004. You can also follow the Structural Chiropractic Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StructuralChiropracticHB).
