Stars for Kids

Did you know that one-third of children suffer from recurrent headaches that occur more than once a month? That’s an alarming statistic! But, as a chiropractor, though I’m alarmed, I’m not surprised. Children can get misaligned in many ways and headaches can often be the result. The active child can sustain a fall or sports injury. The sedentary, computer video child can occur headaches as the result of poor sitting postures.  But, another cause of headaches is surprisingly “seasonal.” As children and teens begin school each year, they are more susceptible to headaches and migraines. The change in schedule, new teachers, new friends and schoolwork can increase stress and, consequently, produce headaches.

In the case of the latter, there are quite a few things that you, as a parent, can do to help reduce these “seasonal” headaches.  For starters, enforce an earlier bedtime so that your child will be well-rested before beginning a new school year. In fact, in a new study published in Headache, researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that sleep and emotional disorders were common in adolescents with migraines. You should minimize (or eliminate) your child’s caffeine consumption (there is plenty of caffeine in certain soda pops). Obviously caffeine can make getting to sleep more difficult.  Also, make certain that your child is eating balanced meals and regular snacks, as well as drinking enough amount of water. Dehydration can often cause a headache.

If your child does develop a headache, chiropractic care is an effective, drug-free alternative for headache pain relief.  Over-the-counter medications, even once a week, can potentially put your child at risk for gastrointestinal and liver problems.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, headaches in children

One Response to “Don't Let a New School Year Become a Headache”