NDs, chiropractors, etc.

[SilverMoon010]

Okay, I'm currently taking my 3-year-old DS to a ped (conventional/mainstream) but I really want to go to an ND as I want to start with all natural care for my son and steer away from the good 'ol conventional style of medicine.  Our family does not vaccinate and I'm tired of the pushiness we get from our ped and that "bad parent" form they request us to sign.

Anyway, I have 2 questions:

1.  Even though I am into natural healing, should I keep our ped as well for other things that would need antibiotics, or is an ND enough for primary care of my child?

2.  What do chiropractors do exactly for children? I'm getting the feeling that I would not have a chiropractor as primary care for my child.  If that is the case, when would we go to a chiropractor? From what I believe, it is preventative medicine, so does that mean we would go when we weren't feeling ill and only to have a consultation on what we would be eating, supplements, etc?  Would a chiropractor be able to treat a sick child?

I'm so confused on what NDs and chiropractors actually do and if I can substitute our ped with one of those.

TIA!

[SilverMoon010]

Nobody? Come on guys.  I know you know about all this stuff

[Marnica]

I can only tell you what I do

Both DS and myself see ND's. ND's in our state cannot prescribe drugs so yes we both also have MD's. DS has a ped and I actiually like her as far as alloptahic peds go. She is from Russia - maybe that is why she is not so uptight about vaccines and is supportive of us using alternative healthcare. We rarely see our MD's but Im glad we have relationships with them because I would hate to rely on ER's for that kind of stuff. I dont know what state you are in but in some states ND's can prescribe. If this were the case where I am, I would be less inclined to maintain a relationship with a ped or family doc.

As for Chiro's myself and DS are adjusted on a weekly basis. I go twice a week and DS goes once. He had his first adjustment at 2 days old in the hospital (one of my best friends is a DC so he was visiting me and adjuested DS). Chiro's are not usually just concerned with spinal health but overall wellness. DS went last night and I had her look in his ears. This saves me a trip to the ND. Since DS is seen weekly, often she is the first person I seek advice from if there is a problem. If it is something beyond her scope - she'll tell me and Ill call the ND and make an appt.

You wouldn't go to a chiropractor as a primary care person - at least not in my state.

[SilverMoon010]

I'm in NJ...NJ does not license NDs.

What do the adjustments do exactly?  Do the adjustments consist of cracking the back and such? I have never had to go to a chiropractor myself so I don't have first-hand experience with them.  I actually only started getting interested in the topic shortly after my DS was born and when I found out chiropractors mostly advise against vaccination.

[dayiscoming2006]

Every chiropractor I've seen adjusts the spine into proper alignment. Some are better at their job than others. If I could afford it. I'd go at least twice a week as it really helps with my back pain. 

As far as the other stuff. I can't really tell ya. Since your state doesn't license NDs, I'd think you'd need the MD backup more than likely. I don't actually like any mainstream medicine so, I even find ND's to be not my preference. I would only use mainstream in an emergency. - Like if there's a serious infection or something that isn't responding to natural remedies. The ND that my hubby has seen recommends both mainstream meds and supplements or tinctures or whatever. But, I haven't liked the ones she prescribed him. He didn't end up liking it either. They're a little better than an MD at least.

[raksmama]

  I personally would  try  to have an open minded MD  AND a naturopath you can trust.   I  prefer  Osteopaths over  Chiropractors  because the former consider the entire body. For example, mine took care of the pain in my knees by adjusting my hips. Osteopaths do not crack at all and are very much against it.   The problem in the US is that many trained Osteopaths often no longer do the manual therapy and just practice regular medicine instead because it pays better. 

 IIIIIn the States you have to be a MD to be an Osteopath so I guess the temptation to earn more money is greater. In Canada and Europe Osteopaths are usually also Physiotherapists. Osteopahy is much more recognised in Europe.

[dogmom327]

We only have an ND and Chiropractor (we see the chiropractor only when specifically needed) but we're in a state where ND's are licensed and can prescribe drugs, tests, etc. so there's less of a need for an MD.

[northerngirl]

My kids have a ped who is a member of the Holistic Pediatricians Association. She is awesome and takes a more natural approach to health care, but if need be she can prescribe meds or refer us.

She is fine with no vax and she is a mama herself who leads a "natural" lifestyle. Also, she's on my insurance's provider list.

I looked up on the HPA website and typed in NJ for you. Maybe something here could work for you.

And this one says she licensed. Not sure where you are located.

We also see a chiropractor, covered by insurance. Mostly I do, but both kids have been seen. I've heard they can help with ear infections, although we've never had one of those (knock, knock).

They don't really "crack" anything, I believe it is gasses that are released that makes that noise.

Then there is the craniosacral therapist my youngest had seen for her torticollis. That along with physical therapy seemed to "cure" that. Not covered by insurance.

We have also seen another chiropractor in another city who helped us figure out why dd2 was having mucus in her poop. She uses applied kineseology as well as craniosacral. Not covered by insurance.

I also have a natropath in my city that I am seeing right now to help with some gasto issues I am having. If I were to go to the regular doc she would just say increase your fiber and excercise, both of which I already do. It is worth it for me to pay out of pocket. I would take either kid to see her if I didn't have the holistic ped.

Then there is the acupuncturist who I saw for morning sickness. That was out of pocket but worth it.

A really good thing is to ask around your area about who others recommend. Or even just call a natural health provider and see what their approach to health is and how they could help your family.