Chiropractic care is sometimes seen as a treatment for older, aching adults with bad backs and neck pain. But in reality, chiropractic care is good preventative medicine for everyone – even healthy, young teenagers. Here's a look at three ways your teen will benefit from seeing the chiropractor on a regular basis.

Improved Mood

It's no secret that teens can be moody! From general grumpiness to diagnosable depression, mood-related issues are prevalent in teens, and they can interfere with their schoolwork, social lives, and ability to enjoy life in general. Chiropractic care can help stabilize the mood, helping to fight off symptoms of depression and anxiety. When the chiropractor adjusts the back, this can alleviate pressure on nerves that control moods and emotions, leading to improved brain chemistry and a more positive attitude overall.

Note that chiropractic care is not a substitute for the proper treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. If your child is showing symptoms of these conditions, seek treatment from a trained psychologist – but don't hesitate to use chiropractic care as a supplemental treatment.

Improved Immunity

Germs travel through schools like lightning! Your teen needs to have an immune system of steel to avoid coming down with whatever flu or cold is currently going around. Chiropractic care can help. It strengthens the immune system by relieving pressure on nerves that regulate the immune system. Chiropractic adjustments also relax the muscles and result in the release or serotonin, the feel-good hormone, which can help your teen get better sleep. And better sleep leads to a healthier immune system.

Lower Risk of Injuries

Even if your teen is not a student athlete, chances are he or she is pretty active. Between running through the park with friends and playing pick-up baseball on the weekends, this physical activity presents the risk of injury. Regular chiropractic adjustments ensure your teen's muscles and joints are properly aligned. This will help improve your teen's flexibility, which will reduce the risk of sports-related injuries. If your teen participates in a sport like running or gymnastics, where over-use injuries are common, your chiropractor may be able to spot the beginnings of an injury and stop it in its tracks before it sidelines your teen.

Your teen may be young and healthy, but that does not mean they shouldn't see a chiropractor, such as one from Citrus Chiropractic Group. Regular adjustments will result in an all-around improvement in your teen's quality of life, thanks to their influence on mood, immunity, and injury prevention.