Common Conditions

Autism | Back Pain | Bedwetting | Breastfeeding Difficulty | Colic | Headaches |
Hip Dysplasia | Plagiocephaly | Scoliosis | Sleeping Difficulty

Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, Neurodivergent, “Neurospiciness”)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities that typically appear in early childhood and impact daily functioning. The Australian pediatric population shows a rising prevalence, with approximately 1 in 70 children affected. Recent data indicates that by age 12, about 1.3% of children are diagnosed with ASD.

Back Pain

Back pain in children refers to discomfort or pain experienced in the back area, ranging from the neck to the tailbone. In Australia, it is a common complaint, particularly among adolescents, with prevalence rates ranging from 28% to 48% in school-aged children. The incidence increases with age and is more common in females than males. Back pain can significantly impact a child’s academic performance by limiting participation in school activities and sports, affecting concentration during prolonged sitting in classes, and potentially leading to increased school absenteeism in severe cases. 

Bedwetting

Nocturnal enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting, is a prevalent condition among children that tends to decrease in frequency with age. The overall prevalence is estimated to be 14.9% among school-aged children. At age 5, approximately 23% of children experience bedwetting, which declines to 5-10% by age 7 and less than 5% by age 10. The condition is more common in boys, with a 2:1 ratio compared to girls, though this difference diminishes after age 10.

Breastfeeding Difficulty

Breastfeeding difficulty is a common challenge faced by many new mothers, often leading to early cessation of breastfeeding despite initial intentions to continue. Issues such as nipple pain, latching problems, insufficient milk supply, and engorgement can cause significant distress and frustration for both mother and infant. These difficulties, if not addressed promptly and effectively, can negatively impact a mother’s confidence and willingness to persist with breastfeeding. 

Colic (Unsettled behaviour, excessive crying)

Colic refers to a condition characterised by excessive crying, in an infant who is less than 5 months of age. It tends to be recurrent and consist of prolonged periods of infant crying, fussing, or irritability reported by caregivers that occur without obvious cause and cannot be prevented or resolved by caregivers.

Headaches

Headaches are a common health issue affecting children and adolescents, with prevalence increasing as children age. Studies indicate that by age 7, approximately one-third of children experience headaches, and this proportion rises to about half by age 15. The overall prevalence of primary headaches in children and adolescents is estimated to be around 62%. Headaches can significantly impact a child’s quality of life, affecting school attendance, social activities, and overall well-being. 

Hip Dysplasia (Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip, “Clicky Hips”)

Hip dysplasia refers to an abnormality in the development of the hip joint, where the ball-and-socket connection is improperly formed. Specifically, it involves a shallow hip socket (acetabulum) that does not fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone (femoral head). This condition can range from mild instability to complete dislocation of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia is typically present at birth but may also develop during infancy or childhood.

Plagiocephaly (“Flat Head” Syndrome, head asymmetry)

Plagiocephaly is a condition characterised by an asymmetrical or flattened shape of an infant’s head. It results from external pressure on the soft, malleable skull of a baby, often due to prolonged time spent in one position. There are two main types; positional (which is commonly seen by chiropractors) and synostotic (a form caused by premature closure of the skull). Read more…

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. Instead of a straight vertical alignment, the spine develops a C or S-shaped curve when viewed from behind. This condition can affect people of any age but often begins during childhood or adolescence.

Sleeping Difficulty

Sleeping difficulties in children are a common concern for many parents and can have significant impacts on both the child’s and family’s well-being. These issues can manifest in various ways, such as resistance to bedtime, frequent night awakenings, or early morning rising. Factors contributing to sleep problems in children may include inconsistent bedtime routines, anxiety, medical conditions, or environmental factors like noise or light exposure.