When a child gets diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it can be devastating news. For some children, a diagnosis such as this can mean taking multiple medications, needing a wheelchair, and having to see many types of healthcare professionals. Although there is no cure, there are different types of treatment that can enable your child to live a high quality of life. Here are three types of treatment that can help your child with cerebral palsy.

Chiropractic Care

Cerebral palsy normally stems from a brain injury that usually occurs before, during, or after birth. Because the brain communicates to the body via the nervous system, it makes sense that a chiropractor could help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the damaged part of the brain. While a chiropractor won't be able to help a child with cerebral palsy gain full function of their body, they can help in the following ways:

• Reduction in muscle spasticity and stiffness
• Lessened chance of developing scoliosis
• Decreased number of back and neck problems

For children with cerebral palsy who struggle with sleep issues, chiropractic care may help with this as well. For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://www.citruschiropracticgroup.com.

Physical Therapy

Because cerebral palsy often inhibits the proper development of a child's gross motor skills, physical therapy is usually recommended. Since cerebral palsy can affect movement, a baby with this particular diagnosis may not reach certain milestones such as crawling, standing, or walking at the appropriate ages. A physical therapist will set goals for your child and you will also be shown exercises that can be done at home. Besides helping a child with cerebral palsy develop their gross motor skills, physical therapy can also help with the following: 

• Increased range of motion
• Decreased inflammation in the joints
• Less pain in muscles and joints

In severe cases of cerebral palsy, physical therapy may not help your child become completely mobile, but a physical therapist can provide advice on mobility devices for your child.

Surgical Treatments

Depending on how your child's diagnosis of cerebral palsy is affecting certain parts of the body, your child might end up needing various types of surgical treatments. Some of the most common types of surgeries for children with this condition include: 

• Gastroenterology surgery — in cases where the digestion is not working properly 
• Medicine-related surgery — in cases where medication needs to be dispersed through the spinal column
• Orthopedic surgery — performed on bones, joints, muscles, and tendons for pain relief and increased mobility

It's important to remember that the type of treatment your child needs will vary on the type of cerebral palsy and its severity.