Chiropractic Care for Kids
Supporting Healthy Growth:
The Role of Chiropractic Care in Pediatric Wellness
Society’s view of health and wellness is evolving, and more parents are seeking natural, holistic alternatives to traditional medical treatments for their children. Many standard medical remedies for conditions such as ear infections, colic, and asthma can carry unwanted side effects. Chiropractic care offers a safe, gentle, and non-invasive approach to supporting pediatric health.
While most people recognize the benefits of chiropractic care for adults, many are unaware that it can also play a crucial role in promoting the health and development of babies and children. A well-functioning nervous system benefits everyone, but it’s especially vital for growing bodies.
Subluxations, or misalignments of the spine, can occur even before birth due to intrauterine constraints, during delivery, or as children begin crawling and walking. These small traumas can impact the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, potentially affecting physical and neurological development.
The nervous system — consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves controls essential functions such as immunity, digestion, elimination, and respiration. The skull and vertebrae protect this vital system, and research shows that up to 90% of the brain’s stimulation and nutrition come from spinal movement.
Chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper spinal alignment and biomechanics, relieving stress on the nervous system and promoting healthy brain development. By supporting optimal spinal health, chiropractic care not only enhances a child’s physical well-being but also contributes to improved emotional and behavioral balance.
“90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine.”
— Dr. Roger Sperry, Nobel Prize Recipient
Intrauterine Constraint
The ideal position for a baby before birth is head down, known as the vertex position. However, misalignments in the mother’s pelvis or excessive tension in the uterine ligaments can interfere with this positioning, leading to abnormal fetal presentations such as breech, face, brow, or transverse.
These atypical positions can place uneven biomechanical pressure on the developing baby, potentially contributing to spinal or structural issues such as scoliosis, torticollis, mandibular asymmetry, or hip dislocation. Beyond these in-utero effects, abnormal positioning can also increase the risk of birth-related trauma, placing additional stress on the baby’s spine and nervous system during delivery.
Birth Trauma
Birth trauma can occur in both home and hospital settings; however, it is significantly more common in hospital births due to the higher likelihood of medical interventions. Procedures such as labor induction with Pitocin, forceps or vacuum-assisted deliveries, and cesarean sections can sometimes lead to complications for both mother and baby.
For infants, these interventions may result in excessive traction or pressure on the spine, potentially causing issues such as torticollis, nerve damage, skull fractures, or other injuries. Unfortunately, many of these injuries often go undiagnosed, which can contribute to health challenges later in life.
The good news is that many birth interventions can be minimized or avoided through education, preparation, and support. Understanding the natural birthing process helps reduce fear — one of the main factors leading to unnecessary interventions. Building a supportive birth team that respects your body and birth plan is essential. This may include professionals such as doulas, midwives, and chiropractors who can guide and support a safe, natural birth experience.
Other Causes of Pediatric Subluxations
As children grow and develop, their musculoskeletal systems experience various physical stresses. While most of these minor bumps and falls resolve on their own, some can lead to subluxations—misalignments that place stress on the nervous system and may affect a child’s growth, posture, and overall health. Below are some common contributors to pediatric subluxations:
Learning to Walk:
When babies are learning to walk, frequent tumbles are a normal part of development. However, repeated falls or awkward landings can sometimes create minor spinal misalignments or strains that affect the developing nervous system.
Baby Walkers:
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the use of baby walkers due to their potential for injury and interference with natural development. Forcing a baby into an upright position too early can place stress on the spine and hips before they’re ready to support body weight. Additionally, skipping or shortening the crawling phase can hinder proper motor and sensory development, as studies show that children who do not crawl may have lower coordination and performance in early learning assessments.
Backpacks:
Heavy or poorly fitted backpacks can place uneven pressure on a child’s spine, leading to postural imbalances, back pain, or even scoliosis over time. Ensuring proper weight distribution and fit is key to spinal health.
Sports:
More than 3.5 million children under the age of 14 are treated annually for sports-related injuries. Sudden impacts, falls, or head and neck movements during sports can result in spinal stress, neck misalignments, or compression injuries, all of which can affect healthy development.
Signs your child has subluxations:
Unexplained crying
Lack of appetite
Difficulty latching when breastfeeding
Tendency to breastfeed only on one side
Allergic reactions
Chronic ear infections
Tugging or rubbing the ears
Poor coordination
Skin conditions
Poor concentration
Abnormal crawling patterns
Slips or falls
Frequent colds or flus
Muscle pains or cramps
Complains of head hurting
Constipation
Sleep issues
Nervousness or anxtiety
Scoliosis
Bed wetting