There are loads of chiropractic myths out there. One of the biggest is that chiropractors only treat adults. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Chiropractic care can benefit people of all ages, including infants, children, and teenagers.
Enter pediatric chiropractic – a specialized branch of chiropractic medicine just for kids. Pediatric chiropractors use gentle techniques to support children’s spine and nervous system health. This can have a positive ripple effect, enhancing sleep, digestion, immune function, and more.
Wondering if chiropractic care is right for your kids? Keep reading! We’ll cover the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care for children and common conditions it treats.
What is Pediatric Chiropractic Care?
Pediatric chiropractic care is just what it sounds like: a form of chiropractic care for infants, children, and teens. And it’s way more popular than you might think. In fact, chiropractors are the most consulted alternative practitioners for kids.1 And according to some estimates, roughly 86 million pediatric chiropractic visits happen each year.2
Techniques are modified with gentler pressure to accommodate children’s delicate bodies. However, the goal of pediatric chiropractic is the same as traditional chiropractic: to restore alignment of the spine.
When the spine is aligned properly, nervous system function improves. That’s because your spinal cord, a vital part of your central nervous system (CNS), runs through your spine. Correcting spinal alignment allows nerve signals to travel freely, without disruption.
Why does this matter for kids? Well, the nervous system plays a role in every function of your child’s body. It affects your child’s mood, sleep, digestion, immune health, brain function, and more. But it also impacts developmental milestones like walking and talking. So when it works optimally, it can create a cascade of positive effects for your child’s health.
Why Chiropractic Care for Kids?
Children’s bodies go through the ringer throughout the stages of growth and development. This starts even before birth. In the womb, fetuses spend most of their time curled up in a ball with their head tucked down. Birth and delivery, which often involve a lot of pushing and pulling, only put more stress on babies’ delicate bodies.
The physical stress and trauma only continue as a baby grows and develops into a toddler. Learning to crawl and walk involves a lot of twists, tumbles, and falls. Once a baby masters those developmental markers, other stressors appear. Playing hard, sports injuries, and carrying a heavy backpack can all take a toll on kids’ spines.
Teenagers aren’t immune to spinal misalignments either. Teens often spend hours a day on electronics in a hunched-over position. This can lead to poor posture and put undue stress on the spine and musculoskeletal system.
All this can lead to subluxations, which can have far-reaching effects on children’s health and well-being. Remember: spinal health affects nervous system health. A healthy nervous system is crucial to help children hit those developmental milestones and feel their best.
The good news? Pediatric chiropractic care can help kids stay healthy, no matter what stage of development they’re in. When the spine is in proper alignment, all systems in the body work better. This can help kids navigate the physical demands of childhood with more ease.
Pediatric Chiropractic Benefits
Most adults seek chiropractic care for musculoskeletal issues, like back pain.1 But that’s not the case with pediatric chiropractic. Kids typically visit a chiropractor for respiratory, ear, nose, or throat issues, or general preventative care.1
Here are some common conditions pediatric chiropractors treat:
Ear infections.
When the neck vertebrae are properly aligned, it allows fluid to drain more easily from the Eustachian tubes. This can reduce the risk of ear infections. It also supports the immune system, which helps the body fight off illness.
Colic.
If your baby is fussy, cries often, or is hard to comfort, you may want to give pediatric chiropractic a try. Gentle adjustments can calm the nervous system and help digestion. Many parents report less crying after a few visits.
Torticollis.
This condition causes a baby’s head to tilt to one side. Often, it’s due to tight muscles or pressure during birth. Chiropractic care can gently loosen the neck and help restore movement.
Sleep issues.
Poor sleep, frequent waking, and even bedwetting may be tied to how the brain and body communicate. Chiropractic treatments support nervous system health, which may lead to better sleep.
Breastfeeding difficulties.
Does your baby have trouble latching on or seem uncomfortable while nursing? This could be due to jaw or neck tension. Chiropractors can help restore your baby’s range of motion to make feeding easier.
Growing pains.
It’s common for kids to feel aches and pains in their legs as they grow, especially at night. This is not only uncomfortable, but it can disrupt sleep. Chiropractors can help ease muscle tension and help kids’ bodies stay balanced and aligned.
Sports injuries.
Whether soccer or baseball is their game, active kids are bound to get strains or sprains now and then. Regular chiropractic care can help reduce pain, support healing, and prevent future injuries.
Scoliosis.
This sideways curve in the spine often develops right before puberty. While scoliosis can’t be reversed entirely, chiropractic care can reduce tension and improve how the spine moves.
Asthma and allergies.
The nervous system plays a role in respiratory and immune function. Some families find that regular adjustments help their children breathe easier and react less to allergens.
Behavioral and sensory issues.
Chiropractic care may help calm the nervous system in kids with ADHD, autism, or sensory challenges. It’s not a cure, but some parents report better mood, less anxiety, and more body awareness.
This list is certainly not exhaustive. But it should give you an idea of the type of conditions that benefit from chiropractic care.
Is Pediatric Chiropractic Safe?
Yes. Research from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) shows that chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for kids.3 As long as it’s performed by a licensed chiropractor, of course. Techniques are gentle and adverse effects are rare.
Chiropractors use much lighter pressure on children compared to adult chiropractic adjustments. Often, the pressure is no more than what you’d use to check the ripeness of a peach! Each treatment is tailored depending on your child’s size, age, and unique health needs.
What Age Should a Child See a Chiropractor?
As a parent, that’s totally your call. Chiropractic care is safe for children of all ages. Even newborn infants can benefit from pediatric chiropractic visits. It can help with a myriad of childhood issues, from colic to ear infections to sports injuries.
At Anchored in Health, we firmly believe that chiropractic care is one of the best ways to set the stage for good health, no matter the age. When the spine is aligned and the nervous system is balanced, everything in the body works better.
Help Your Child Thrive with Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Orland Park, IL
Pediatric chiropractic care is a safe, natural way to support your child’s growth and development. At Anchored in Health, our chiropractors offer gentle, personalized treatments for children of all ages.
Whether you live in Orland Park or are looking for a pediatric chiropractor in the Chicago area, we’re here to help your little one thrive. Our family-friendly practice creates a calm, welcoming space for children and parents alike.
Ready to experience the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care for your child? Here’s how to get started:
- Contact us with questions.
- Schedule a pediatric chiropractic consultation at our Orland Park office here.
- Get natural support to nurture your child’s health through every stage of growth.
Other Holistic Health Services Offered at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL
Anchored in Health is deeply committed to helping your family live a vibrant, healthy life. That’s why we offer a wide range of services to support your family’s well-being. This includes functional medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, and the Shape ReClaimed program. We also provide genetic testing, thermography, and Vibrant Wellness testing to uncover the root causes behind stubborn symptoms.
Reach out today to find out how we can help your family feel their best!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
Reading this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship between you and Anchored In Health or any of its practitioners. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.
Sources:
- Chiropractic Care for Children | JAMA Pediatrics
- The quality of life of children under chiropractic care as measured by the PROMIS parent-proxy short forms | Science Direct
- The Safety and Effectiveness of Pediatric Chiropractic: A Survey of Chiropractors and Parents in a Practice-Based Research Network | ICPA
