Pediatric Chiropractic

Children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers, can benefit from gentle, specialized chiropractic care. As a chiropractor experienced in pediatric treatment, I provide safe, effective adjustments tailored to each child's unique needs and developmental stage.

Why Children Need Chiropractic Care

Spinal health is just as important for children as it is for adults—perhaps even more so during these critical developmental years. From the birth process itself to learning to crawl, walk, and engage in physical activities, children's spines face numerous challenges that can lead to misalignments.

Consider these common childhood experiences that can affect spinal alignment:

  • The birth process, especially difficult or assisted deliveries
  • Learning to hold up the head, sit, crawl, and walk
  • Falls and tumbles during normal childhood play
  • Heavy backpacks and poor posture at school
  • Sports activities and injuries
  • Increased use of electronic devices leading to "tech neck"

These everyday stresses can create subtle misalignments (subluxations) in a child's spine that may affect nerve function. By addressing these issues early, pediatric chiropractic care supports proper growth, development, and overall well-being.

Conditions That May Benefit

Pediatric chiropractic care may help with:

  • Colic
  • Reflux
  • Sleep issues
  • Ear infections
  • Breastfeeding difficulties
  • Growing pains
  • Posture problems
  • Sports injuries
  • Headaches
  • Focus/attention issues

A Parent's Guide to Your Child's First Visit

What to expect during your child's chiropractic appointment:

  • Comprehensive history discussing birth, development, and health concerns
  • Gentle examination appropriate for your child's age and comfort level
  • Age-appropriate explanations to help your child feel at ease
  • Extremely gentle adjustments using specialized pediatric techniques
  • Parent education about supporting your child's spinal health

The amount of pressure used to adjust a child is similar to testing the ripeness of a tomato—extremely gentle and always age-appropriate.

Age-Specific Chiropractic Care

Infants (0-12 months)

Newborns and infants receive the gentlest care, with adjustments that use no more pressure than you'd use to test a ripe tomato. These subtle corrections can help with:

  • Addressing birth strain
  • Easing colic symptoms
  • Improving sleep patterns
  • Supporting breastfeeding
  • Enhancing nervous system development

Many parents report their babies seem more comfortable and settled after gentle chiropractic care.

Children (1-12 years)

As children grow, they encounter numerous physical challenges—from learning to walk to playground activities to carrying heavy backpacks. Chiropractic care during these years focuses on:

  • Supporting proper growth and development
  • Addressing postural issues early
  • Helping with coordination and balance
  • Minimizing the impact of falls and injuries
  • Building a foundation for lifelong spinal health

Adjustments are gentle and often incorporated into play to keep children comfortable and engaged.

Teenagers (13-18 years)

Adolescence brings rapid growth, increased sports participation, and often poor posture due to electronic device use. Teenage chiropractic care addresses:

  • Growth-related spinal changes
  • Sports performance and injury prevention
  • "Tech neck" from device use
  • Stress on the developing spine
  • Establishing good postural habits

Adjustments for teenagers are similar to adult techniques but modified as needed for their developing bodies.

Safe, Gentle Techniques for Children

Pediatric chiropractic care is fundamentally different from adult care. I use specialized techniques specifically designed for children's developing bodies:

  • Activator Method: A gentle, instrument-based technique that delivers precise, low-force adjustments—ideal for children of all ages.
  • Cranial Techniques: Extremely light touch used to address tension in the skull and upper neck—particularly beneficial for infants.
  • Fingertip Pressure: Using just the amount of pressure you'd use to test a ripe tomato—perfect for newborns and infants.
  • Thompson Drop-Table: A technique using specialized tables that require minimal force—great for older children and teenagers.
  • Modified Diversified Technique: Gentler versions of traditional adjustments used for older children and teenagers when appropriate.
  • Postural Exercises: Age-appropriate exercises to reinforce proper alignment and development.
Safety First: Pediatric chiropractic care is remarkably safe. Research has shown that adverse effects are extremely rare, and most children find their adjustments comfortable and even enjoyable. I always adapt my approach based on the child's age, size, comfort level, and specific needs.

Common Questions About Pediatric Chiropractic

Yes, when performed by a chiropractor experienced in pediatric care, chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe for children. The techniques used for children are much gentler than those used for adults, with the pressure adjusted appropriately for the child's size, weight, and specific condition. Research consistently shows that adverse effects from pediatric chiropractic care are exceedingly rare.

Pediatric adjustments are gentle and typically pain-free. Most children find their chiropractic care to be comfortable, and many even enjoy it! The amount of pressure used, especially for infants, is very light—similar to checking the ripeness of a tomato. For older children, techniques are modified to ensure comfort while still being effective.

Newborns can be checked by a pediatric chiropractor as soon after birth as the parents wish. Many infants are checked within the first few weeks of life, especially if they experienced a difficult birth process. The adjustments for newborns are extremely gentle and specifically adapted for their delicate bodies.

The frequency of care depends on your child's specific needs and condition. For acute issues, more frequent visits might be recommended initially, followed by fewer visits as improvement occurs. For wellness care, periodic check-ups (perhaps monthly or quarterly) may be suggested to support optimal development. I'll always provide personalized recommendations based on your child's individual needs.

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