Chiropractic, Colic, and Other Early Reasons Your Child Needs an Adjustment
Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.
By: Sara Butler
Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook. Even the best parents are winging it, hoping we’re doing enough to raise happy, healthy little humans.
When it comes to your child’s health, you don’t have to go it alone. That’s where your trusted partners—pediatricians and chiropractors—step in. They’re here to lend their expertise when health questions pop up because, let’s be honest, they will.
A lot of parents discover chiropractic care early in the parenting journey, but if you’re new to it, you might not know how it can help your child—or what chiropractic really is. That’s why our doctors make it their mission to help parents feel confident about keeping their kiddos healthy. Education is key, and they’re all about making sure the whole family knows the benefits of chiropractic care.
What is chiropractic care for children?
Chiropractic care for children is a gentle, drug-free approach to supporting overall health and well-being. It focuses on the spine and nervous system, aiming to ensure proper alignment and function.
Pediatric chiropractors are trained to use gentle adjustments appropriate for the age and condition of the child to address any joint dysfunctions along the spine. These dysfunctions can interfere with the nervous system's communication with the whole body. By correcting these dysfunctions, chiropractors believe they can help the body function optimally.
“This is a growing area of understanding in the chiropractic field,” says Dr. Steven Knauf, VP of chiropractic and compliance at The Joint Chiropractic. “It’s a frontier for chiropractic. Anecdotally, we’ve seen great results for kids through chiropractic care, and we’re now living in an age where more resources are being dedicated to the science behind it.”
Although more research is needed, many parents report positive experiences with chiropractic care for their children.
Improved sleep - Addressing joint dysfunctions in the spine may contribute to better sleep patterns.
Reduced colic and digestive issues - Chiropractic care may help alleviate symptoms of colic and digestive discomfort.
Ear infection reflief - Some parents find that chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency of ear infections and reduce ear pain associated with them.
Enhanced immune function - A spine free from joint dysfunction is believed to support optimal immune function.
Improved focus and behavior - Some studies suggest a potential link between chiropractic care and improved attention and behavior.
It's essential to consult with a qualified pediatric chiropractor to determine if it's right for your child. The doctor -- yes, chiropractors are doctors -- will conduct a thorough examination and discuss the potential benefits and risks.
Worth noting for those times you take your baby to the chiropractor for an adjustment, take extra diapers and wipes—and maybe even an extra shirt for yourself and outfit for the baby. Adjustments have been known to alleviate constipation and cause “baby blowouts,” so you’ll want to be prepared for a potential mess.
What early signs indicate a child could benefit from chiropractic care?
Though it's important to note that these signs don't definitively indicate a need for chiropractic care, they can be indicators that a consultation with a pediatric chiropractor might be beneficial. Remember, every child is different, but in general, if you find a few of these signs and symptoms familiar to them, you may want to consult with a chiropractor.
- Sleep disturbances - Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, or restless sleep.
- Digestive issues - Colic, constipation, reflux, or persistent gas
- Feeding challenges - Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
- Frequent ear infections - Recurrent ear infections or problems with the ear canal that can sometimes be linked to spinal misalignments.
- Behavioral changes - Unusual irritability, fussiness, excessive crying, or difficulty calming down.
- Developmental delays - If you notice any delays in motor skills or milestones.
- Postural issues - Noticeable asymmetries in the body, such as uneven shoulders or hips.
- Pain or discomfort - Complaints of headaches, neck pain, or back pain.
These are just potential signs and not a definitive diagnosis. A qualified pediatric chiropractor can provide a thorough evaluation and determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for your child.
How does chiropractic care for children differ from adults?
Chiropractic care is tailored to the individual, it’s not a one-size-fits-all type of care. That’s why chiropractic for children is significantly different from that for adults.
Gentle techniques - Pediatric chiropractors use extremely gentle techniques, often involving light touch or gentle adjustments. This is because children's bodies are still developing, and their bones and joints are more pliable.
Focus on prevention - Although chiropractic care can address specific issues in children, the primary focus is on preventing problems from developing. It's about optimizing the child's nervous system and supporting their overall growth and development.
Birth trauma - Many children benefit from chiropractic care after birth to address potential trauma experienced during the delivery process.
Developmental milestones - Pediatric chiropractors often enjoy working with children and parents to support them in achieving developmental milestones, such as crawling, sitting, and walking.
Holistic approach - Chiropractic care for children often includes lifestyle advice, nutritional guidance, and other recommendations to support your child’s health and well-being.
Although the underlying principles of chiropractic care are the same for both children and adults, the approach and focus are tailored to the specific needs of each age group.
What is colic and can chiropractic help?
If you’ve ever had a colicky baby, you know that it feels tantamount to torture. But what is it? Colic is a condition that affects infants, typically starting around two weeks of age and ending around three months.
It's distinguished by excessive, inconsolable crying that lasts for several hours a day. The exact cause of colic is unknown, but it can be a frustrating experience for both parents and babies.
There is some evidence to suggest that chiropractic care can be beneficial for babies with colic, and there’s certainly plenty of anecdotal evidence. While more research is needed, many parents report positive outcomes.
The theory is that gentle chiropractic adjustments can help to correct joint dysfunctions that may be contributing to colic symptoms. These dysfunctions can affect the nervous system and digestive system, potentially leading to discomfort and excessive crying.
It's important to note that chiropractic care is not a cure for colic, but it can provide relief for some babies. Always consult with your pediatrician if your baby is experiencing severe or persistent colic.
Can chiropractic help with chronic reflux or spit-up in infants?
If your nursery routinely looks like a scene from The Exorcist, then the good news is that chiropractic care can potentially help with chronic reflux or spit-up in infants.
Many parents report positive experiences with chiropractic care for their babies experiencing reflux or excessive spitting up. The underlying principle is that joint dysfunctions in the spine can interfere with the nervous system's communication with the digestive system. Gentle chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these dysfunctions, allowing the body to function optimally.
Potential benefits of chiropractic care for infant reflux include:
- Improved digestion
- Reduced discomfort
- Better sleep
- Overall improved well-being
It's important to note that while chiropractic care can be beneficial, it's not a guaranteed solution for every baby. If your infant is experiencing severe or persistent reflux, it's crucial to consult with your pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How can parents find a qualified pediatric chiropractor?
If you are interested in exploring chiropractic care for your child, then finding a qualified pediatric chiropractor is the next step.
Look for pediatric specialization - Chiropractors who are certified in pediatric care have typically completed specific training with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). You can also ask other parents for recommendations in your community or even do some online sleuthing to find some for yourself.
Verify credentials and experience - Any chiropractor you see should be licensed and board-certified. You can also ask them about any specific training they’ve had in pediatric chiropractic care and techniques.
Consider the practice environment - When you go to the chiropractor’s office, see if it feels child-friendly and observe how they interact with children.
Trust your instincts - Before you sign your child up for treatment, meet with the chiropractor for a consultation to discuss the health concerns of your child. Ask questions about benefits and treatment plans. Make sure to trust your gut and go with a provider who you feel comfortable with and who seems to genuinely care about your child’s well-being.
It also won’t hurt to look at some online reviews of any potential chiropractors. While not definitive, they can help provide some insight into experiences other patients have had. You may also want to talk to your child’s pediatrician to see if they have any recommendations for chiropractors in your area.
It also won’t hurt to look at some online reviews of any potential chiropractors. While not definitive, they can help provide some insight into experiences other patients have had. You may also want to talk to your child’s pediatrician to see if they have any recommendations for chiropractors in your area.
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.