When Should Children See a Chiropractor?

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Brandi Goodman

Adults aren’t the only ones who should visit the chiropractor. Children, and even infants, are just as likely to need chiropractic adjustments as adults. They, too, experience joint restrictions that need correcting and many other ailments that can be eased with chiropractic help.

So, let’s take a look at kids and chiropractic.

Why children should visit a chiropractor

Chiropractic care has countless benefits for children, so long as they receive age-appropriate adjustments—in other words, appropriate for their current growth and bone growth stage. Their musculoskeletal system is also vulnerable; routine chiropractic care may ensure it develops appropriately. It may also improve sleep, ease aches, and promote overall health.

At what age should a child start seeing the chiropractor?

You can start bringing your child to a chiropractor at any age you feel comfortable. Even babies can benefit from chiropractic. Infants may experience a spinal misalignment due to the birthing process. Toddlers, children, and adolescents going through growth spurts can also benefit from care because these are key times when musculoskeletal problems can arise and lead to problems later in life.

How often should children see a chiropractor?

In the same way that growing children see a dentist twice per year for their teeth, having them examined by a chiropractor once per year, at minimum, will help get ahead of any problems that may be developing, according to Dr. Steven Knauf, VP of chiropractic and compliance at The Joint Chiropractic. They should certainly be seen at least once in their respective stages of development. Remember that adjustments and their intensity are appropriate for age and growth. If they’re experiencing symptoms, more frequent visits may be necessary. The Joint offers affordable youth plans that cost less than the adult plans.

Common issues children face that chiropractic can help with

Children tend to face some common issues that may be helped through chiropractic treatment. A child’s weakened immune system can result in chronic colds, ear infections, and other health issues. They may have a tech neck from looking at devices, poor posture, back pain from the heavy weight of carrying a backpack each day, and injury from sports or other activities. Behavioral issues may develop due to their pain and discomfort and the “misalignment” hindering their brain-body connection. Chiropractic care should be sought to help resolve these issues and promptly correct joint restrictions. Leaving them untreated can result in further complications down the line.

Is chiropractic care only for children with symptoms?

Children do not need to be experiencing current symptoms to be seen. Chiropractic care is just as much a preventive treatment as a reactive one. By getting into a routine with this type of care, you can hopefully prevent certain illnesses or injuries from occurring or at least being such a bother. It is wise to start periodic chiropractic care to ensure the body grows well and functions to the best of its abilities. Catching issues early is best for preventing problems later in life.

What is tech neck, and how can chiropractic care help?

Tech neck, or text neck, sometimes referred to, develops more often because people spend too much time looking down at devices. Consider the angle of your neck when texting or using your phone. It pulls your head forward, resulting in excess weight on your neck. It’s doing the same thing to your children. With the frequent use of cell phones, tablets, and similar devices, kids spend far too much time looking down and causing themselves damage.

Symptoms of tech neck include neck pain, poor posture, shoulder stiffness, headaches, neck spasms, and difficulty looking up or down. Chiropractic should help resolve these issues, but you must do your part and limit time with these devices. You should also instruct your kids to keep their phones at eye level to avoid discomfort. A chiropractic adjustment can correct subluxations or joint restrictions in the neck area, improve posture, and reduce aches, pains, and stiffness that stem from it.

How chiropractic care improves posture in children

Kids often spend hours sitting at their desks during the school day and more time sitting on their video games and devices once they arrive home. This can drastically impact posture. Chiropractic can realign the spine and release muscle tension, aiding in a child’s ability to exhibit proper posture. Good posture is necessary for overall health; It can ensure optimal breathing, prevent chronic pain, and enhance focus.

How chiropractic care helps kids with focus and concentration

When kids feel pain or stress, focusing can be challenging. Chiropractic care can help them concentrate better on the tasks they need to accomplish. If your child has difficulty with school or homework, take them to the chiropractor to see if an adjustment can help. With a properly aligned spine, better breathing and circulation follow. This supports improved cognitive function, resulting in better focus and concentration.

How chiropractic care helps children manage stress

Stress is also more common in children than some might think. Particularly during school age, kids often experience stress from school work, homework, extracurriculars, sports, and even peer pressure. This stress can lead to anxiety and tension. Chiropractic care can alleviate some of this stress, easing tension in the body and benefiting the nervous system. Children can suffer from poor mental health, and routine chiropractic may help them to become more active, improving their mental health.

The role of chiropractic care in sports injury prevention for kids

Many kids play sports. Even young athletes can get injured, and chiropractic care can prevent sports injuries. Routine chiropractic care may help a child’s body be as flexible and limber as possible. With no joint restrictions in the way and a full range of motion available, they should be able to move and play to the best of their abilities, reducing the risk of cervical spine, wrist, shoulder, shin, ACL, and growth plate injuries, which are all typical in children.

Take your kids to a chiropractor today

Chiropractic care isn’t just for adults. It’s for everyone. Take your kids to the Joint Chiropractic so they can start receiving routine care. Getting them started with this healthy habit at a young age may make them more likely to continue the habit when they get older, which is always the goal; it’s a good, healthy habit to form for what could be a lifetime of better health.

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.