Why Does My Child Need Chiropractic Care?

It might not be immediately obvious that kids can benefit from chiropractic care. After all, it’s not
common for a five-year-old to complain about back pain, and children rarely display the chronic
pain symptoms that adults do from spinal degeneration. However, spinal misalignments—also
known as vertebral subluxations—often start much earlier in life, sometimes as early as birth.
Understanding the role that spinal alignment plays in a child’s health can reveal how chiropractic
care helps lay a foundation for lifelong wellbeing.

The Impact of Birth Trauma on Spinal Health

From the start of life, the body undergoes intense physical experiences. Even during natural
childbirth, the process of moving through the birth canal places a tremendous amount of
pressure on a newborn’s spine. In fact, studies have shown that in 80% of normal,
uncomplicated births, the natural forces exerted can result in subtle misalignments in a
newborn’s neck and spine. When you add in complications including c-section and the use of
forceps or vacuum extraction, the chance of injury to the child increases. These early stresses
can contribute to newborn health issues like colic, frequent ear infections, irritability, and
digestive problems.

If left unaddressed, these tiny traumas to the spine and nervous system can accumulate over
time, potentially leading to health issues as the child grows. Chiropractic care for infants is
incredibly gentle, using soft, precise adjustments to help relieve any pressure or tension that
may have developed during the birth process, giving the nervous system a clearer path to
communicate and regulate the body.

Learning to Walk and the Development of Coordination

As children learn to walk, they experience frequent falls and tumbles that, while expected, still
impact their developing spine. When toddlers wobble, plop onto their bottoms, or bump into
furniture, it places stress on their spine, which can impact posture, balance, and coordination. At
this age, chiropractic adjustments help address the small misalignments that might result from
these falls, keeping the spine in optimal alignment and supporting their rapidly developing motor
skills.

The spine and nervous system are interconnected, so maintaining alignment during these early
years helps promote clear and effective communication between the brain and the body. This
foundation in the nervous system can help children reach developmental milestones more
smoothly, improving their ability to balance, move, and adapt to their environment.
Childhood Adventures and Minor Spinal Traumas
In their first few years, children are naturally curious and adventurous, often becoming “fearless
little explorers” who climb, jump, run, and tumble. While these activities are essential for
physical development, they also mean that kids encounter minor bumps, scrapes, and falls
almost daily. The spinal misalignments that result from these frequent impacts can lead to
tension in the nervous system, which may affect a child’s health in ways that aren’t always
obvious.

Parents might notice that after phases of rapid growth and exploration, their child experiences
new health challenges like allergies, asthma, or digestive issues. These seemingly unrelated
symptoms can sometimes be traced back to spinal alignment and its effect on nervous system
function. Chiropractic care helps to realign the spine, reducing tension in the nervous system
and allowing the body to adapt and respond to physical demands more effectively.
Understanding the Vertebral Subluxation Complex

Vertebral subluxations are slight misalignments in the spine that interfere with the body’s
nervous system. This complex system of nerves controls every function within the body—from
breathing to digestion to immune responses. When a misalignment disrupts spinal alignment, it
adds stress to the nervous system, preventing the brain from communicating effectively with
organs, tissues, and muscles. Over time, this interference can contribute to health challenges
that might not present as pain but can subtly impact a child’s quality of life.
One of the challenges with subluxations is that only a small percentage of nerves transmit pain
signals, which is why children (and adults) can have misalignments without any noticeable
discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments work to reduce or remove subluxations, supporting a clear
and balanced nervous system and allowing the body to function as it’s designed.

Three Critical Stages of Spinal Development

The spine goes through three major stages of development in childhood, each with its own
unique stresses and needs:
● Birth to Age 5: During this phase, children experience rapid growth and are highly
active. This period has the highest likelihood of spinal misalignments, as children learn to
move, walk, and explore.
● Ages 5 to 10: School-age kids face new physical challenges, such as carrying heavy
backpacks, spending hours sitting at desks, and engaging in sports and other activities.
The spine endures various forms of stress during these years, and injuries can
accumulate if left unaddressed.
● Ages 10 to 15: As children grow into teens, their bodies undergo another growth spurt,
and they often sit for longer periods, engage in repetitive sports motions, and adopt
technology-centered lifestyles. These new habits place additional strain on the spine and
nervous system.

Chiropractic care during each of these phases can support proper spinal alignment, enhance
nervous system function, and prevent future health issues from escalating. Regular adjustments
are tailored to each child’s developmental stage and unique lifestyle, helping their bodies adjust
to growth and physical changes.

Preventing Spinal Degeneration Before It Starts

Many adults come to chiropractic care after experiencing years of chronic pain, often surprised
to learn that the degeneration in their spine started long before symptoms appeared. Issues like
scoliosis, forward head posture, or spinal curvature abnormalities can sometimes begin in
childhood and progress into adulthood if not addressed early on. By supporting children’s spinal
health early, we can help them avoid the cycle of pain and degeneration that so many adults
face.

Chiropractic care not only helps prevent the gradual wear and tear on the spine but also
empowers kids to develop strong, healthy habits that serve them for a lifetime. Through simple,
safe, and gentle adjustments, we create a foundation for lifelong spinal health.

Give Your Child a Healthy Foundation

Just as we support children with good nutrition, regular exercise, and enough rest, taking care of
their nervous system health is essential for their overall wellbeing. Chiropractic care doesn’t just
aim to prevent pain; it supports the body’s natural ability to grow, function, and adapt as it’s
meant to. Ensuring spinal alignment allows your child’s nervous system to work as designed,
providing them with the foundation they need for healthy growth and development.

Ready to Support Your Child’s Wellness Journey?
If you’re interested in supporting your child’s growth, resilience, and wellbeing, consider
chiropractic care as a proactive step in their health journey. Our team specializes in gentle, safe
adjustments that support children’s unique needs at every stage of development. Schedule
aconnection consultation today to discover how chiropractic care can help your child thrive,
build a strong foundation, and achieve lifelong health.