A Question Every Parent Asks
When parents hear that chiropractors treat children, the first question is almost always the same: is it safe? It is a fair question, and one that Dr. JC gets asked regularly at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic in Bridgeton, MO.
The short answer is yes. Pediatric chiropractic care uses gentle, low-force techniques that are specifically adapted for a child's developing body. The adjustments performed on a child look and feel very different from what an adult receives.
Why Children See Chiropractors
Kids are not just small adults. Their bodies are growing and changing rapidly, and that growth process can sometimes lead to musculoskeletal issues that benefit from chiropractic care. Common reasons parents bring their children to our office include:
Sports Injuries
Youth athletes are particularly prone to sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. Whether your child plays soccer, football, basketball, or gymnastics, the repetitive demands of their sport can cause alignment issues that affect performance and lead to injury. Our youth sports injuries page covers this in detail.
Posture Problems
Between heavy backpacks, hours of screen time, and long days sitting at desks, many children develop poor posture habits early. Over time, these habits can lead to neck pain, upper back pain, and headaches. Early intervention with chiropractic care and posture correction can prevent these patterns from becoming permanent.
Growing Pains
While growing pains are common and usually harmless, some children experience discomfort related to rapid growth that affects their joints and muscles. Chiropractic care can help ensure that the spine and pelvis are properly aligned during these growth spurts.
Colic and Infant Fussiness
Some parents seek chiropractic care for infants who are excessively fussy or have been diagnosed with colic. Gentle spinal adjustments for infants use no more pressure than you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Many parents report improvement in their baby's comfort and sleep patterns after treatment.
Headaches
Headaches in children are more common than many parents realize. Tension in the cervical spine and upper back from posture habits or sports can trigger recurring headaches that respond well to chiropractic care.
What Pediatric Adjustments Look Like
The techniques used for children are modified based on the child's age and size. For infants, adjustments involve gentle fingertip pressure. For older children and teenagers, the techniques are similar to adult adjustments but with less force.
A typical pediatric visit at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic includes:
- A conversation with both the parent and child about symptoms and daily activities
- A physical examination checking posture, range of motion, and spinal alignment
- Gentle adjustments targeting areas of restricted movement or misalignment
- Activity recommendations including stretches or exercises when appropriate
Most children are comfortable during treatment and many actually enjoy coming to their appointments.
What the Research Says
The safety of pediatric chiropractic care has been studied extensively, and the evidence is reassuring for parents:
Safety profile: A systematic review published in Pediatrics (Vohra et al., 2007) — the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics — examined adverse events associated with pediatric spinal manipulation. The review found that serious adverse events were extremely rare, and the most commonly reported side effects were mild and temporary, such as soreness, fussiness, or crying during the visit.
Chiropractic for infantile colic: A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (Browning & Miller, 2008) found that infants receiving chiropractic care for colic showed a significant reduction in crying time compared to the control group. The study reported a reduction in daily crying hours after two weeks of gentle spinal manipulation.
Musculoskeletal complaints in children: A prospective study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (Alcantara et al., 2009) evaluated the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care in a pediatric population. Of nearly 800 pediatric visits studied, no serious adverse events were reported, and parents reported high satisfaction with outcomes for complaints including back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Youth athletes: Research published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (Humphreys, 2010) supports the role of chiropractic care in managing musculoskeletal injuries in young athletes, noting that early intervention can prevent minor injuries from becoming chronic conditions that affect long-term athletic development.
It is worth noting that pediatric chiropractic is not a replacement for pediatric medical care. Dr. JC works within an appropriate scope and will always refer to a pediatrician or specialist when a child's condition warrants it.
Sports Physicals for Young Athletes
In addition to treating injuries, Advanced Wellness Chiropractic offers sports physicals for student athletes. Missouri requires a pre-participation physical examination before a student can participate in school sports. Getting a sports physical from a chiropractor who understands athletic biomechanics means your child gets more than just a clearance form — they get an evaluation that can identify potential injury risks before they become problems.
When to Bring Your Child to a Chiropractor
Consider scheduling an appointment if your child:
- Complains of recurring back, neck, or joint pain
- Has noticeably uneven shoulders or hips
- Experienced a fall, collision, or sports injury
- Gets frequent headaches
- Has difficulty sitting still or maintaining good posture
- Is an active athlete who could benefit from injury prevention
You do not need a referral to bring your child to our office. We are happy to evaluate your child and discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate for their situation.
Schedule a Pediatric Consultation
If you have questions about whether chiropractic care is right for your child, contact us at (636) 393-8390. Dr. JC has experience working with patients of all ages and will take the time to explain the process and address any concerns. New families can take advantage of our $99 New Patient Special to get started.