Is Chiropractic Safe For Children?
Let's Talk Facts, Not Opinions
If you’re a parent considering chiropractic care for your child, it’s natural to ask:
Is it safe? Is it gentle? Will it help?
The short answer is: When delivered by a qualified, experienced Chiropractor, Chiropractic care is totally safe. At Adjusting to Health our Chiropractors have additional training that ensures you child only receives gentle care that is tailored specifically to each their age, size, and needs.
At Adjusting to Health, we care for families every single day in Earlwood, Bonnyrigg & Doonside. This includes infants, toddlers, children, and teens. Our approach is always focused on safety, communication, and age-appropriate techniques.
Why Would a Child Need To See A Chiropractor?
Although parents commonly bring children in with symptoms, Chiropractic care for kids isn't about back pain.
It’s about ensuring their nervous system and spines are functioning optimally during those early key growth and development stages of their lives.
Parents bring their children in to help with:
Postural concerns (especially with devices and school bags)
Sleep difficulties
Unsettled behaviour in infants
Recurrent ear infections (otitis media)
Injuries from sport or play
Concentration or focus challenges
Anxiety or ADHD
As no two kids are the same, we always assess thoroughly before providing care.
How Is Chiropractic Care for Children Different?
We adjust children very differently to adults. There’s no heavy force involved.
In infants, the pressure used is about the same as checking the ripeness of tomato, very light and precise.
Although all of our Chiropractors are trained to see children, please call the practice you wish to book at prior to ask if there is a Chiropractor on that sees infants and toddlers. Children below the age of 5 require a specialized approach which only some of our Chiropractors provide.
Not only are infants and toddlers neurology and anatomy different but so are the concerns parents bring them in with. These may include difficulty feeding, sleeping, crawling or having abnormal body balance.
For older children, we use gentle, low-force techniques suited to their age, growth stage, and comfort. We may also use soft-touch instruments or positioning rather than hands-on adjustments, depending on the child.
We’ll always explain what we’re doing, answer every question, and make sure your child feels safe and respected.
Is Chiropractic Care for Kids Evidence-Based?
Chiropractic care for children is supported by a growing body of clinical observation, parent-reported outcomes, and emerging research. Studies show improvements in sleep quality, irritability and crying in infants, postural awareness and overall wellbeing and resilience.
Many large-scale studies are continue to surface and parents consistently report improvements in how their children feel, function, and bounce back from everyday challenges. We work closely with parents and other health professionals when appropriate.
The Takeaway
Chiropractic is totally safe and effective for children.
Chiropractic for children poses no greater risk than for adults.
Our Chiropractors are trained to see children.
If you have questions about your child don't hesitate to get in contact with us today.
References
Alcantara, J., Ohm, J. and Kunz, D. (2009) ‘The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic: a survey of chiropractors and parents in a practice-based research network’, Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 5(5), pp. 290–295.
Miller, J.E., Newell, D. and Bolton, J.E. (2012) ‘Efficacy of chiropractic manual therapy on infant colic: a pragmatic single-blind, randomized controlled trial’, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(8), pp. 600–607.
Pohlman, K.A. and Holton-Brown, M.S. (2012) ‘Practice-based research network study of pediatric chiropractic care: demographic profile and health outcomes’, Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 11(3), pp. 192–199.
