Are chiropractors safe for kids?
Yes, chiropractors are safe for kids when they have proper training in pediatric care. They understand how children grow and use gentle treatments that fit each child’s age and body.
Most children feel relaxed and comfortable during the visit. Studies show that only 1 in 100 children might feel mild soreness or fussiness afterward. These effects usually go away quickly.
Serious problems are extremely rare and have not been reported in over 40 years (Doyle, 2011). Parents should always choose a chiropractor with experience and proper certifications.
Who Qualifies as a Pediatric Chiropractor?
A qualified pediatric chiropractor has a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from an approved school.
They also receive extra training to learn how to care for babies and children safely. Many also earn certificates from groups like the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).
These certificates show they understand how children’s bones and bodies grow and know how to adjust their spines carefully.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Children
Chiropractors help keep children’s bones, joints, and muscles healthy as they grow.
✅ For babies, they use gentle adjustments to ease tension and help the body relax.
✅ For toddlers, they support balance, posture, and movement as kids learn to walk and play.
✅ For teens, they relieve stress on the spine caused by growth, sports, or daily habits.
At every age, chiropractors use safe, gentle techniques to help children move better and feel more comfortable.
Pediatric Chiropractic Care for Infants
Condition | Role of Chiropractor | Approach | Effectiveness Level |
Reflux | Supportive | Ease pressure on the stomach and diaphragm. | Potential Support |
Torticollis | Primary Treatment / Support | Release neck tension and restore movement. | High Effectiveness |
Constipation | Supportive | Improve nerve function to aid bowel movements. | Potential Support |
Latching Issues | Supportive | Ease tension in the jaw and neck to improve sucking. | Good Support |
Difficulty Sleeping | Supportive | Address physical discomfort to encourage relaxation. | Potential Support |
Pediatric Chiropractic Care for Toddlers
Condition | Role of Chiropractor | Approach | Effectiveness Level |
Abnormal Gait | Primary Treatment / Support | Adjust spine, pelvis, and legs to improve balance and walking. | High Effectiveness |
Flat Feet | Supportive | Align spine and pelvis for better weight balance, easing back and leg pain. | Good Support |
Falls and Tumbles | Primary Treatment | Correct spinal misalignments after falls to restore balance. | High Effectiveness |
Pediatric Chiropractic Care for Teens
Condition | Role of Chiropractor | Approach | Effectiveness Level |
Tech Neck | Primary Treatment | Adjust neck alignment to ease strain from screen use. | High Effectiveness |
Slouching | Primary Treatment | Correct posture habits and align spine. | High Effectiveness |
Back Pain | Primary Treatment | Reduce spinal pressure and ease back tension. | High Effectiveness |
Muscle Strains | Primary Treatment / Support | Adjust and relieve strained muscles to restore movement. | Good Support |
Sprains | Primary Treatment / Support | Support joint healing and improve flexibility. | Good Support |
Pain in Joints | Primary Treatment | Align joints to reduce pain and improve function. | High Effectiveness |
Injury Recovery | Primary Treatment / Support | Aid recovery by improving joint and muscle balance. | Good Support |
Headaches | Primary Treatment / Support | Adjust neck to reduce tension and nerve pressure. | High Effectiveness |
Migraines | Supportive | Support nervous system balance to ease migraine frequency. | Good Support |
TMJ | Primary Treatment / Support | Adjust jaw alignment to ease joint pain and tension. | Good Support |
Scoliosis | Supportive / Management | Manage mild scoliosis, improve posture, and reduce pain. | Good Support |
Comparing Options Different for Children
When your child feels discomfort, you have different healthcare options. Each expert helps in a unique way based on your child’s condition.
👉 Pediatricians check health and make sure your child grows safely.
👉 Chiropractors focus on the spine and nervous system, using gentle, precise adjustments.
👉 Orthopedists treat serious bone or joint injuries, like fractures or scoliosis.
👉 Physical therapists guide exercises that strengthen muscles and improve movement.
Understanding these roles helps you choose the best care for your child.
Pediatrician | Chiropractor | Orthopedist | Physical Therapy | |
Their Role | Primary doctor for overall health. | Spine and nervous system specialist. | Medical specialist for bones & joints. | Muscle & movement expert |
How They Help | Diagnosis & safety checks. | We offer gentle spinal adjustments. | X-rays, braces, or surgery. | Targeted exercises & stretches. |
When to See Them | First check for any new pain. | Posture, backpack, & sport pain. | Serious injuries, fractures, scoliosis. | Muscle weakness & injury recovery. |
Main Goal | Identify cause & oversee care. | Restore alignment & relieve pressure. | Fix structural bone & joint issues. | Strengthen muscles for spinal support. |
What to Expect During Your Child’s Chiropractic Visit
At New Gen Chiropractic, we make every visit simple, clear, and gentle. Our chiropractors are trained in pediatric chiropractic care, so you’ll always know what’s happening — no surprises, no stress.
🔹 Step 1: Warm Conversation
We start by listening to you. You share your child’s daily habits, routines, and any concerns.
We build trust and make sure your child feels safe and comfortable from the beginning.
🔹 Step 2: Kid-Friendly Posture Assessment
We check how your child stands, moves, and holds their posture. Using gentle, safe methods, we examine the spine, joints, and muscles. Your child stays relaxed during the entire process.
🔹 Step 3: Gentle, Precise Adjustments
Using the Gonstead Technique, we apply gentle, focused pressure to adjust the spine.
There’s no twisting, cracking, or sudden movements. Most children relax, and many even smile during the adjustment.
🔹 Step 4: Personalized Treatment Plan
After the visit, we will explain what we found and build a care plan just for your child.
This plan helps restore balance, improve posture, and support your child’s healthy growth. For every cry, every step, every milestone — we’re right here with you.
🌟 Give your child the natural relief they deserve. Book their first chiropractic back assessment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 10, 12, or 16-year-old go to a chiropractor?
Yes, children aged 10, 12, or 16 can see a chiropractor. Chiropractic care helps with poor posture, sports injuries, headaches, growing pains… and other spine-related issues.
How can chiropractic care improve kids’ posture?
Chiropractors align the spine. This helps children build healthy posture habits and prevents future imbalances.
Are chiropractic adjustments for children different from adult treatments?
Chiropractors apply lighter, tailored adjustments that fit children’s flexible bodies.
Can chiropractic care help children with sports-related injuries?
Yes, chiropractic care can help with joint problems and soft tissue strains. It supports quicker recovery.
Do I still need a pediatrician if my child sees a chiropractor?
Yes, you need both. Chiropractors care for spinal health while pediatricians handle overall medical care.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Curtis & Dr Tanya
Doctors of Chiropractic and the lead pediatric specialists at New Gen Chiropractic.
Share this blog:
$27 Chiro Exam
Please fill out the form below to schedule an appointment. X-Rays not included.