PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Being a chiropractor that focuses on pediatrics I am often asked, “Why Would Children Need Chiropractic?” The answer is quite simple once you understand why a chiropractor does what it is that we do. We don’t adjust people to get rid of their headaches, back pain or neck pain. We adjust people to help reconnect the mind and body. The brain (which is the master control system) is connected to the body via the nervous system. Chiropractors evaluate spinal function because it has direct connections and influences on the nervous system.
Gentle Care for Growing Bodies: Conditions Pediatric Chiropractors Treat at Austin Life Chiropractic
At Austin Life Chiropractic, we believe every child deserves the healthiest start in life. Pediatric chiropractic care is a gentle, natural way to support your child’s development, helping to resolve many common childhood conditions without medication or invasive treatments. Our experienced team in Austin, TX, offers specialized care tailored to your child’s needs, from infancy through adolescence.
Here are ten common conditions that pediatric chiropractors treat:
- Colic
Colic is one of the most distressing conditions for new parents. Characterized by excessive crying, fussiness, and apparent abdominal discomfort in otherwise healthy infants, colic can leave families feeling helpless. Research suggests that misalignments in the spine, especially in the neck and back, may contribute to nervous system irritation and digestive issues.
Gentle pediatric chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pressure on the nervous system, promoting better digestion and calming an irritable baby. Many parents notice significant improvements after just a few visits, bringing much-needed relief to both baby and parents.
- Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Frequent ear infections are a common reason parents seek chiropractic care for their children. When spinal misalignments affect the upper neck, they can disrupt drainage of the ear’s Eustachian tubes, leading to fluid build-up and infection.
At Austin Life Chiropractic, we use gentle adjustments to help realign the spine and encourage natural drainage, potentially reducing the need for repeated rounds of antibiotics or surgical interventions like ear tubes.
3. Torticollis
Torticollis occurs when neck muscles are tight or imbalanced, causing a baby to favor one side. This condition may develop from positioning in the womb, birth trauma, or spinal misalignments.
Chiropractic adjustments can release muscle tension and restore proper range of motion in the neck. In conjunction with stretching exercises, chiropractic care can help babies regain symmetrical movement and avoid developmental delays associated with restricted mobility.
- Breastfeeding Difficulties
Breastfeeding challenges can sometimes stem from musculoskeletal issues, especially following a difficult birth. If a baby has trouble latching or feeding comfortably, the cause could be tension or misalignment in the jaw, neck, or shoulders.
Pediatric chiropractic care gently corrects these issues, improving a baby’s ability to nurse effectively and comfortably. At Austin Life Chiropractic, we work closely with lactation consultants and pediatricians to support your breastfeeding journey.
5. Sleep Issues
Quality sleep is vital for a child’s development. Children with nervous system imbalances or discomfort due to spinal misalignments may struggle with restless sleep, night waking, or difficulty falling asleep.
Regular chiropractic adjustments can help calm the nervous system, reduce physical discomfort, and promote more restful sleep patterns. Many parents report that their children sleep more soundly after beginning chiropractic care.
- Growing Pains
As children grow, they often experience aches and pains, especially in the legs, knees, and back. While growing pains are normal, underlying spinal misalignments can worsen discomfort.
Chiropractic adjustments can ensure proper joint alignment and movement, easing muscle tension and helping kids stay active and comfortable as they grow.
7. Sports Injuries
From soccer to gymnastics, kids are constantly on the move — and sometimes injuries happen. Sprains, strains, and overuse injuries are common in active children.
At Austin Life Chiropractic, we help young athletes recover faster and prevent future injuries by addressing spinal misalignments, improving posture, and enhancing body mechanics. Chiropractic care also supports optimal nervous system function, essential for coordination and performance.
8. Scoliosis
Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, often develops during adolescence. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent progression and avoid invasive treatments.
Through regular evaluations and gentle adjustments, our team monitors spinal health and supports proper alignment. Chiropractic care can be an important part of a holistic scoliosis management plan, often in combination with physical therapy and specific exercises.
- Asthma and Allergies
The nervous system controls all the body’s functions, including the respiratory system. If spinal misalignments are present, they can interfere with nerve communication and may exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms.
While chiropractic care doesn’t cure asthma or allergies, improving nervous system function through adjustments can enhance the body’s ability to regulate inflammation, potentially leading to fewer and less severe episodes.
- Behavioral and Sensory Issues (Including ADHD)
Children facing behavioral challenges, sensory processing disorders, or ADHD often have underlying nervous system imbalances. Misalignments in the spine can contribute to overstimulation of the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system, affecting focus, mood, and behavior.
Pediatric chiropractic care works to balance the nervous system, promoting relaxation and improved self-regulation. Families often report better attention, reduced anxiety, and improved social interactions after starting chiropractic care.
Why Choose Austin Life Chiropractic for Pediatric Care?
At Austin Life Chiropractic, your child’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our chiropractors are highly trained in pediatric techniques that are specifically designed for young, developing bodies. We believe in working collaboratively with parents and other healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for your child.
We provide a welcoming, kid-friendly environment where your family can feel at ease. Whether you’re seeking relief for a specific issue or looking to support your child’s overall health naturally, we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how pediatric chiropractic care can support your child’s healthiest future!
The nervous system runs and influences every other system in the body. The respiratory, digestive, endocrine (hormonal), reproductive and motor (muscle) systems are all under direct or indirect control of the brain and brain stem via the nervous system. The brain is like the master computer sitting up in the head. Unfortunately the body is not wireless, it needs to be plugged in via cords to the brain, the spinal cord and nerves.
When the spine mis-aligns, which is called a subluxation, it interferes with the signals coming from the brain, telling the body what to do, and from the body, telling the brain what it needs. Ever have someone give you directions on a cell phone fading in and out of reception? If you miss an instruction, you probably wouldn’t get to your destination would you? Or maybe the direction came later than it should and you missed the turn. Not a successful outcome in any sorts. When the body and brain have miscommunications things start to go awry.
Knowing all of this it starts to make more sense why a young one might go to a children’s chiropractor, right?
Birth is one of the most traumatic events a baby and mother will go through. Even a “natural” birth, the person delivering the baby can put up to 40 lbs of pressure pulling, turning and bending the neck of the newborn to get the shoulder through and deliver the baby as quickly as possible. Many times a baby can be injured during this process.
A good way for a parent to tell if their baby is having a problem that may be spinally related, is they may be having trouble consoling the baby, the baby’s head may be turned or tilted in one direction more than the other. The mother may also notice that the newborn nurses better on one side than the other. The child may be colicky or get sick frequently.
Studies have been done specifically citing atlanto-occipital instability (aka upper cervical subluxation aka misalignment of the upper neck) as a primary cause of SIDS. You can read more about subluxations and SIDS here.
This was the case with Josi. Her mother brought her in after seeking our help while she was pregnant with her. Her midwife had told her that the baby may be breach and it would be a good idea to seek out the help of a chiropractor that specializes in prenatal care. Josi was born head down, naturally with no complications. Her mother began to notice that she was a bit fussy though and tended to turn her head to the left and nurse with more facility on her right breast. So she brought her in 2 weeks after her birth.
Josi Before
Josi After
After her first adjustment Jozi no longer turned her head to the left or seem to have preference of side to breast feed from. Both parents noticed that she was much more tranquil, slept better and did not fuss as much.
Then came Jack. Jack would arch his back exaggeratedly and it worried his mother. The medical doctors told her it was of no concern and he should grow out of it. She brought him to us for a second opinion.
Jack Before
Jack After
Within a few adjustments he no longer adopted the arched back position (which can be caused by tension on the spinal chord). His mother began to get checked in our office as well. One day she had an appointment and Jack did not, but our office manager noticed he visibly had a cold and told her to have us check him. He needed an adjustment that day. His mother was amazed how immediately he got better after that adjustment! Their whole family now comes in regularly to get their spines checked. Now let’s move on to the toddler years!
The baby begins to learn to walk. The American Journal of Pediatrics estimates that a toddler will fall 5,000 times during this process. Then come the years when they learn to ride bikes, climb trees, jungle gyms and swings. How many times has your child ran to you screaming and crying because of a fall? Too many to count right?
Now I’m not saying all of these cause a misalignment or subluxation in your child’s spine, children are very resistant and can many times bounce back, but sometimes they won’t. Sometimes the trauma will stay in the spine. Then the brain body communication can be altered and their body is not functioning at 100%. Something you can look for in a child once they get older is to observe their posture. Check and see if one shoulder is higher than the other, or that maybe their hips are off.
If they have any of these indicators take them to your family chiropractor and get them checked for vertebral subluxation. Having their spine checked can prevent them from many of the spinal problems as adults. A small problem in childhood can become a massive problem in adulthood. Please call us to schedule a children’s chiropractic exam:1-512-452-7681.