Chiropractic for Kids with Dr. David

A parent can expect a relaxed, gentle, and child-friendly approach. The environment will be supportive and aimed at making the child feel comfortable, often with toys or other distractions to make the experience enjoyable. 

Here is what a pediatric chiropractic appointment looks like: 

 

1. Initial Consultation and Health History 

  • Discussion: I will take some time to talk to the parent about the child's health history, including birth details, development, any specific concerns (such as posture, discomfort, or injuries), and overall health. 
  • Observation: I will ask questions about the child’s behavior, movement patterns, and milestones to get a full picture of their overall development. 
 
2. Assessment 
  • Posture Check: I will check the child's posture, gait, and range of motion to see how well they move and if there are any restrictions or imbalances. 
  • Spinal and Extremity Evaluation: Gentle palpation and observation are used to assess the alignment of the spine and extremities. 
  • Neurological and Developmental Tests: I will perform simple neurological or developmental tests, which are designed to ensure that everything is functioning as expected. 
 
3. Explanation of Findings
Once those are completed, I will explain any findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms for the parent, discussing if there are areas of tension, misalignment, or concerns with mobility. 
 
4. Gentle Treatment 
  • Chiropractic Adjustment: If necessary, I will recommend a gentle adjustment. Pediatric adjustments are very light, often using fingertip pressure or instruments, and the techniques are specifically adapted for children. 
  • Other Techniques: Techniques like soft tissue therapy, stretching, or even play-based exercises may be incorporated depending on the child’s needs. 
 
5. Education and Home Care Advice
I will provide advice on ergonomics, posture, play activities, or stretches the parent can do with their child at home to support optimal development and prevent future issues. 
 
6. Next Steps
Ongoing care will likely be recommended, at which time I will outline a plan. This could include periodic check-ups or a short series of visits depending on the child’s condition. 

Is Chiropractic Care Safe For Children?

Research generally suggests that chiropractic care for children, including spinal manipulation, is safe when provided by trained practitioners and with age-appropriate techniques. For example, a review by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) highlights that clinical judgments in pediatric cases should emphasize evidence-based care, safety adaptations, and communication with the child's primary care provider as appropriate. 1

Studies also indicate that most adverse effects reported in pediatric chiropractic care are mild and short-lived, typically involving minor discomfort like muscle stiffness or soreness. A survey of 577 pediatric cases found that improvements in issues such as musculoskeletal discomfort, sleep, and mood were common, with very few reported complications. 2

Additionally, a systematic review published in JAMA Pediatrics noted that while the risk of serious adverse events in pediatric chiropractic care is extremely low, caution is advised, especially with cervical manipulation in younger children. 3 4 5

Research on specific pediatric conditions further supports the safety and potential benefits of chiropractic care. For instance, a 2021 systematic review in BMJ Open found that chiropractic treatments were associated with a significant reduction in crying time for colicky infants, with no serious adverse events reported. Another study noted improvements in symptoms of bedwetting following chiropractic care, with no adverse effects documented. These findings reinforce the value of gentle techniques, thorough patient histories, and inter-professional collaboration to ensure the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatments for children. 6 7

 

References

(1) Hewitt, Elise, et al. Best Practices for Chiropractic Care of Children. American Chiropractic Association, 2020. (2) Alcantara, Joel, and Jeanne Ohm. "Safety and Effectiveness of Pediatric Chiropractic." Explore, vol. 5, no. 5, 2009, pp. 290-295. (3) French, Simon D., et al. "Adverse Events Associated with Pediatric Spinal Manipulation: A Systematic Review." JAMA Pediatrics, 2017. (4) Todd, Adam, et al. "Adverse  vents Due to Chiropractic and Other Manual Therapies for Infants and Children: A Review of the Literature." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, vol. 42, no. 7, 2019, pp. 490-496. (5) Ernst, Edzard. "Adverse Effects of Spinal Manipulation: A Systematic Review." Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, vol. 100, no. 7, 2007, pp. 330–338. (6) Parnell Prevost, Beryl, et al. “Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction from Pediatric Chiropractic Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Parents." Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, vol. 17, 2017. (7) Miller, Joel, and Elise Hewitt. Chiropractic Care for Colic and Other Pediatric Issues. BMJ Open, 2021.