Gentle, Effective Pediatric Chiropractic Care for Kids
Kids fall a lot. In fact, toddlers take an average of 17 falls per hour as they learn to walk. That adds up to over 100 tumbles a day, according to research published in Developmental Science. And as they grow older and become more active, the stress on their developing bodies doesn’t slow down. As parents, we do everything we can to help our children thrive. We make sure they eat healthy and get enough sleep, but what about their growing bones, joints, and nervous system? Dr. Al Simeone understands this firsthand. As a teenager, he had a sports injury that jeopardized his collegiate career until a Gonstead chiropractor helped him heal. That experience inspired his career in pediatric and family chiropractic care. At our Wheat Ridge office, we care for children from newborns to teenagers, using safe, gentle techniques designed to have a positive impact on everything from posture to conditions you might not even think about, like asthma or colic. We’re not just treating simple aches and pains. We’re helping kids grow up healthier and more resilient, from the inside out.Is Chiropractic Safe for Children?
Yes, absolutely, and not just safe, but incredibly gentle when done by someone trained in pediatric care. When we adjust kids, we use a very light and controlled touch that’s carefully tailored to their age and stage of development. In fact, the pressure we use is about the same as what you’d apply during a simple reflex check at the pediatrician’s office. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Child Neurology looked at how kids respond to chiropractic care. The most common side effects are irritability or fatigue, nothing serious, and usually gone within a day. Which just confirms what we see every day in our office: chiropractic care for kids is low-risk and high-reward.Pediatric Conditions We Treat in Wheat Ridge
After adjustments, we often see kids start to feel and function better in all kinds of ways. Here are just some of the things parents report improving after chiropractic care:
- Asthma: Improved spinal alignment can help reduce tension in the chest and upper spine, potentially improving breathing mechanics.
- Ear Infections: Adjustments in the upper cervical spine may support better drainage of the Eustachian tubes, helping reduce the frequency of infections.
- Torticollis & Flat Head Syndrome: Gentle mobilization of the neck can improve range of motion and reduce asymmetries in developing children.
- Tech Neck & Posture Problems: Targeted adjustments and posture coaching can help kids avoid long-term spinal issues caused by slouching and unhealthy habits.
- Sports Injuries & Growing Pains – Chiropractic can ease soreness, help with recovery, and keep active kids moving at their best.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Visit
We know that for most parents, this is new. And we’re here to walk you through it.
Your first visit won’t feel like a rushed appointment. It’s a conversation, an open space to talk through your concerns, your child’s health history, and any questions you have.
We’ll perform a gentle, age-appropriate exam, explain what we see, and walk you through the next steps at your pace.
Most kids enjoy their adjustments. Many sleep better afterwards. And parents often tell us their child seems “calmer” and more focused after care.
FAQs About Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic care at The Disc Chiropractic is very gentle and tailored to your child’s age and development. The pressure used is about the same as during a pediatric reflex check. A 2024 study in the Journal of Child Neurology found that side effects are typically minor, like temporary irritability or fatigue, and resolve within a day, confirming the safety of this approach.
How does chiropractic care benefit a child’s developing spine?
Children’s bones, joints, and nervous systems are still growing. Gentle adjustments can help ensure proper alignment, reduce abnormal stresses from falls or activity, and support healthy spinal development. This is especially important given that toddlers can fall an average of 17 times per hour, adding up to over 100 tumbles a day during early walking stages.
Can chiropractic care reduce ear infections in children?
Yes. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine may interfere with Eustachian tube function. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can improve spinal alignment, which supports better drainage and has been reported by parents to reduce the frequency of ear infections in children.
Can chiropractic care help children with asthma?
Improved spinal alignment can reduce tension in the chest and upper spine, which may support better breathing mechanics. Many parents notice easier breathing and improved respiratory comfort after adjustments, especially when combined with posture guidance.
Will chiropractic adjustments hurt my child?
No. Pediatric adjustments are extremely gentle, controlled, and tailored for each child. The pressure is minimal, similar to a pediatrician’s reflex check. Most children enjoy their visits and many even sleep or appear calmer afterward.
How often should my child see a chiropractor?
Visit frequency depends on your child’s age, activity level, and condition. After an initial evaluation, Dr. Simeone designs a personalized plan. Some children benefit from preventive care, while others may require more frequent visits to support recovery from injuries or posture issues.
Can chiropractic care improve posture in kids?
Yes. Adjustments and posture coaching help correct slouching or forward head posture, including “tech neck,” which is increasingly common in children using tablets or phones. Early intervention supports healthy spinal habits and reduces the risk of long-term postural problems.
Can chiropractic care help newborns with colic or reflux?
Yes. Gentle adjustments can support nervous system function, which may influence digestion and comfort. Many parents report that chiropractic care helps reduce colic or reflux symptoms in their infants.
How does chiropractic care help children with torticollis or flat head syndrome?
Gentle mobilization of the neck and upper spine can improve range of motion and reduce asymmetry. Combined with guidance on positioning and movement, adjustments can support better spinal symmetry during crucial developmental stages.
Can chiropractic care support sports performance?
Yes. For active children, chiropractic care helps maintain alignment, reduce soreness, and improve recovery after sports injuries. Many parents report enhanced mobility, balance, and coordination, which helps kids stay active safely.
Are chiropractic adjustments appropriate for teenagers?
Yes. Teenagers can benefit from gentle adjustments to address growth-related posture changes, tech neck, or sports injuries. Care is customized to their skeletal maturity and activity level to maximize safety and effectiveness.
Can chiropractic care prevent future spinal problems?
Early, gentle care can help children develop proper posture, balanced movement, and spinal alignment. Addressing misalignments early reduces stress on growing bones and joints and may prevent chronic issues later in life.
Are there studies that show pediatric chiropractic care is low-risk?
Yes. The 2024 study in the Journal of Child Neurology found that adverse effects are minor and short-lived. This aligns with what we see daily: children tolerate care well and benefit from improved mobility and comfort.
Can chiropractic care reduce growing pains?
Yes. Adjustments support spinal and musculoskeletal alignment, which can reduce stress on joints and muscles during growth spurts. Parents often notice children move more comfortably after care.
Can chiropractic care help my child’s nervous system development?
Yes. The nervous system controls movement, coordination, and organ function. Proper spinal alignment supports optimal nerve communication, which may enhance overall development and resilience.
Will chiropractic care help if my child has frequent falls or tumbles?
Yes. Gentle adjustments support spinal stability and alignment, helping the body absorb impact more effectively. Given that toddlers can fall over 100 times a day while trying to walk, supporting proper alignment is critical.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe for children with previous injuries
Yes. Adjustments are tailored to the child’s history, current health, and stage of development. Techniques are gentle and avoid aggravating previous injuries while promoting recovery and healthy movement patterns.
Can chiropractic care help with digestive issues?
Yes. Spinal misalignments can affect nerve function that controls digestion. Gentle adjustments may help improve nervous system regulation, supporting relief from colic, reflux, or other digestive discomforts in children.
How do you ensure pediatric care is gentle and age-appropriate?
Dr. Simeone uses extremely light, controlled pressure tailored to each child’s size, age, and development. The touch is comparable to a pediatrician’s reflex test, ensuring safety and comfort for infants, toddlers, and teenagers.
Can chiropractic care be used alongside other treatments?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic care complements conventional medical care and therapies such as physical therapy or respiratory treatments. Adjustments and posture guidance support overall health and development, helping children recover, perform, and thrive safely.
Let’s Support Your Child’s Health Together
Dr. Al Simeone doesn’t stop at just adjusting your child’s spine. He’ll guide you on how to support their posture, movement, and daily habits to ensure lasting improvements.
Book Your Child’s Appointment Today and receive the pediatric care plan that helps them grow strong, healthy, and resilient.
Call: 720-573-4910