Breaking the Myths Around Pediatric Chiropractic Adjustments
When we hear stories from parents about the reactions they get for bringing their little ones to see a chiropractor, we can’t help but be sad at the lack of information that leads to negative opinions about what we do. Recently, a family shared that after telling their pediatrician they were bringing their 1-month-old baby in for care, the dad said, “You would have thought we told them we were drowning our kid.” Comments like this make it clear: there’s a lot of misunderstanding out there about what pediatric adjustments actually look like.
Let’s break it down.
Myth #1: “Babies’ necks are too fragile for chiropractic care.”
Here’s the truth: pediatric adjustments are nothing like what most people imagine. There’s no twisting, cracking, or forceful manipulation—ever. At Edified Chiropractic, we use gentle, neurologically-based techniques specifically designed for tiny bodies. These adjustments are safe, precise, and tailored to the developmental stage of each child. In fact, the techniques we use allow the baby to remain fully relaxed, often melting into the table while their nervous system starts to regulate.
Last week, one mom shared that after only 3 adjustments for her little one with colic, he “is a completely different baby.” (This is such a common thing we hear from parents… it’s our favorite!) Her entire family has been talking about how different this baby boy has been since getting adjusted and it has created an entire mindset shift for them. Little guy is thriving by the way!
Myth #2: “Chiropractic care is only for back pain.”
Chiropractic care for babies isn’t about back pain—it’s about optimizing the nervous system, the control center for every function in the body. A newborn’s nervous system can very easily be overwhelmed by birth stress and doesn’t have to be suffering from ‘back pain’ in order to benefit from care. A baby suffering from a dysregulated nervous system may experience troubles with things like digestion, sleep, immune function, and/or feeding, etc. Adjustments are designed to help support proper nervous system communication so that baby can eat, sleep, and poop—their three essential daily tasks.
Take Henry, a kiddo we’ve served since he was only 7 weeks old. That poor little guy was suffering from torticollis when he was first born and couldn’t even turn his head to one side, struggled with digestion, and had a history of respiratory challenges. After his first adjustment, his mom watched his entire body visibly relax. Over time, he began to turn his head both ways, sleep better, and regulate his digestion—outcomes that directly impact long-term health.
Myth #3: “Babies don’t have spinal issues.”
Here’s the perspective shift: the human body is designed to heal and regulate itself. Pediatric chiropractic care simply removes interference in the nervous system, allowing the body to function the way it was designed to. Think of chiropractic care as supporting your baby’s nervous system more than supporting their ‘bones.’ It’s a supportive, natural intervention—nothing artificial, nothing forced.
What Pediatric Adjustments Actually Look Like
Gentle and Precise: Each adjustment is carefully adapted to your baby’s size and needs. We often compare the pressure of a pediatric adjustment to the same amount of pressure you would use to check the ripeness of an avocado. Safe for even the most fragile of necks. 😊
Instrument-Assisted: When adjusting babies, we use only the pressure from our fingers and hands. Once that baby becomes a toddler and gets old enough to walk, that’s when we introduce a tool called the integrator to deliver micro-adjustments, which are painless and gentle.
Relaxing: Many babies will visibly calm during and immediately after an adjustment. Some even have a blow-out or fall asleep because the parasympathetic nervous system has been up-regulated.
Focused on Nervous System Function: The goal really isn’t structural alignment—it’s improved communication between the brain and body.
Why Parents Choose Pediatric Care
Parents often come to us after noticing challenges like colic, sleep disturbances, latching issues, reflux, or recurrent ear infections. By supporting the nervous system, these little ones begin to function more efficiently. Families often share stories of babies sleeping longer, digesting better, and even being calmer overall—without medications or invasive interventions.
Final Thoughts
It’s normal to have questions, especially when it comes to your baby’s health. Pediatric chiropractic care isn’t about force—it’s about gentle support for the nervous system. By understanding what adjustments actually involve, we hope to shift the perspective from fear to empowerment. Your baby’s nervous system is designed to thrive, and a safe, gentle adjustment can help them do just that.
