At Peak Spine and Wellness in Fargo, ND, we believe that a child’s health foundation starts early. Chiropractic care for kids is gentle, specific, and research-backed, supporting their growing bodies and developing nervous systems.
Studies show that chiropractic care can help with musculoskeletal issues, posture correction, and nervous system function in children (Marchand, 2012; Alcantara et al., 2009). At Peak Spine and Wellness, we apply the principles of Chiropractic Biophysics to ensure measurable and safe improvements for children while honoring the unique needs of their developing spines.
A newborns first stress is usually through the birth process. The stress on the spine from the birth canal or different interventions can cause spinal injury which can alter the spinal curvature. If the spinal curves are affected at birth or in their developmental years, the spinal cord can have unnecessary stress which impacts the body’s ability to function and organ problems can arise. Checking children to see how their spine is developing is important for long term health. We make it a priority at Peak Spine and Wellness to help the entire family reach their peak health potential.
Pediatric chiropractic care is an essential part of any baby or toddler’s holistic health and wellness. It’s safe and drug-free, making it an excellent alternative to pain medications for treating pain and discomfort in kids. It has proven benefits for children of all ages, and studies have shown complete relief from symptoms within a short time span. Pediatric chiropractic care removes interference from that spine and helps to regulate the nervous system so as they continue to grow they can do so optimally.
Why Would a Child Need to See a Chiropractor?
Children encounter physical stressors from birth (delivery, c-section, forceps), learning to walk, falls, and even posture from tech use. These can cause misalignments (subluxations) that affect nerve communication, posture, and function. Chiropractic care helps address these issues early, keeping their nervous systems functioning at their best.
Babies can be checked for spinal misalignments as early as a few days old, especially if there was a difficult birth or feeding issues. We use gentle, finger-tip pressure and specific techniques appropriate for newborns and children.
Research and decades of clinical practice show chiropractic is safe for children when performed by trained chiropractors (Alcantara et al., 2009). At Peak Spine and Wellness, we use gentle, low-force methods tailored to your child’s age and size.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Kids
- Supports healthy development and posture
- Helps with nervous system regulation
- Aids in digestive and immune system function
- Supports milestone achievement (crawling, walking)
- May help with issues like colic, ear infections, reflux, and bedwetting
Early misalignments can affect nervous system development and posture, leading to compensations later in life. Addressing these issues early helps children develop optimally and may prevent future chronic pain and dysfunction.
Traditional care often focuses on symptom management. Chiropractic care for kids focuses on identifying and correcting root causes of dysfunction in the spine and nervous system, providing a drug-free, proactive approach to health.
$99 New Patient Special
Includes:
- Consultation
- Thorough Health History
- Chiropractic Exam
- Postural Analysis
- X-rays if indicated
- Report of Findings
How Our Pediatric Chiropractic Care Plan Works
1. Corrective
This initial stage focuses on addressing specific spinal misalignments and dysfunctions. Through targeted adjustments and specialized techniques, the goal is to restore proper alignment and function to the spine. This phase often involves intensive care to correct existing issues and alleviate pain.
2. Stabilization
The stabilization stage aims to reinforce the changes made. This involves strengthening surrounding muscles, improving posture, and ensuring that the spine maintains its proper alignment over time. Patients typically engage in exercises and receive ongoing adjustments to support long-term stability.
3. Wellness
The final stage emphasizes maintaining optimal spinal health and overall well-being. Wellness care involves regular check-ups and adjustments to prevent future issues and support a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach helps patients maintain their progress, enhance quality of life, and promote overall health and wellness.
How We Treat Kids at Each Stage in Their Development in Fargo, ND
Newborn Chiropractic (Birth to First Month)
Birth is physically demanding, and even natural deliveries can cause misalignments affecting feeding and comfort. They can occur during delivery from pressure, assisted deliveries, or in utero positioning and can lead to:
- Feeding difficulties
- Colic
- Reflux
- Other discomfort
We use light fingertip pressure (no “popping” or twisting) to gently correct misalignments and restore proper nerve flow.
Infant Chiropractic (1 Month to 1 Year)
Chiropractic can help with a number of issues common amongst infants:
- Colic
- Reflux
- Breastfeeding challenges
- Developmental delays
- Sleep disturbances
The nervous system controls growth, digestion, and immune function. Optimal communication supports healthy development. Early correction of spinal misalignments supports hitting milestones like rolling, crawling, and sitting without compensations.
Chiropractic for Toddlers (1-3 Years)
Learning to walk hard on the spine. Frequent falls and wobbly steps can cause micro-injuries or small spinal misalignments that can further interfere with balance and coordination. Our gentle adjustments correct misalignments, supporting balance and nervous system function.
Preschool Chiropractic (3-5 Years)
Proper nerve function supports speech development, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Many spinal injuries are silent until they lead to compensations, discomfort, or postural issues later.
School Age (5-12 Years)
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can progress during growth spurts. It is usually identified in the preadolescent years through posture screening, Adam’s forward bend test, and X-rays if needed. It is genetic, but can also be triggered by heavy backpacks, poor posture, and sports injuries that stress the spine.
Gentle adjustments, posture exercises, and our advanced Chiropractic Biophysics traction can correct and manage progression.
Chiropractic for Teenagers (12-18 Years)
The most common spinal challenges that affect teenagers are tech neck, scoliosis progression, sports injuries, and emotional stress. While chiropractic is an excellent solution for musculoskeletal and posture problems, an optimized nervous system can also support emotional regulation, focus, and stress management during hormonal changes.
Common Childhood Conditions We Have Helped in Fargo, ND
Breastfeeding Problems
Breastfeeding is critical for your baby’s nutrition, immunity, and bonding. Latch issues and torticollis (discomfort from neck misalignments) can make breastfeeding difficult, frustrating, and sometimes painful. Gentle adjustments can improve neck mobility, making breastfeeding easier.
Reflux
Acid reflux is when stomach contents come back up the esophagus, causing discomfort. Signs your baby might have reflux include frequent spitting up and discomfort after feeding. Chiropractic can help by correcting spinal alignment to support nerve function to the digestive system.
Colic
Colic is excessive, inconsolable crying in babies. It affects a baby’s comfort and emotional regulation and adds stress to the entire family. Chiropractic may help by improving nervous system balance and comfort.
Ear Infections
Infections of the middle ear are common in children due to shorter eustachian tubes. A pediatrician may write prescriptions for antibiotics or suggest surgery, but correcting upper cervical misalignments can improve drainage and your child’s immune response, allowing their body to heal the infection on its own and prevent against future flare-ups.
Constipation
If left untreated, constipation can lead to discomfort, pain, and digestive issues. Correcting spinal alignment can support nerve function in the digestive system and aid bowel function.
Sports Injuries
It is critical to address sports-related injuries as soon as possible because children’s bodies are still growing, and untreated injuries can affect growth plates, posture, and biomechanics, leading to chronic pain or limitations later in life.
Falls, impacts, and repetitive sports motions can cause misalignments, muscle strains, and joint restrictions, affecting movement and healing. Common sports injuries in kids include sprains, strains, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, and spinal misalignments from activities like football, soccer, dance, or gymnastics.
Chiropractic care corrects misalignments, improves mobility, reduces muscle tension, and supports the nervous system for faster recovery. It also helps young athletes maintain proper posture and biomechanics to prevent re-injury and optimize performance.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often developing during growth spurts in children and teens. It can lead to uneven shoulders or hips, back discomfort, reduced mobility, and postural imbalances that may worsen without care. Children, especially girls aged 10–15, are at higher risk. Early signs include uneven shoulders, a visible curve when bending forward, or clothing fitting unevenly.
At Peak Spine and Wellness, we use posture screenings, spinal assessments, and Chiropractic Biophysics techniques to manage scoliosis. Our care includes gentle adjustments, corrective exercises, and customized traction protocols to reduce progression, improve posture, and support your child’s long-term spinal health.
Check Out Our Location Near You
3260 Veterans Blvd Suite 105, Fargo, ND 58104
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic safe for a child?
Yes, when performed by trained chiropractors using gentle, age-appropriate techniques.
At what age can a child start seeing a chiropractor?
As early as newborn, especially after a difficult birth.
How do I know if my baby needs a chiropractor?
Signs include feeding difficulties, colic, favoring one side, or trouble with milestones.
Can chiropractic help with bedwetting?
Yes, by improving nerve communication between the bladder and brain.
Should a child see a chiropractor for ear infections before tubes?
It’s a conservative option worth considering before surgery, focusing on improving drainage and immune response.
Many parents don’t realize that chiropractic care isn’t just for adults. Chiropractic treatment can be invaluable to children experiencing health issues like asthma, ear infections, colic, allergies, and much more.
Peak+ Wellness is a pediatric chiropractic clinic in Fargo, North Dakota (ND), offering affordable child wellness care. Contact us for consultation.
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480232/#:~:text=Published%20in%20Lancet%20earlier%20this,of%20disability%20at%2018th%3B
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2794701/
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/122/5/1161/71510/Chiropractic-for-Children?redirectedFrom=fulltext
https://structuralchiro.com/news/pediatric-chiropractic-care-is-it-safe/
https://chiro.org/LINKS/GUIDELINES/Safety_and_Effectiveness_of_Pediatric_Chiropractic.html
At Peak Spine + Wellness we believe in empowering our patients to reach their peak potential! We offer scoliosis rehab for a healthier pain-free life. Additionally, we offer wellness plans for those looking to reach peak potential while continuing to remain healthy once their problem is corrected. Get started with us today!
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