About 20% of our chiropractic practice is pediatric care for babies and kids. We check babies and children at a young age to help them grow up healthy and develop optimally. When it comes to our health as adults, we tend to wait until symptoms arise and our bodies are already breaking down and degenerating before we take health and wellness seriously and seek help. In our practice, we want to change that narrative with children. If we can check their little spines before issues and symptoms show up, it will prevent spinal degeneration. Unlike the approach we’re taught as adults — waiting for a crisis — checking kids at a young age allows them to grow and develop optimally.
According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and their research conducted through the Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN), parents frequently note positive wellness improvements after receiving care, with a very low rate of adverse events. Significant enhancements are noted in children who present with complaints such as torticollis, colic, nursing, and digestive issues. In addition, parents report other improvements unrelated to the initial visit complaint, such as improved sleep, a better emotional state, and fewer colds and flu.
Infants and babies can be checked as early as possible after birth for subluxation (misalignment of the spinal bones). The birth process, whether vaginal or C-section, is traumatic to the spine due to the pushing force of the uterus and exogenous pulling forces applied during delivery. Upon observing the delivery of a newborn, one can recognize how subluxation may occur during birth, prompting a chiropractic evaluation.
If subluxations are not detected and corrected, further musculoskeletal and neurological issues such as torticollis, reflux, difficulty latching, etc., can result. By correcting subluxations, babies’ and kids’ spines will develop optimally, free from nerve interference, and of course, lessening the symptoms they originally presented with. This is why children need to be checked as early as possible, before these issues progress or develop into chronic issues later in life. The pediatric population who receive regular chiropractic care experience better overall body function, present with fewer symptoms, and have an improved immune system.
Chiropractic care for kids is advantageous over traditional medical care because chiropractors address the root cause by looking at the spine. They safely and gently adjust the spinal bones, removing nerve interference, allowing the body to heal and function properly without the need for drugs with side effects.
$99 New Patient Special
Includes consultation with your doctor, thorough chiropractic examination and customized plan of action. This offer does not apply to Medicare.
How Our Care Plan Works
1. Discover The Root Cause
Instead of chasing symptoms, we take time to find out why you’re experiencing them. Our thorough exam helps reveal the underlying issues so we can address them with confidence.
2. Your Goals. Our Findings.
We combine your goals, your lifestyle and your expectations with our clinical findings to build a clear, personalized plan aligned with where you want to go.
3. Become A Stronger, Healthier Version Of You
With consistent, corrective-focused care, you don’t just feel better—you function better. We’re here to help you rebuild your health from within and be your best self.
How We Treat Kids at Each Stage in Their Development in Westford, MA
Newborn Chiropractic
The birth process involves a lot of force on a baby’s tiny spine that can result in misalignments, or subluxations, irritating the nerves. Subluxations, if left untreated, can lead to health issues in the newborn, such as reflux, colic, latching difficulties, and fussiness. Furthermore, if a chiropractor does not correct subluxations, these issues can persist, causing more discomfort for the baby (and stress for the parents!) and developing into more chronic problems as the baby grows.
Because newborns are so tiny and not yet weight-bearing, we tailor our adjustments accordingly. We use very gentle palpation when assessing a newborn’s spine and touch them with the force equivalent to checking the ripeness of fruit. The adjustment itself requires no force or thrust, and the newborn often sleeps right through it!
Infant Chiropractic (first month to 1 year)
During the first year of a baby’s life, they grow and develop at an extremely rapid rate. They continue to sleep and eat a lot. Still, they are also reaching crucial developmental milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, tummy time, crawling, and eventually walking. These steps are necessary for proper neurological and spinal development, and we monitor this in a baby’s first year of life while they are chiropractic patients in our clinic.
Chiropractic adjustments remove nerve interference in the spine, allowing a baby to grow healthy and develop optimally. A nervous system free of nerve interference can also improve immune system function. It is best to identify and correct subluxations early so they don’t persist and develop into more chronic issues later on. You have probably heard the phrase “they will grow out of it.” Pediatric chiropractors know that babies don’t grow out of it — it will just develop into something else later on.
Chiropractic for Toddlers
During the first year of life, a baby goes through natural developmental phases (rolling, sitting up, crawling, etc.). By the time they are 12–15 months old, they are most likely learning to walk. This stage is demanding for the toddler, both mentally and physically, as they navigate this new skill! They are working really hard and, of course, will take some falls and bump into things. Typically, when babies fall while learning how to walk, they fall backward onto their bums. This constant pressure can subluxate the sacrum and pelvis.
When we give a chiropractic adjustment to a toddler, we are very gentle and specific. They are weight-bearing at this age and can tolerate a little more of a thrust, but still much less than a full-grown adult. Kids this age have lots of energy and don’t like to sit still, so as chiropractors, we do whatever it takes to make the adjustment fun and engaging!
Preschool and School-Age Kids
As children grow, learn, and explore the world, they are developing both physically and mentally. A properly functioning nervous system can support a child’s social and mental development. Kids who get adjusted regularly report less anxiety and better focus and concentration in school.
At this age, kids are very active, many participating in sports. Trauma from sports injuries or falls, such as broken bones or sprained ankles, is obvious; however, injuries to the spine from a fall from a trampoline, at the playground, or off a bike may not be as obvious if the child “seemed fine.” These repetitive falls and injuries add up over time, causing more wear and tear on the spine and leading to health issues and symptoms. Common symptoms in kids can range from headaches, growing pains, and bedwetting to ADHD, poor focus, and anxiety.
Kids at this age may also have scoliosis that may or may not be affecting the spine. We assess for scoliosis by taking full-spine X-rays, measuring the degree of curvature, and monitoring it for changes. Scoliosis will put more stress on the child’s developing spine. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce mild curves, particularly when chiropractic care is started at an early age.
In addition to sports injuries and falls, school-aged children spend a lot of time sitting during the day at school. Sitting puts more stress and strain on the spine and can lead to poor posture.
Chiropractic for Teenagers
The teenage years present an entirely new set of challenges, both physically and mentally. Teenage athletes are more competitive and are physically demanded more. Teenagers also sit all day at school, which affects their posture, specifically “tech neck” from spending so much time on screens.
Mentally, teenagers undergo a lot of stress. These stressors can come from pressures to get good grades and get into a good college, social stress to fit in and make friends, and, of course, the stress of dealing with changing hormones and puberty. In our practice, teens who get regular chiropractic adjustments report less stress and anxiety, and improved focus, concentration, and sleep.
Common Childhood Conditions That We Have Helped in Westford, MA
Colic
Colic is defined as prolonged and inconsolable crying in an infant, characterized by crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. It usually begins at the second or third week of life and gradually declines by the third month. The term is primarily used to describe fussy babies, but medically refers to severe, fluctuating abdominal pain caused by spasms in the intestines. Infants with colic appear very distressed and tense, with an arched back and a tense belly. It is a problem because intense, consistent crying in a newborn is very distressing and frustrating for parents. It is difficult to see your baby in so much pain and not be able to help them. Furthermore, colicky babies cause undue stress and exhaustion for parents and caregivers.
Typically, if a baby has abdominal discomfort, bloating, or excess gas, this creates a large amount of tension and pain. The baby cannot self-soothe and becomes inconsolable. Usually, symptoms resolve around 3 months, but we would discourage parents from “waiting it out.” Three months is a long time to endure endless crying night after night. Chiropractic care for infants can help calm the overstimulated nervous system by removing nerve interference. Subluxations or misalignments of the spine that occur during the birth process can put pressure on nerves, leading to tension. Gentle adjustments can help release this tension that is creating discomfort. Adjustments can also stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls rest and digestion, and lessen the stress response.
Breastfeeding Problems
Breastfeeding is so important because not only does mother’s milk provide optimal nutrition, but nursing also creates an unbreakable bond between mom and baby. Breast milk provides all the nutrients and antibodies a growing baby needs, supporting their brain and immune system development. While some women truly cannot breastfeed, that percentage is very low, and everything should be done to try to breastfeed for at least 6 months to a year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding may become difficult if the newborn cannot latch properly because of a tongue or lip tie, or if the infant is uncomfortable in certain nursing positions due to torticollis or spine misalignment. Signs of breastfeeding difficulties include a baby who cannot latch properly or latching that is painful. Another sign is when the baby takes in too much air or chokes, or if the infant cannot turn their head to nurse on a certain side, or cries when they do because of tension and strain in their neck.
Torticollis refers to tight neck muscles (the sternocleidomastoid) that cause a baby’s head to turn or tilt to one side. Typically, torticollis is caused by a position in utero or by the birth process. Chiropractors will identify the cause of the torticollis by gently examining the baby’s spine and then providing a specific adjustment to correct the misaligned vertebra, relieve muscle tension, and thereby correct the torticollis.
Issues with Crawling, Standing, or Other Movements
“Tummy time” is important for development because it lays the foundation for future movement patterns, such as rolling over and crawling. While spending time on their tummies, babies begin to strengthen their neck, shoulder, core, and spinal muscles. This is also when motor skills begin to develop. When a baby is comfortable moving their arms and legs on their tummy, they start to look around, which begins the process of rolling from their tummy to their back. These physical movements stimulate the motor function of their brains. Soon, a baby will get up on all fours and begin rocking back and forth, progressing to crawling.
These physical milestones must develop in the correct order for proper neurological development. If a baby is uncomfortable or showing signs of distress on their tummy, it may indicate misalignments in their spine, which can cause tension on the nervous system. Crawling is important because the cross-crawl movement stimulates the neurons in the developing brain. Furthermore, the crawling position is the one in which the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) curves form. Skipping this stage before walking is not advisable, as babies miss out on important spine and brain development.
The pediatric chiropractor removes nerve interference that could be preventing the child from reaching these important milestones and ensures that babies grow up healthy and develop optimally by monitoring them throughout infancy, into childhood, and beyond.
Bedwetting
Enuresis, or bedwetting, is a common developmental delay in children. It affects approximately 15–20% of five-year-olds and 1-2% of teenagers. Kids are unable to hold their bladder throughout the night. Enuresis typically resolves on its own, but when it extends past childhood, it can be frustrating and embarrassing. Urinary tract infections, constipation, and stress can all cause bedwetting, and evaluation by a urologist may be necessary to rule them out. The most common cause of bedwetting is delayed physical and neurological development — the brain does not receive the signal that the bladder is full, and the child does not wake up.
Chiropractic helps improve communication between the brain and the body. The nerves in the lower lumbar spine control the bladder, signaling to the brain that it is full. Subluxations or misalignments of these spinal bones put pressure on these nerves, which could be the cause of nighttime bedwetting. Chiropractors use gentle and specific adjustments to remove nerve interference, allowing proper nerve flow and communication. We see a 50% or greater reduction in bedwetting with kids receiving consistent chiropractic care.
Ear Infections
An ear infection is an inflammation in the inner ear canal that can cause redness, swelling, and pain. Symptoms include redness in and around the ear, pain, and pressure. The pain can be very severe and can be accompanied by a fever. Ear infections, also known as otitis media, can be caused by bacteria or a virus entering the ear. Ear infections are common in kids, especially infants, because the ear canal is more horizontal than in adults, so fluid drains less well and can back up, leading to inflammation.
A chiropractor will check for subluxations in the upper cervical spine that may be compressing the nerves supplying the ear. We relieve that pressure using gentle neck adjustments and allow the fluid in the ear to drain properly. Chiropractors don’t necessarily “treat” ear infections; we remove nerve interference, allowing the body to heal naturally. Chiropractic also helps boost the immune system, which can help kids recover from ear infections more quickly. According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), 93% of kids with ear infections who receive chiropractic care show improvement, and about 80% remain infection-free for 6 months following care. The typical treatment for ear infections is antibiotics, which have side effects on the immune system and the gut. Chiropractic care for ear infections is very favorable because it is a natural approach that eliminates the need for antibiotics.
Check Out Our Location Near You
234 Littleton Rd Unit B Suite 1A, Westford, MA 01886
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic safe for a child?
Chiropractic adjustments are very safe. We are trained to adjust in a very safe and gentle way. There are very few adverse events with chiropractic care in babies and kids.
When should you take your child to a chiropractor in Westford, MA?
It is never too early to get your child’s spine checked by a chiropractor. The birth process puts a large amount of stress on the baby’s spine, causing subluxation. By correcting subluxation as early as possible, kids will develop optimally.
How do I know if my baby needs chiropractic?
If your child is presenting with any symptoms and you feel they are not normal, you should get them checked. We won’t know whether your child needs chiropractic care until we perform a comprehensive evaluation and examination in our office.
What signs should my child look for to see a chiropractor?
Common signs and symptoms that may be red flags include reflux, colic, torticollis, and nursing difficulties in babies. For kids, symptoms include bedwetting, suspected scoliosis, increased susceptibility to colds and flu, persistent injuries from sports or falls, and neurological concerns such as anxiety or ADHD.
Should a child see a chiropractor for ear infections before putting tubes in their ears?
Yes! A chiropractor will examine to determine whether misalignments in the upper cervical spine are causing fluid in the ear canal to drain improperly. In most cases, a chiropractic adjustment can remove nerve interference, allowing the fluid to drain properly.
$99 New Patient Special
Includes consultation with your doctor, thorough chiropractic examination and customized plan of action. This offer does not apply to Medicare.