How Can I Tell If My Child Needs Chiropractic Care?

A Parent's Guide to Pediatric Chiropractic

Hey there, wellness focused mama (or dad)! If you've ever wondered, "How can I tell if my child needs chiropractic care?" — you're in exactly the right place. At Alpha & Omega Chiropractic in Keller & Fort Worth, TX we specialize in gentle, specific pediatric chiropractic care designed to help your little ones thrive from the very beginning of their wellness journey.

Let's chat about what pediatric chiropractic is really about and the signs that might indicate your child could benefit from care!

What Is Pediatric Chiropractic Care?

Pediatric chiropractic is a specialized approach that focuses on the unique needs of growing children. From the moment your baby enters the world through their teenage years, their spine and nervous system are constantly developing—and sometimes experiencing stress that can impact their overall function.

Here at A&O, we use incredibly gentle, specific techniques to assess and correct misalignments (called subluxations) in your child's spine. These adjustments support your child's nervous system so their body can function, grow, and heal the way it was divinely designed to. The adjustment for little ones is MUCH different than for adults, as it should be!

And for our new practice members who might be concerned—there's absolutely no "popping" or "cracking" involved with our pediatric care. The pressure used is about the same amount you'd use to test a ripe avocado—gentle, specific, and effective.

Why Would My Child Need a Chiropractor?

Children, just like adults, experience physical stress and tension that can affect their nervous system function. When the nervous system isn't communicating optimally, it can impact how they sleep, eat, move, and even how they respond to their environment!

Some of the most common reasons our practice member families bring their kiddos to our office include:

• Colic or reflux

• Trouble sleeping

• Torticollis or head tilt

• Constipation or digestive struggles

• Plagiocephaly (uneven head shape)

• Recurring ear infections

• Difficulty with breastfeeding

• Developmental milestones

• Behavioral concerns

• Immune system challenges

  
  

If any of these sound familiar, your child's nervous system might benefit from some extra support!

"Ok so... how can I tell if my kid needs chiropractic care?"

Let's walk through some clear signs that your child may benefit from pediatric chiropractic care:

1. Birth Trauma or Difficult Delivery

Even the smoothest deliveries can place strain on your baby's delicate spine and nervous system. If your little one experienced a long or fast labor, a C-section, or needed assistance during delivery, chiropractic care can help release tension patterns from birth.

Look for:

• Uneven head shape

• Discomfort lying on their back

• Fussiness during diaper changes

• Favoring one side of the body

2. Torticollis or Head Tilt

Does your baby always look in the same direction or struggle to turn their head both ways? This could indicate tension in their neck muscles.

Look for:

• Tilted head or consistent head position preference

• Difficulty latching on one breast

• Flat spots developing on the back or side of the head

3. Colic, Reflux, or Digestive Struggles

When babies cry for hours or spit up excessively, it's often dismissed as "just being a baby." But these symptoms could indicate nervous system stress affecting digestion.

Look for:

• Unexplained, prolonged crying episodes

• Arching the back during or after feedings

• Frequent spitting up or excessive gassiness

• Infrequent or difficult bowel movements

4. Breastfeeding Difficulties

Let's be real for a second, breastfeeding can be HARD. For both mom & baby however tension in their jaw, neck, mouth, or upper spine can make breastfeeding even more challenging.

Look for:

• Painful or shallow latch

• Clicking sounds while feeding

• Inconsistent or weak sucking patterns

• Preference for one side while nursing

5. Sleep Challenges

A well-adjusted nervous system often leads to better sleep! If your child isn't sleeping well, their nervous system may need support.

Look for:

• Frequent night waking

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Restlessness even when needs are met

6. Poor Posture or Awkward Sitting

As kiddos grow, habits like heavy backpacks, increased screen time, or desk work can create spinal stress.

Look for:

• Slouching

• Uneven shoulders

• Sitting in awkward or asymmetrical positions

7. Delayed Milestones or Abnormal Movement Patterns

Every child develops on their own unique timeline—but if you notice consistent delays or unusual movement patterns, chiropractic care can help support optimal neurological development.

Look for:

• Delays in rolling, crawling, or walking

• Asymmetrical crawling patterns (like "hitching" with one leg)

• Difficulty sitting up or maintaining head control

8. Frequent Ear Infections or Illnesses

Your nervous system has a direct impact on your immune system function! If your child seems to catch everything going around, adjustments may help their body respond better.

Look for:

• Repeated ear infections

• Constant congestion or colds

• Slower recovery from illness

Is Pediatric Chiropractic Safe?

Absolutely! Pediatric chiropractic care is extremely safe when provided by trained and experienced doctors who specialize in caring for children (like our team here at Alpha & Omega!).

All three of our chiropractors have completed extensive training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) to ensure they're providing the safest, most effective care for your little ones. We take a gentle, loving approach with every child who enters our office.

Why Families in Keller & Fort Worth Choose Alpha & Omega Chiropractic

At Alpha & Omega Chiropractic, we're passionate about helping families thrive through natural, nervous system-based care. Our office is faith-based, family-centered, and focused on empowering you with knowledge and community support!

We've been blessed to serve hundreds of children in Keller and surrounding areas who have experienced relief from discomfort, met developmental milestones, improved sleep quality, and found more joy in their growing bodies through consistent chiropractic care.

Ready to Get Your Child Checked?

If you've noticed any of these signs—or if you're simply committed to giving your child the best foundation for wellness—we'd love to schedule a pediatric chiropractic evaluation for your little one. Early care supports optimal development, and we're honored to partner with you on this journey!

Schedule your consultation call through our website or give our office a call today.

📍 Serving families in Keller and Fort Worth, TX, and nearby communities like Southlake, North Fort Worth, Roanoke, and Trophy Club.