Pediatric Chiropractic Care For Infants, Children, and Teens

Childhood is a time of incredible growth and development—but it’s also a time when bodies experience significant physical stress. From the birth process itself to learning to walk, carrying heavy backpacks, playing sports, and spending hours hunched over devices, kids face challenges that can affect their spinal health and nervous system function.

At Life Starts Here Chiropractic, Dr. Katie Gay provides gentle, age-appropriate chiropractic care designed to support children from infancy through adolescence. Many parents in Kittery, York, Portsmouth, Eliot, and throughout the Seacoast bring their children in for:

• Colic and excessive crying in infants
• Difficulty breastfeeding or latching
• Ear infections and respiratory issues
• Growing pains
• Sports injuries
• Sports performance care
• Postural problems from backpacks and screens
• Headaches
• Digestive concerns
• Sleep issues
• Teen stress
• Developmental support
• Wellness care

Dr. Katie is certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and has advanced training in working with children of all ages. Our approach is always gentle, specific, and adapted to each child’s unique needs.

More families are discovering that chiropractic care offers a natural, gentle approach to supporting their children’s health and development. Here’s what research and clinical experience show:

Supporting Optimal Nervous System Function
Your child’s nervous system controls every function in their body—from breathing and digestion to immune response and development. The spine protects the nervous system, and when vertebrae become misaligned (what chiropractors call subluxations), it can interfere with how the nervous system communicates with the rest of the body.

Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment and movement, supporting the body’s natural ability to function at its best.

Addressing the Physical Stress of Growth
Children’s bodies go through enormous changes. They learn to hold their heads up, roll over, crawl, walk, run, and jump—all while their bones, muscles, and nervous systems are rapidly developing. Each of these milestones, while normal, places stress on the developing spine and nervous system.

Add to that the physical demands of sports, playground activities, growth spurts, and the postural stress of modern life (tablets, phones, computers), and it’s clear that kids benefit from support in maintaining proper spinal alignment.

A Drug-Free Approach
Many parents seek chiropractic care because they want natural options that don’t involve medication. Whether addressing colic in an infant or headaches in a teen, chiropractic focuses on supporting the body’s innate healing ability rather than masking symptoms.

The earliest days and months of life set the foundation for lifelong health. Birth itself—even uncomplicated vaginal births—places significant physical stress on a newborn’s delicate spine and nervous system. When you consider the use of interventions like vacuum extraction, forceps, or cesarean section, or factors like prolonged labor or a baby’s positioning in the womb, it becomes clear why many infants benefit from gentle chiropractic evaluation.

Common Concerns Parents Bring Infants In For:

Colic and Excessive Crying

Few things are more stressful for new parents than a baby who cries inconsolably for hours each day. While colic is often dismissed as something babies “grow out of,” research suggests that gentle chiropractic care may help.

Multiple studies have examined chiropractic care for infant colic. Research published in chiropractic journals has shown that many infants experience significant improvement in crying time after receiving gentle spinal adjustments. While more research continues to be done, many parents report their colicky infants become calmer and more comfortable after chiropractic care.

Feeding Difficulties

Infants who have trouble latching, show preference for one side while nursing, or seem uncomfortable during feeding may be experiencing tension or restriction in their neck and upper back. Gentle adjustments to these areas can help improve range of motion and comfort, making feeding easier for both baby and parent.

Torticollis and Head Shape Concerns

Some babies develop a preference for turning their head to one side or develop flat spots on their skull. While these issues are often monitored by pediatricians, chiropractic care can address the underlying spinal restrictions that may be contributing to the problem.

Sleep Issues

Babies who struggle to sleep or who wake frequently may be experiencing discomfort. By addressing spinal tension and supporting nervous system function, chiropractic care may help infants rest more comfortably.

What Infant Adjustments Look Like:

Infant adjustments are very gentle. Dr. Katie uses light techniques and pressure—about the same amount of pressure you’d use to test a tomato for ripeness. Many babies sleep through their adjustments or nurse peacefully during the appointment.

Once children start walking, their physical demands increase exponentially. Toddlers learning to walk fall dozens of times per day. Young children climb, jump, run, and tumble constantly. School-age kids carry backpacks, sit at desks, play sports, and spend time on devices—all activities that can affect their developing spines.

Common Concerns Parents Bring Children In For:

Ear Infections

Recurrent ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents seek chiropractic care for their children. While chiropractic doesn’t treat the infection itself, care focuses on supporting proper drainage and nervous system function. Many parents report fewer ear infections and improved overall immune function when their children receive regular chiropractic care.

Growing Pains

The aches and pains that come with rapid growth spurts are often dismissed as normal. While growth itself isn’t painful, the stress it places on developing bones, muscles, and joints can create discomfort. Chiropractic care can help ensure the spine and pelvis remain balanced during periods of rapid growth.

Sports Injuries

Whether your child plays soccer, does gymnastics, swims, or participates in any other sport, the repetitive movements and occasional falls can create imbalances or minor injuries. Regular chiropractic care helps young athletes maintain optimal function and may help reduce the risk of injury.

Postural Problems

Between school desks, car seats, and screen time, today’s kids spend more time in sustained postures than ever before. This can lead to forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and the early development of postural dysfunction. Addressing these issues while kids are young can set them up for better spinal health throughout their lives.

Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)

While there are many causes of bedwetting, some research has examined whether chiropractic care might help in certain cases. The theory is that if nerve interference in the lower spine affects bladder control signals, gentle adjustments might support improved function.

Digestive Issues

Constipation, reflux, and other digestive concerns are common in childhood. Because the nervous system controls digestive function, addressing spinal health may support better gut function in some children.

Focus and Behavioral Support

Some parents bring their children with attention or behavioral challenges in for chiropractic care. While chiropractic doesn’t treat ADHD or other behavioral conditions, supporting optimal nervous system function may help some children feel calmer and more regulated.

What Children’s Adjustments Look Like:

Adjustments for children are still very gentle but slightly more involved than infant care. Dr. Katie uses techniques appropriate for your child’s age and size. Most kids find adjustments comfortable and enjoyable. Many look forward to their visits and feel excited to share what happened at school or in their activities.

At what age can my child start seeing a chiropractor?

Children can be checked by a chiropractor from birth. Many parents bring their newborns in within the first few weeks of life, particularly if the birth involved any complications or interventions.

Will adjustments hurt my child?

No. Pediatric adjustments are gentle and adapted to your child’s age and size. Most children find them comfortable, and many infants sleep right through their adjustments.

How often should my child be adjusted?

This depends on your child’s specific situation and health goals. Dr. Katie will recommend a care plan based on your child’s needs. Some families come in for wellness care monthly, while others may need more frequent visits initially to address specific concerns.

Do you work with pediatricians?

Yes. Chiropractic care complements medical care and is often part of a collaborative approach to children’s health. We’re happy to communicate with your child’s pediatrician and work as part of your child’s healthcare team.

What should my child wear to their appointment?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is best. For infants, a onesie works well. Older kids should wear clothes they can move in easily.

Will my insurance cover pediatric chiropractic care?

We offer transparent cash-pay pricing and don’t require insurance. We’re happy to provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance if you’d like to seek reimbursement, and we proudly offer military discounts for families at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

My child is nervous about going to the chiropractor. What should I do?

This is completely normal for some kids. Dr. Katie is experienced in working with children of all ages and temperaments. We take time to explain things in age-appropriate language, show kids the adjustment tools, and never force care. Many initially nervous children become enthusiastic patients once they understand what’s happening and experience how gentle and comfortable adjustments are.

First Visit:

Your child’s initial visit includes a thorough health history discussion, including information about pregnancy, birth, developmental milestones, and current concerns. Dr. Katie will perform a gentle physical examination appropriate for your child’s age, checking posture, spinal alignment, range of motion, and nervous system function.

Everything is explained clearly, both to you and to your child if they’re old enough to understand. Questions are always welcome and encouraged.

Comfortable Environment:

Our office is a family-friendly, calm space where children feel safe and welcomed. We understand that some children may be nervous or unsure, and we take whatever time is needed to help them feel comfortable.

Gentle, Age-Appropriate Care:

Adjustments are always adapted to your child’s age, size, and specific needs. For infants, this means incredibly light pressure. For older children and teens, techniques are adjusted accordingly but always remain gentle and specific.

One of the most important aspects of pediatric chiropractic care is its focus on supporting optimal development rather than just treating problems after they arise. Regular chiropractic check-ups can help ensure your child’s spine and nervous system are functioning at their best as they grow and develop.

Think of it like dental care—you don’t wait until your child has a cavity to take them to the dentist. Regular check-ups help prevent problems and support optimal health. The same principle applies to chiropractic care.