You notice your little one struggling with sleep, throwing more tantrums than usual, or just seeming “off” somehow. Maybe they’re dealing with recurring ear infections or digestive issues that don’t seem to have a clear cause.
As a parent, these moments can feel overwhelming. You want answers, and you want to help your child feel their best.
Key Takeaway: One piece of the puzzle you might not have considered is something called subluxation in children. It sounds scary, but understanding what it means—and what you can do about it—might be exactly what your family needs.
Proudly serving families in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, and throughout Broward County, FL.
What Is Subluxation in Children?
Think of subluxation as your child’s spine being slightly “out of tune,” like a piano that needs adjustment. It’s not a dramatic injury or dislocation—it’s much more subtle than that.
A subluxation happens when the tiny bones in your child’s spine (called vertebrae) shift out of their ideal position. This creates interference in how the nervous system communicates throughout their body.
Why Your Child’s Nervous System Matters So Much
Your child’s nervous system is like the body’s master computer. It controls everything from breathing and digestion to sleep patterns and emotional regulation.
When subluxations interfere with this communication network, it can affect how well your child’s body functions.
Think of it like having a poor cell phone connection—the message might get through, but it’s not as clear or reliable as it should be.
How Do Children Develop Subluxations?
Many parents are surprised to learn that subluxations can develop very early in life. In fact, the birth process itself can be the first source of spinal stress for your little one.
The Birth Process
Even during a “normal” delivery, your baby experiences significant physical stress. The twisting, pulling, and pressure involved in birth can create the first subluxations according to the American Academy of Pediatrics sleep guidelines.
- C-section deliveries
- Vacuum or forceps-assisted births
- Long or difficult labor
- Breech presentations
Everyday Childhood Activities
As your child grows, normal childhood activities can also contribute to subluxations. This isn’t about wrapping them in bubble wrap—it’s just part of being a kid!
- Learning to walk (lots of falls!)
- Sports and playground activities
- Poor posture from screens and backpacks
- Sleeping in awkward positions
The “Perfect Storm” Effect
Did You Know? We often see children dealing with what we call the “Perfect Storm”—a combination of physical stress (like birth trauma), chemical stress (from environmental toxins), and emotional stress (from busy family life or school pressures).
When these three types of stress pile up, your child’s nervous system can become overwhelmed, making subluxations more likely to develop and stick around.
Ready to take the next step?
Call us at (754) 203-5907 or book your visit online.
Signs Your Child Might Have Subluxations
Here’s where it gets tricky—subluxations rarely cause obvious pain in children. Instead, they show up as functional problems that might seem unrelated to the spine.
In Infants and Toddlers
- Difficulty nursing or latching on one side
- Excessive crying or colic
- Sleep disturbances
- Frequent ear infections
- Digestive issues like reflux or constipation
- Always tilting head to one side
In School-Age Children
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or symptoms similar to ADHD
- Behavioral challenges or increased anxiety
- Recurring illnesses
- Poor posture
- Bedwetting past typical age
- Growing pains that seem excessive
I remember one family from our Cooper City practice whose 6-year-old daughter was having frequent meltdowns and trouble sleeping. After addressing the subluxations in her upper neck, both the parents and teachers noticed she was calmer and more focused at school.
Of course, every child is different, and these improvements don’t happen for everyone. But many families notice positive changes when their child’s nervous system is functioning better.
How Subluxations Affect Child Development
Your child’s nervous system is still developing rapidly, especially in the first few years of life. This makes addressing subluxations particularly important during these crucial developmental windows as documented in peer-reviewed research on PubMed.
Impact on Learning and Behavior
When subluxations interfere with nervous system function, it can affect your child’s ability to regulate their emotions and focus their attention. This might look like:
- Difficulty sitting still in school
- Trouble following multi-step directions
- Emotional outbursts that seem disproportionate
- Problems with sensory processing
Physical Development Concerns
Subluxations can also affect how your child’s body develops physically. You might notice:
- Delays in motor milestones
- Coordination challenges
- Asymmetrical movement patterns
- Frequent injuries or clumsiness
What to Expect During Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Many parents worry about whether chiropractic care is safe for children. The good news is that pediatric chiropractic techniques are specifically designed to be gentle and age-appropriate.
The Examination Process
During your child’s first visit, we’ll spend time understanding their health history and your concerns. The examination includes:
- Detailed discussion about pregnancy and birth
- Developmental milestone assessment
- Gentle physical examination
- Neurological function testing
- Posture and movement evaluation
Gentle Adjustment Techniques
Pediatric adjustments are nothing like adult adjustments. We use very light pressure—about the same amount of pressure you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
Many children actually find the process relaxing, and some even fall asleep during their visits!
Ready to take the next step?
Call us at (754) 203-5907 or book your visit online.
Supporting Your Child’s Nervous System at Home
While professional care is important, there are many things you can do at home to support your child’s nervous system health.
Create a Calm Environment
Quick Tip: Establish consistent sleep routines and limit screen time, especially before bed according to the Sleep Foundation.
- Practice deep breathing exercises together
- Create quiet spaces for regulation breaks
Encourage Movement and Play
- Provide plenty of outdoor play time
- Encourage crawling and cross-pattern movements
- Limit time in containers (car seats, high chairs when not needed)
- Practice good posture habits
Nutrition for Nervous System Health
- Focus on whole, unprocessed foods
- Include omega-3 rich foods like fish and walnuts
- Limit sugar and artificial additives
- Ensure adequate hydration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe for babies and children?
Yes, when performed by a chiropractor trained in pediatric techniques, chiropractic care is very safe for children. Pediatric adjustments use extremely gentle pressure and are specifically adapted for growing bodies. Many chiropractors complete additional training in pediatric care to ensure they’re using the most appropriate techniques.
How can I tell if my child needs to see a chiropractor?
Look for signs like recurring health issues, behavioral challenges, sleep problems, or developmental delays that don’t seem to have a clear cause. Trust your parental instincts—if something seems “off” with your child’s health or development, it’s worth having their nervous system evaluated.
How often will my child need chiropractic visits?
This varies greatly depending on your child’s specific needs, age, and health concerns. Some families come in weekly during intensive care periods, while others visit monthly for wellness care. We’ll work with you to create a care plan that fits your family’s needs and budget.
Will my child cooperate during chiropractic visits?
Most children actually enjoy their chiropractic visits once they get used to them. Pediatric chiropractors are skilled at making the experience comfortable and even fun for kids. We often incorporate play and distraction techniques to help children feel at ease.
At what age can children start receiving chiropractic care?
Children can receive chiropractic care from birth. In fact, many families in Pembroke Pines and Weston bring their newborns in within the first few weeks of life to address any birth-related stress on the nervous system. The techniques used are always appropriate for the child’s age and development stage.
Does insurance cover neurologically-focused chiropractic care?
Because we are neurologically-focused rather than a typical back-pain chiropractor, most major medical insurance plans do not cover what we do. Our approach is more specialized and more intensive than what insurance was designed for. However, we accept HSA and FSA — which many families have and don’t realize they can use for this. We also offer family discounts and flexible options to make care affordable. We always find a way for families who are committed to their child’s health.
Taking the Next Step for Your Child’s Health
Understanding subluxation in children can feel overwhelming at first, but remember—you’re already taking an important step by learning about how your child’s nervous system affects their overall health and development.
Many parents find that addressing subluxations helps their children feel more regulated, sleep better, and handle daily challenges with greater ease. While every child is unique, supporting nervous system function often creates a foundation for better health in many areas.
If you’re noticing signs that your child might benefit from having their spine and nervous system evaluated, don’t wait. Early intervention often means better outcomes, and pediatric chiropractic care is gentle, safe, and specifically designed for growing bodies.
Ready to learn more about how we can support your child’s health? Call Alive & Free Chiropractic at (754) 203-5907 or schedule your consultation online. Dr. Capeloto and our team are here to answer your questions and help your family thrive.