Debunking Myths: The Truth About Chiropractic Care for Babies and Children

Chiropractic care for infants, children, and adolescents is often surrounded by misconceptions, skepticism, and myths. As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the health and well-being of your children.

Let’s clear up the confusion and explore the truth about chiropractic care for kids. Here are the top 4 myths about pediatric chiropractic care:

MYTH 1: Children Don’t Experience Pain Like Adults Do

It’s easy to assume that children are immune to the aches and pains that affect adults, but research shows otherwise. Studies indicate that low back pain can start as early as childhood, with 10% of children aged 9–10 reporting it. This pain can lead to disability in some schoolchildren, with 20% to 51% of school-age children experiencing episodes of back pain.

Headaches also affect children at alarming rates, with 80–90% of schoolchildren experiencing headaches each year. Other conditions like infantile torticollis, scoliosis, and delayed motor development can also result from undiagnosed developmental or movement issues. Chiropractic care can help manage these conditions, improving the quality of life for children.

MYTH 2: Kids Don’t Need Chiropractic Care

The amount of growth and neurological development that occurs from birth to age 4 is extraordinary. These early years lay the foundation for lifelong movement and health. Additionally, age 11-14 is a critical time to recognize conditions like scoliosis, making prevention and early detection of spine and joint problems key.

Chiropractic care focuses on preventive healthcare, helping children develop healthy spines and joints through manual therapies, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices. Addressing potential issues early on allows for more effective treatment and long-term health benefits.

MYTH 3: Chiropractic Care Is Dangerous for Children

A common myth is that chiropractic care, particularly spinal adjustments, is unsafe for children. In reality, chiropractic care is broad and involves much more than spinal adjustments. While chiropractic adjustments (CMT) are a specific form of manual therapy that may include a “popping” sound, it’s essential to understand that CMT is safe when performed by a trained chiropractor, especially for children.

The technique used with children is gentle and carefully adapted to their growing bodies. Pediatric chiropractors are specially trained to adjust their approach based on a child’s anatomy and physiology. Discussing treatment options with a chiropractor ensures that care is tailored specifically to your child’s needs.

MYTH 4: Chiropractors Aren’t Trained to Treat Kids

Some people believe that chiropractors lack the specialized training required to treat children. However, this is far from the truth. Chiropractors complete extensive education, including:

Four years of undergraduate study in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Four to five years of professional chiropractic study with hands-on clinical training.
An average of 4,800 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical experience, followed by board exams and licensure.

In addition to this core training, many chiropractors, including those at Cole Pain Therapy Group, pursue postgraduate training in pediatric chiropractic care to provide even more specialized treatments for children.

The Cole Pain Therapy Group Difference

At Cole Pain Therapy Group, our doctors of chiropractic have specialized training and expertise in treating children. We offer a holistic, gentle approach to pediatric chiropractic care that focuses on improving the health and wellness of children through safe, evidence-based treatments. We work alongside pediatricians and other specialists to ensure that your child receives comprehensive, personalized care.

Chiropractic care is not only for adults—it is a safe, effective, and valuable treatment option for children. By debunking common myths and understanding the facts, parents can make informed decisions about their child’s health and well-being. Chiropractic care offers a proactive, holistic approach to improving mobility, relieving pain, and supporting the natural development of children.

If you’re concerned about your child’s spine, joint health, or development, Cole Pain Therapy Group is here to help. Our team of trained pediatric chiropractors is ready to provide your child with safe, effective care to ensure they grow up healthy, strong, and pain-free.

Contact us today to learn more about pediatric chiropractic care and how it can benefit your child’s health and development.

NEW PATIENTS

Step 1

Call today to schedule your convenient appointment.

Step 2

Pre-register your important health information on your phone or computer to save time.

Step 3

Meet your new doctor for a customized plan and start moving toward your goal!

Discover how we may help!

We are the Memphis area’s top-rated chiropractic group, providing you with gentle chiropractic care, dry needle therapy, exercise therapy, and therapeutic massage.

2845 Summer Oaks Dr, Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

Life Shouldn't Hurt!

You Deserve To Feel Great. We Can Help!
Your go-to Chiropractor in Memphis, TN

Dr. Richard L. Cole, DC, DACNB, DAIPM, FIACN, FICC
Dr. Jeffrey D. Luebbe, DC, CCRD, CCSP
Dr. W. Steven Vollmer, DC, DAAPM
Dr. Bradford J. Cole, DC, MS, CSCS
Dr. J. Colby Poston, DC
Dr. Daniel Smith, DC
2845 Summer Oaks Dr., Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

Monday – Friday:
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday :
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Walk-ins are Welcome!