At Outten Chiropractic, we believe healthy kids have the opportunity to grow into healthy adults. That’s why we proudly provide chiropractic care for children from birth through 18 years of age. Whether your child is just a few days old or getting ready to head off to college, our goal is to help their nervous system and spine function at their very best.
One of the questions we hear from parents is:
“Can a chiropractor really treat babies and children?”
The answer is yes! Pediatric chiropractic care is very different from treating adults. Adjustments for infants and children are incredibly gentle, using only a small amount of pressure that is appropriate for their size and stage of development.
Why Would a Baby Need Chiropractic Care?
Birth is an amazing process, but it can also be physically demanding for both mom and baby. During delivery, significant pressure is placed on a baby’s head, neck, and spine. Research has estimated that pressures during birth can exceed 100 pounds per square inch, particularly during difficult or assisted deliveries. Even uncomplicated births can place stress on an infant’s delicate spine and nervous system.
While many babies transition through birth without lasting problems, others may develop areas of restricted movement or tension that can affect comfort and function.
Common Reasons Parents Bring Their Children to Our Office
Every child is unique, but some of the most common concerns we evaluate include:
- Colic
- Acid reflux
- Ear infections
- Constipation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Torticollis
- Breastfeeding and latching difficulties
- Excessive fussiness or overall discomfort
- Head-turning preferences
- Poor posture
- Growing pains
- Sports-related injuries
- Neck pain and back pain
- Headaches
Many parents simply want to have their child’s spine and nervous system checked to make sure everything is developing as it should.
The Importance of Early Evaluation
Children are constantly growing and developing. Their nervous system controls every organ, muscle, and tissue in the body, making it one of the most important systems to keep functioning properly.
When a child isn’t functioning as expected, it’s worth looking at all possible contributing factors. Sometimes those stresses begin during pregnancy, sometimes during the birth process, and sometimes after birth through falls, learning to walk, sports, playground activities, or everyday childhood bumps and tumbles.
A chiropractic evaluation can help determine whether restricted spinal motion may be contributing to your child’s discomfort or movement patterns.
Experienced Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Dr. Christopher Outten has completed postgraduate training in pediatric chiropractic care and has been caring for children for more than 30 years. His experience allows him to evaluate infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers using gentle, age-appropriate chiropractic techniques.
Every child receives an individualized examination, and if chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment is specifically tailored to their age, size, and needs.
Gentle Care Parents Can Feel Confident About
One of the biggest misconceptions about pediatric chiropractic care is that it is the same as an adult adjustment. It isn’t.
The amount of pressure used on an infant is often compared to the amount needed to check the ripeness of a tomato or gently press on your eyelid. Treatments are extremely gentle and designed with your child’s comfort and safety in mind.
Helping Children Reach Their Full Potential
Our mission is simple: help children move well, function well, and grow as healthy as possible.
Whether your child is experiencing feeding difficulties as a newborn, recovering from sports injuries as a teenager, or you’re simply looking for a wellness evaluation, we’d be honored to care for your family.
If you’re looking for pediatric chiropractic care in Cary, NC, contact Outten Chiropractic to learn more about how gentle chiropractic care may help support your child’s health and development.