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Chiropractic Care for Children

From infancy through adolescence, children experience significant physical and neurological development. Chiropractic care may help support healthy growth by promoting proper spinal alignment and nervous system function.

Even minor spinal misalignments can affect how the body communicates and functions. As children grow, chiropractic care can be used as part of a wellness-focused approach to support their overall health and development.

Children may experience a variety of health challenges, including colic, ear infections, allergies, and asthma. Chiropractic care offers a gentle, non-invasive, and drug-free option that may help support the body's natural ability to function at its best.

Addressing health concerns early can be important for a child's long-term well-being. Early intervention may help prevent minor issues from becoming more persistent over time and support healthier development into adulthood.

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How Our Plan Works

Evaluation and Assessment

During the initial phase of pediatric chiropractic care, a thorough evaluation is conducted to understand the child’s health history, posture, and any specific concerns. This assessment helps identify potential misalignments or issues that may be addressed through chiropractic adjustments.

Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments

Focused on promoting optimal spinal alignment, chiropractic adjustments for kids involve gentle, age-appropriate techniques. The chiropractor uses precise and light pressure to correct any misalignments, promoting proper nerve function and overall musculoskeletal health.

Recommendations & Follow-up

To complement chiropractic adjustments, personalized lifestyle recommendations are provided. This may include exercises, stretches, and ergonomic advice to support the child’s musculoskeletal well-being. Regular follow-up appointments allow the chiropractor to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the care plan.

How We Treat Kids at Each Stage in Their Development in Newark, DE

Newborn Chiropractic (Birth to First Year)

Subluxations – misalignments to the spine that can cause pain and interrupt proper nerve flow – can happen as early as birth, whether through natural delivery or C-section. The birthing process can be overwhelming for mother and baby, with over 70 pounds of pressure exerted on the baby’s neck, spine, and head. This pressure can lead to misalignment of spinal bones or abnormal stress on the muscles. These misalignments interfere with the nervous system, potentially impacting the functioning of a baby’s body during the early stages of life.

Pediatric Baby Care

Chiropractic care for newborns is exceedingly gentle. It has effectively addressed issues such as difficulties with breastfeeding, digestive disorders, acid reflux, ear infections, colic, and more. Identifying and addressing these issues early on improve a baby’s development and decrease the risk for problems later in life. Not to mention, it also makes parenting a whole lot easier.

Toddler Chiropractic (1 to 3 Years)

Growing up is hard work. As kids learn to walk, they often experience numerous falls with the potential to cause subluxations and impact the development of their bodies. Addressing and correcting subluxations optimizes normal nerve function and allows a child to recover quickly from injury.

As children progress in speech and social development, a well-functioning nervous system is critical for processing new information. This is also a time when children’s immune systems develop, making them more prone to illness. Preschool or early school environment exposes them to various viruses and bacteria due to interactions with other children. A healthy nervous system creates a robust immune system, bolstering their overall health.

Pediatric Toddler Care

School-Age Chiropractic (5 to 18 Years)

Puberty is a unique challenge – for kids and parents. During this period, musculoskeletal disorders like scoliosis become more prevalent among teenagers, and sports injuries frequently occur as they become active.

The emergence of cell phones in children’s lives brings about the rapid rise of “tech neck” and other postural issues as they spend hours each day looking down at their devices. This posture significantly strains the neck and can lead to neck problems and headaches. Headaches may be common, but they are not normal and indicate more serious issues.

A child’s mental and emotional health can also benefit from chiropractic care. The hormonal effects of adjustments and an optimized nervous system relieve stress, regulate sleep patterns, improve cognitive function, and enhance mood. Imagine a well-rested, smiling teenager who hears you the first time you say something…

Read Our Online Reviews

EXCELLENT

Based on 116 reviews

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Gwen Pinkerton

May 12, 2025

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Great Chiropractor. Doing a good job and getting we put back correctly!

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Pamela

April 2, 2025

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Dr South is very knowledgeable and has helped tremendously with my headaches. Highly recommend!

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Beverly K.

April 11, 2025

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Knowledgeable, friendly and supportive people. Treatments that actually help you feel better and improve your health

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Leslie Beckett

April 9, 2025

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I have received chiropractic care since 1983 and have experienced many positive practice models. The techniques and overall caring in this practice are unparalleled.

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Michael Simpler

April 7, 2025

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Dr South is very professional and sincerely cares about his patients. He has eliminated my migraines and continues to improve issues with my neck and back. I had an elderly dog who could hardly walk and I took him to the vet three times in two weeks. They gave me prescriptions that were not helping, then recommended a chiropractor. I was surprised they recommended Dr South, already my chiropractor! One visit and he was walking pretty normal. After the second visit he was running and playing like a puppy. We had another three years of quality life thanks to Dr South. I'm so grateful to have him in my life!

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Brenda Diane Tingen

April 7, 2025

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Dr South, Sharon, Sam and NaMeta are amazing. They genuinely want to know how you are doing from visit to visit. They know each of their patients by name and greet you at the door. Their attention to detail is spot on. I enjoy every session that I have with them. Can't imagine going to anyone else for my Chiropractic needs.

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Angelique Davis

April 5, 2025

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Excellent service. Excellent care from Dr South and staff!

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Rhett Walls

April 4, 2025

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Great service, and caring people!!!

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Adam B.

April 4, 2025

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Amazing chiropractic doctor. He is very attentive and thorough and really wants to help each patient. Highly recommend if you want the right and correct treatment for your medical needs.

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Stanley Bates

April 2, 2025

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Excellent service.

Common Childhood Conditions That We Have Helped in Newark, DE

Breastfeeding Problems

It can be frustrating and even concerning when your baby has trouble breastfeeding. Some mothers report that their baby will only latch from one side and not the other. The root cause of this issue lies in a subluxation of the cervical spine. This joint restriction makes it difficult for the child to turn their head in both directions. Our chiropractors use safe and gentle techniques to restore mobility and alignment to the neck bones helping infants latch more easily.

Reflux

Most babies with reflux will show symptoms by spitting up, arching the back during feeding, coughing, gagging, or irritability during feeding. Babies are generally started on medication because they spit up regularly, but this is not necessarily the best solution. We correct reflux by adjusting the spine. Once there is no misalignment in the upper back, pressure on the nerves is relieved, and the body can function properly.

Colic

Colic is excessive, inconsolable weeping in infants aged 0-3 months over three days per week for at least three weeks or beyond, most frequently in the late afternoon and early evening. Somewhere between 20% and 40% of infants experience this syndrome.

Both children and parents experience stress as a result of colic. Parents are increasingly turning to many conservative forms of therapy, such as chiropractors, as they become dissatisfied with the success of pharmaceutical treatments in managing infantile colic and worried about the harmful consequences of these drugs.

Issues With Crawling, Standing, or Other Movements

A strong spine will help children achieve all their physical milestones. Crawling is an excellent indicator of proper physical and neurological development. Subluxations in the spine can interfere with the brain’s ability to acquire new information or skills. Misalignments in the spine disrupt nerve flow and the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body, making it more difficult to achieve those physical milestones.

Asthma

Normal breathing relies on a steady supply of nerve impulses because it is a finely tuned mechanism. These potentially fatal attacks are commonly triggered by improper nerve and spinal function and environmental or food allergies.

Many people with asthma feel hopeless because of the potential for serious adverse effects from the long-term use of bronchodilators and steroid-based medicines. We look for and treat the root of the problem regarding breathing difficulties.

Correcting subluxations, or areas of neural obstruction, is the primary focus of chiropractic in pediatric treatment. Aligning these regions improves function and health because of their close relationship to the nerve supply associated with lung function.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a disease where the spine curves to one side (right or left, depending on which side of the spine is affected) and can be very painful. This disease usually starts during adolescence and becomes more severe as time goes on. That’s why it’s critical to be assessed for scoliosis early. Chiropractic care can help manage the progression of scoliosis and improve patients’ quality of life by improving the health and structure of the spine.

Constipation

Constipation is a problem that most babies experience. Children are often prescribed suppositories or laxatives, but that doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. Chiropractic care addresses subluxation of the nerves that control the lower bowel. By optimizing that nerve supply, digestive function normalizes naturally.

Ear Infections and Other Infections

By the time a child reaches three, half of all children have had at least three ear infections. The antibiotics used to treat ear infections have nasty side effects that can increase the risk of developing asthma by 72%. Research has shown that adjustments help regulate fluid flow within the ear canal to reduce the frequency of ear infections. This leads to reduced antibiotic usage and less ear tube surgery.

Sports Injuries

Children are at increased risk for spinal injuries due to their developing bodies and increased physical activity. Injuries affect over a third of athletes in high school every year. Spinal and nerve malfunction, the result of childhood trauma and poor posture, can adversely affect a child’s body as they begin to play sports at a higher level. Optimizing nerve function improves reaction time, balance, coordination, and recovery. Adjustments to the musculoskeletal system ensure the body is using the proper form to maximize its strength and performance and prevent injury.

Check Out Our Location Near You

1450 Capitol Trail, Suite 106, Newark, DE 19711

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pediatric chiropractic safe for a child?

Chiropractic is among the safest forms of healthcare for a child. Many children are born with spinal misalignments, which can harm their health and development. Chiropractic adjustments can improve their health and immune systems by removing nerve interference.

When should you take your child to a pediatric chiropractor?

Spinal misalignments can happen as early as the birthing process and interfere with development and proper health. Early assessment ensures the proper development of cells, muscles, tissues, and organs.

How do I know if my baby needs a pediatric chiropractor?

Reflux, colic, constipation, bedwetting, and other common childhood illnesses may be considered common, but they are not normal. They are an indication that the nervous system is not working correctly. Pediatric chiropractors will assess a child’s spine for misalignments interfering with proper nerve flow. Correcting those subluxations will relieve the symptoms that many parents assume are common.

Can chiropractic help with bed-wetting?

Chiropractic is frequently used to treat bed-wetting in children. Interference and irritation of the nerves that service the bladder may disrupt communication between the body and brain, alerting the brain to the full bladder. Chiropractors can correct his interference to restore communication.

What are the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care for kids?

Chiropractic care improves children’s immune systems, reduces childhood illnesses, and ensures proper physical and neurological development without needing drugs or surgery.

Is pediatric chiropractic the same as chiropractic for adults?

Yes and no. Chiropractors don’t need to use the same amount of pressure to correct subluxations, and children usually recover faster because the problem has not been there as long. Receiving chiropractic early on in life also educates a child on the importance of how their bodies work and how to take care of them naturally.
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