Common Childhood Conditions Addressed by Chiropractors

As parents, we all want to give our kids the best possible start—but childhood isn’t without its challenges. From birth to adolescence, kids go through rapid phases of growth, development, and change. And along the way, they may face issues that don’t always show up as pain: trouble sleeping, frequent ear infections, digestive issues, behavioral shifts, poor posture, or coordination delays.

What many parents don’t realize is that these seemingly unrelated concerns often trace back to how well the spine and nervous system are functioning.

That’s where chiropractic care can make a lasting difference.

At Mountain Movement Chiropractic & Natural Health, we don’t just focus on pain—we focus on restoring balance and supporting healthy development. Using a gentle, movement-based approach, we help the body release tension, optimize nerve communication, and function at its best—starting from the spine outward.

And yes—pediatric chiropractic care is completely safe when performed by a trained professional like Dr. Day. We use soft-touch, age-appropriate techniques (no cracking or twisting!) that are tailored to your child’s size, stage, and specific needs. Parents stay involved and informed every step of the way.

Common Childhood Conditions Chiropractors Help With

At Mountain Movement Chiropractic & Natural Health, we see children with a wide range of concerns—many of which extend far beyond what most people associate with chiropractic care. The truth is, when the spine and nervous system are supported, the whole body functions better. Here are a couple of the most common pediatric issues we help address:

Torticollis & Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly)

Torticollis is a condition where a baby tends to favor turning or tilting their head to one side, often resulting in muscle imbalances and, over time, a flat spot on the back or side of the head (plagiocephaly). This often stems from:

• In-utero constraint
• Traumatic or prolonged labor
• Cesarean delivery

Through gentle chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Day helps relieve tension in the upper neck and shoulder area, encouraging better range of motion, muscle balance, and cranial symmetry. This not only supports healthy head shape but also allows for more natural motor development and comfort while nursing, sleeping, or playing.

Ear Infections

Recurrent ear infections are one of the top reasons parents bring their children to our office. While antibiotics can offer temporary relief, they don’t always address the structural cause behind repeated infections.

In many cases, misalignment in the upper cervical spine affects how well the eustachian tubes drain fluid from the middle ear. When fluid builds up, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive—leading to more pain, more sleepless nights, and more medication.

Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment and function to the neck and surrounding muscles, allowing for better drainage and reduced inflammation without drugs or surgery. Many parents report fewer infections and a noticeable improvement in their child’s overall immune resilience.

Colic, Reflux, and Digestive Troubles

Digestive discomfort in infants and young children can take a serious toll on families. Colic, reflux, gas, and constipation often stem from more than just immature digestion—they’re frequently tied to nervous system imbalance and tension in the spine.

The vagus nerve, which plays a key role in digestion, runs through the upper neck. If there’s tension or misalignment in this area, it can interfere with the nerve’s ability to regulate the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms like:

• Excessive crying or arching (colic)
• Spitting up after feeds (reflux)
• Difficulty passing stools (constipation or gas)

Gentle chiropractic care helps relieve tension in the neck and spine, allowing the nervous system to calm and digestion to regulate more effectively. Many parents notice improved feeding, better bowel movements, and a more settled baby after care.

Poor Sleep or Behavioral Dysregulation

Sleep struggles and behavioral challenges are not just phases—they’re often signs of an overstimulated or imbalanced nervous system. If your child has trouble settling down, wakes frequently at night, or seems constantly irritable or overwhelmed, it may be time to consider what’s happening beneath the surface.

Spinal misalignments, especially in the upper neck and mid-back, can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to shift into a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state. When that system is stuck in fight-or-flight mode, children may experience:

• Restless or broken sleep
• Mood swings or irritability
• Trouble focusing or sitting still
• Anxiety-like behaviors

Chiropractic adjustments help regulate nervous system tone, reducing tension and supporting emotional balance, improved sleep, and more peaceful behavior. Parents often report that their children are not only sleeping better but also feeling calmer and more connected after a few sessions.

Growing Pains & Posture Issues

As kids grow, they go through sudden spurts that can leave joints and muscles tight, imbalanced, or strained. Add in today’s world of screen time, heavy backpacks, and long hours sitting at desks, and it’s no wonder many children develop poor posture and nagging discomfort.

What’s often called “growing pains” may actually be a sign of spinal and joint misalignment. These subtle shifts can cause:

• Achy legs or feet (especially at night)
• Slouching or rounded shoulders
• Neck or upper back tension
• Uneven gait or standing posture

At Mountain Movement, chiropractic adjustments help relieve joint stress caused by rapid growth, support proper spinal alignment, and reinforce healthy movement patterns. Through The Day Method, Dr. Day also coaches kids on how to move better—setting them up for long-term strength and balance.

Sports Injuries & Coordination Delays

Active kids are bound to take some tumbles—but repetitive strain, overtraining, or poor mechanics can lead to chronic sprains, muscle tension, and imbalances that affect their ability to play and move confidently. On the other hand, some children may struggle with coordination and balance, especially during periods of rapid growth or neurological development.

At Mountain Movement, we take a full-body approach. Dr. Day uses chiropractic adjustments to restore alignment, reduce soft tissue tension, and rebalance the nervous system. These adjustments, combined with movement instruction through The Day Method, support:

• Faster healing from sprains or sports injuries
• Improved body awareness and coordination
• Better posture and control during physical activity

Whether your child is a competitive athlete or simply needs help catching up developmentally, chiropractic care helps them move smarter, stronger, and more safely.

Asthma and Allergies

While chiropractic care doesn’t “treat” asthma or allergies directly, many families are surprised to learn that these conditions are often influenced by nervous system function and spinal alignment—particularly in the upper back and rib cage.

Tension in the spine can affect the phrenic and vagus nerves, which help control breathing and regulate immune responses. It can also restrict rib and diaphragm mobility, making it harder for kids to take full, relaxed breaths.

Through gentle adjustments and postural work, chiropractic care can help:

• Open the chest and improve lung mechanics
• Support clearer nerve signaling for respiratory function
• Reduce immune system overreaction and inflammation

Many parents report their children breathe easier, sleep better, and have fewer flare-ups with regular care—especially during allergy season or times of stress.

Support Their Growth, Naturally

Childhood is full of growth, movement, and exploration—but it also comes with challenges that can quietly impact your child’s well-being. From colic and ear infections to posture issues and sports injuries, many of these concerns are rooted in the way the spine and nervous system function together.

Chiropractic care offers a gentle, proactive way to support that development, helping kids move better, sleep more soundly, and thrive in their bodies from day one. It’s not about waiting for a problem to get “bad enough.” It’s about listening to the early signs and giving your child the tools to grow with balance and confidence.

If you’ve ever thought, “Something just seems off…”—that’s your parental instinct speaking. Trust it. You don’t have to figure it out alone. At Mountain Movement, we’re here to walk alongside you and provide the natural support your family deserves.

Let’s Support Your Child’s Health—Together

At Mountain Movement Chiropractic & Natural Health, we provide customized, gentle care for kids of all ages—from newborns to teens. Whether your child is struggling with sleep, digestion, focus, coordination, or just not quite feeling like themselves, we’re here to help restore balance and movement, naturally.

📍 Visit us at:
1901 Laurens Road, Suite E
Greenville, SC 29607

☎️ Call (864) 448-2073

🌐 mountainmovementcenter.com

🗓️ Hours:
Tuesday–Friday | Closed Monday & Weekends

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