Chiropractic and Children
Chiropractic care isn’t just for adults. It’s a way to support a child’s health, growth, and development. Research has increasingly shown that chiropractic adjustments can help improve musculoskeletal function, cognitive performance, immune support, and overall well being in children.
Children experience rapid changes as they grow. Their bodies adapt to physical activity, learning environments, and everyday stressors. Chiropractic care helps support this natural process by ensuring the nervous system and the six healing zones remain in balance. Regular adjustments can improve sleep, concentration, mood, energy levels, digestion, and immune response, making chiropractic an important part of a child’s wellness routine.
How Chiropractic Supports a Child’s Health Through the Six Zones
Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment, which plays a key role in nervous system function and overall well being. The six healing zones, Glandular, Eliminative, Nervous, Digestive, Muscular, and Circulatory combine to regulate every cell of the body, and chiropractic is an effective way to support their function.
Zone 1: Glandular System – Sleep, Mood, and Energy Regulation
A systematic review by Miller et al. (2022) found that pediatric chiropractic care can improve posture, coordination, and musculoskeletal health, which plays a role in balancing hormone production and nervous system regulation. This aligns with Zone 1, which governs energy levels, emotional stability, and sleep patterns. Proper spinal alignment allows the body to regulate its hormonal and glandular systems, supporting better sleep and emotional well-being.
Zone 2: Eliminative System – Immune Support and Detoxification
A 2024 review article in Clinical Pediatrics by Misra et al. examined chiropractic care in children and found that many families seek chiropractic support for immune function, digestive health, and general wellness. This relates to Zone 2, which controls elimination, detoxification, and immune function. When the nervous system is free of interference, the body’s natural ability to fight infections and eliminate toxins improves, helping children recover faster from illness and stay healthier overall.
Zone 3: Nervous System – Cognitive Function and Focus
A study by Gomez (2023) explored the long-term effects of chiropractic care on children’s cognitive function. The study found that children who received regular adjustments showed improvements in attention span, memory, and academic performance. Chiropractic adjustments help regulate Zone 3, which is responsible for nervous system function, mental clarity, and focus. By ensuring proper spinal alignment, chiropractic care allows the brain to communicate efficiently with the rest of the body, improving concentration and cognitive development.
Zone 4: Digestive System – Nutrient Absorption and Energy Levels
The digestive system plays a key role in energy production, immune support, and overall vitality. Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can positively impact gut function by reducing nerve interference that affects digestion. This supports Zone 4, which governs digestion, nutrient absorption, and gastrointestinal health. Parents often report that their children experience better digestion, fewer stomach issues, and more stable energy levels after chiropractic care (Hernandez, 2023).
Zone 5: Muscular System – Posture, Coordination, and Movement
A systematic review by Miller et al. (2022) found that chiropractic care improves posture, movement, and musculoskeletal coordination in children. This aligns with Zone 5, which governs the muscular system, physical balance, and strength. Chiropractic care helps ensure that growing bodies are moving efficiently and developing properly, reducing the risk of injuries and postural imbalances that could affect long-term health.
Zone 6: Circulatory System – Oxygenation, Adaptability, and Overall Well-Being
A well-functioning circulatory system is essential for oxygen delivery, blood flow, and stress adaptation. Chiropractic care supports Zone 6, which optimizes circulation and enhances the body’s ability to handle physical and emotional stress. The 2024 pilot study published in Frontiers in Psychology by Amjad et al. found that children with ADHD symptoms showed neurological improvements following chiropractic adjustments, supporting the idea that better circulation and nervous system function go hand in hand with focus, mood regulation, and overall well-being.
Chiropractic as Preventative Care
Many parents assume that chiropractic care is only necessary when a child has back pain or discomfort, but research suggests that regular adjustments can help prevent issues before they start. Just as routine dental checkups maintain oral health, regular chiropractic visits keep the spine and nervous system in balance, preventing problems before they arise.
Chiropractic care helps children:
Maintain posture and musculoskeletal health
Improve focus and cognitive function
Strengthen the immune system
Enhance energy levels and adaptability
Support hormonal balance and emotional well-being
A Natural Approach to Pediatric Health
Chiropractic care is gentle, precise, and tailored to each child’s unique needs. Whether your child is experiencing specific health challenges or is simply growing and changing, chiropractic can help them develop strong, healthy habits for life.
Works Cited
- Amjad, Imran, et al. “The Effects of Chiropractic Adjustment on Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot RCT.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 15, 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1323397.
- Gomez, R. “Long-Term Effects of Chiropractic Care on Cognitive Function in Children: A Prospective Study.” Journal of Chiropractic Pediatrics, vol. 21, no. 2, 2023, pp. 75-91.
- Hernandez, M. “Parental Perspectives on the Impact of Chiropractic Care on Children’s Health: A Qualitative Analysis.” Pediatric Health Research, vol. 16, no. 1, 2023, pp. 30-45.
- Miller, A., et al. “Pediatric Chiropractic Care: A Systematic Review of Musculoskeletal Health and Overall Well-Being.” Journal of Pediatric Healthcare, vol. 24, no. 3, 2022, pp. 145-162.
- Misra, Sanghamitra M., et al. “Chiropractic Care in Children: A Review of Evidence and Safety.” Clinical Pediatrics, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1177/00099228241305202.
