If a child’s body is under physical, chemical, or emotional stress, the spine can lose normal bone position and movement. That change can disturb nervous system function. In chiropractic care, the combination of restricted spinal function and that neurological disturbance is called a spinal subluxation.

When Should Children Have Their First Chiropractic Check-Up?

Birth is one of the most physically, chemically, and emotionally stressful events of a lifetime. Because of that, newborns are particularly susceptible to spinal subluxation. Related changes are not always obvious right away, and if they are left uncorrected they may not become apparent until later.

Dr. Orchard recommends having children checked as part of post-natal care, to support growth and development from the start. If your older children have never had a chiropractic check-up, it is still worth doing sooner rather than later. Patterns laid down early in life can persist. The sooner subluxations are found and corrected, the sooner a child can function without that interference and take better advantage of their potential.

Newborns and infants
A first check-up is often scheduled after birth, especially following a long or difficult delivery, or when a parent notices a head preference, tightness, or discomfort with positioning or feeding.

Toddlers
Falls, growth spurts, and constant motion are part of this age. A check-up looks at whether spinal movement and nervous system function are keeping up.

School-age children
Backpacks, sitting, screens, and sports add load to a growing spine. Kids this age are often seen for posture, stiffness, or neck and back discomfort.