From their very first breath, children begin a journey of rapid growth and development. But what if that journey is interrupted before it even begins properly?
Birth is one of the most physically intense events a human will ever go through. Whether it’s a natural delivery, a prolonged labour, or a C-section, immense pressure is placed on an infant’s delicate spine and skull. Research shows that during a typical vaginal birth, a baby’s head and neck experience up to 60 pounds (27 kg) of pressure — that’s roughly the weight of a loaded suitcase pressing on a newborn’s neck.
That’s why subluxations — a loss of normal motion or function in the spine that can interfere with nerve communication — can begin as early as the moment you were born.
What Causes Subluxations in Kids?
Subluxations in babies and children don’t often come from trauma like car accidents or falls. They come from microtraumas, such as:
- Forceful traction during delivery (especially with forceps or vacuum extraction)
- Breech positioning or prolonged labour
- Caesarean section (which skips the natural “compression” benefit of vaginal birth)
- Sudden movements, slips, or even how a baby is held, fed, or positioned in car seats
And it doesn’t stop at birth. As they grow, children tumble, bump, and twist their way through life — learning to sit, crawl, walk, climb, and play. Each of these milestones carries the risk of small but impactful disruptions to the spine and nervous system.
What Might You Notice in a Subluxated Child?
Subluxations are often silent. They don’t always show up as pain — especially in kids. Instead, they whisper through dysfunction.
Here are a few signs that may point to a child’s nervous system being under stress:
- Breastfeeding challenges (favouring one side, shallow latch, or irritability during feeds)
- Head tilt or flat spots on one side of the head (plagiocephaly or torticollis)
- Colic or digestive issues like reflux, gas, or constipation
- Recurrent ear infections or a constantly runny nose
- Sleep troubles (restless sleep, short naps, difficulty settling)
- Delays in crawling, walking, or balance
- Behavioural or emotional outbursts that seem disproportionate
- Poor posture, clumsiness, or trouble concentrating as they grow
These may not always scream “spinal issue” — but they often involve the nervous system, which is protected and regulated by the spine. If there’s interference in that system, your child’s body may not express its full potential.
Why Get Kids Checked by a Chiropractor?
As chiropractors, our role is simple but powerful: we check the spine for areas of dysfunction that may be interfering with the nervous system — and when appropriate, we deliver gentle, age-appropriate adjustments to restore motion and balance.
A chiropractic adjustment for an infant or child looks nothing like one for an adult. It’s more like a soft pressure you’d use to check the ripeness of a peach. No cracking, twisting, or force is needed.
And while symptoms may improve (better sleep, happier digestion, calmer moods), our goal is bigger than just relief — it’s function. We want to help your child’s body express its full capacity to grow, learn, adapt, and thrive.
The Local Truth in Wellington
At our Wellington chiropractic clinic, we’ve seen time and time again how checking kids early sets them up for better health in the long run. Whether it’s a baby who can finally turn their head freely, a toddler who starts sleeping through the night, or a school-aged child who can focus better in class — the results are real, and the potential is limitless.
The earlier we start, the less time dysfunction has to create long-term problems.
Give Your Child the Best Start
You baby-proof your home, buy the safest car seat, and choose the best food — now it’s time to nervous-system-proof your child’s future.
If you’ve never had your child checked by a chiropractor, now’s the time. Because health isn’t just the absence of illness — it’s the presence of vitality.
Let’s give your child every opportunity to thrive., talk about a personalised maintenance plan, and invest in the health of your spine before it limits you again.
References:
- Upledger, J.E. (1996). Craniosacral Therapy II: Beyond the Dura. Eastland Press.
– Discusses the compressive forces on a baby’s head and neck during birth and their physiological impact. - Gutmann, G. (1987). Blocked atlantal nerve syndrome in infants and small children. Manuelle Medizin, 25(1), 5–10.
– A foundational paper noting improvements in colic, sleep, and immune function following chiropractic care in infants. - Fallon, J.M. (1991). The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labour: A Comprehensive Study. Proceedings of the World Chiropractic Congress.
– Supports that babies born to mothers under chiropractic care had smoother deliveries and reduced birth trauma. - Hewitt, E.G. (2015). Chiropractic evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction in children. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 14(4), 236–243.
– Reviews the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments in children and common paediatric presentations. - Alcantara, J., Ohm, J., & Kunz, D. (2009). The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic: a survey of chiropractors and parents in a practice-based research network. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 5(5), 290–295.
– Found high levels of satisfaction and safety among paediatric chiropractic patients. - Davies, N.J. (2000). Chiropractic paediatrics: a scientific approach to common conditions. Clinical Chiropractic, 3(2), 66–72.
– Discusses paediatric subluxation patterns and how they manifest in clinical signs like head tilts and feeding difficulties. - New Zealand College of Chiropractic – www.nzchiro.co.nz
– Educational resources on the benefits of chiropractic care for children in New Zealand.
Experience Limitless Movement Chiropractic Care in Wellington
If you’re in Wellington and looking for expert chiropractic care, we’re here to help. At Limitless Chiropractic, we focus on helping you move better, feel stronger, and live without limits. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more mobile you!
Ready to begin or continue your healing journey? Let’s work together to unlock your body’s natural potential for wellness.
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or call us at (04) 891 0911