Paediatric Chiropractic: Supporting Healthy Growth & Neurodevelopment at Every Stage
At Fika Chiropractic, we believe that a child’s health journey starts long before adulthood. From birth through to adolescence, every stage of neurodevelopment is crucial and ensuring your child’s nervous system functions at its best can make a powerful difference. That’s where paediatric chiropractic care plays a valuable role.
In this post, we’ll explore how chiropractic care can support your child’s growth, development, and wellbeing, the latest evidence around paediatric chiropractic safety and efficacy, and why more Australian families are choosing chiropractic care as part of a proactive, natural health approach for their children.
Why Bring Your Child to a Chiropractor?
Children experience rapid changes in their nervous system, spine, and musculoskeletal structure as they grow. From learning to hold up their heads, to crawling, walking, and beyond, each milestone in neurodevelopment relies on proper spinal and nervous system function.
Sometimes, birth itself (particularly assisted deliveries, caesarean sections, or long labours) can introduce subtle shifts in a newborn’s spine or cranial alignment. Over time, this can affect movement patterns, posture, sleep, or even behaviour.
Gentle paediatric chiropractic care focuses on identifying and correcting these small dysfunctions called subluxations, to support a child’s natural ability to move, learn, and grow.
Common reasons parents bring their children to a chiropractor include:
Poor sleep or restlessness
Difficulties with latching or feeding (in infants)
Head favouring or flat spots
Delayed crawling, walking, or coordination
Postural concerns (e.g. slouched sitting, toe walking)
Recurring ear infections or digestive issues
General support for immune and nervous system health
What Does the Latest Evidence Say?
We understand that evidence-based care matters—especially when it comes to your children.
Recent research from the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) and global health bodies continues to affirm the safety of paediatric chiropractic when delivered by a qualified, registered chiropractor trained in working with children.
A 2021 study published in BMJ Open reported that adverse events following paediatric spinal manipulation are rare and typically mild, such as temporary soreness, highlighting the importance of seeing a trained, experienced chiropractor.
In terms of efficacy, chiropractic care shows promise in supporting:
Musculoskeletal complaints such as back or neck discomfort, headaches, and postural tension
Functional issues like unsettled behaviour, sleep disruptions, and motor delay
Quality of life improvements for children and families, particularly when used alongside other healthcare providers
At Fika Chiropractic, we follow the latest clinical guidelines and use age-appropriate, low-force techniques tailored to your child’s size, stage, and comfort level.
Chiropractic & Neurodevelopment: What’s the Link?
The nervous system is the control centre of your child’s body. It helps them sense, move, learn, and interact with the world. Neurodevelopmental milestones, like head control, rolling, crawling, and walking, aren’t just cute moments, they’re key indicators of healthy brain and body development.
Sometimes, restrictions in movement or spinal tension can interfere with this natural progression. For instance, if a baby has trouble turning their head fully, they might develop a preference for one side leading to flat spots on the skull or delayed rolling.
Through gentle chiropractic treatment, the aim is to restore proper motion, balance, and input to the nervous system, helping your child hit their milestones with ease and confidence.
What to Expect at Fika Chiropractic
Dr Joey takes a gentle, personalised approach to working with kids of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. Your child’s first visit will include:
A thorough history, including birth and developmental milestones
Gentle movement and posture assessment
Age-appropriate care plan (if required)
Open communication with parents every step of the way
I will take the time to explain everything and ensure your child feels safe, relaxed, and involved.
Book online or call today to learn how chiropractic care can support your child’s growth and wellbeing.