According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, chiropractic care for children is a safe and effective foundation for the health and wellness of your family. Chiropractic care has been shown to promote better sleep, better behavior, and improved immune system function in children. 

Chiropractic is not a treatment for disease or conditions but is a way to allow the body to express greater health potential. Many common pediatric conditions have been reported to respond well to chiropractic including asthma, feeding difficulties, colic, acid reflux, torticollis, and bed wetting. Other conditions such as autism, ADD/ADHD, mental/behavioral disorders, headaches, scoliosis, and back pain have also responded favorably to chiropractic care. 

Chiropractic care for children is much like care for adults; however, adjustments are modified for smaller skeletal structures. Vertebral subluxations (spinal misalignment) are what chiropractors locate and treat because they interefere with normal spinal and nerve function. Subluxations in children can occur from the birth process and throughout childhood years when accidents and injuries are common. 

The following are some case studies taken from the chiropractic literature with particular emphasis on corrective care in the pediatric population. Quotations provided describe the results reported in the case study.

• Herman CA. Resolution of low back pain in an 8-year-old following Blair upper cervical chiropractic care: A case report. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2016 Summer;2016(3):Online access only p 24-30.

"The patient received 5-months of chiropractic care. An upper cervical technique was used to correct the vertebral subluxation. The patient reported resolution of her middle and low back complaint."

• Alcantara Joel, Simmons-Stone D. Resolution of a chronic cervicogenic headache and cervicalgia in a child following chiropractic care [case report]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2016 Winter;2016(1):Online acces only p 1-4.

"Following 4 visits, the patient's neck pain and headaches resolved."

• Flory T, Chung J, Ozner J. Resolution of facial neuralgia following reduction of atlas subluxation complex: A case study [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2015 Winter;2015(1):Online access only p 6-13.

"A ten-year-old male presented with a previous diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) from a pediatric neurologist. The patient's mother took him to a chiropractor as a last resort. His history shows that he suffered for nearly 4 months with intense bouts of headaches, earaches, neck pain and extreme facial pain. He was prescribed medications by a neurologist with no overall relief. He was further diagnosed by the chiropractor with glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN)."

"After 7 months the patient reported complete resolution of his main complaint, as well as significant reduction in the associated symptoms. Follow up appointments done 1.5 years after the initial exam show that the patient was still symptom free."

• Hubbard MA. Pediatric cholelithiasis and breastfeeding difficulties: A chiropractic case report [case report]. J Clin Chiropr Pediatr. 2014 Mar;14(2):1144-1150.

"After one month of weekly chiropractic care, the child displayed complete resolution of the breastfeeding difficulties."

• Noriega A, Chung J, Brown J. Improvement in a 6 year-old child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and nocturnal enuresis under upper cervical chiropractic care [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012 Winter;2012(1):1-8.

"There was an overall reduction in the patient's pattern of atlas subluxation, in addition to successful resolution of nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) and marked improvement in both his social interactions and learning difficulties at school."

• Saffron B, Murdock B. Resolution of vision loss in a teenage girl following upper cervical chiropractic care: A case study & review of the literature [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2017 Summer;2017(3):Online access only p 40-44.

"After two upper cervical adjustments utilizing Toggle Recoil Technique, the patient experienced full resolution of the visual loss in her left eye. After 11 weeks her eyesight was still intact. Her migraines and seizures reduced in frequency and severity."

• Scroggin K. Improvement in posture, balance & gait in a child with autism spectrum disorder following Grostic upper cervical chiropractic care: A case report. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2017 Summer;2017(3):Online access only p 45-48.

"The patient underwent eight weeks of care utilizing Grostic upper cervical protocol. His frequency was once per week and was adjusted each visit. He was checked each visit using the Tytron scanner and the supine leg length analysis. He received no other treatment or lifestyle modifications during this time period and after each adjustment, his indicators for subluxation were no longer present. At his 8-week reassessment his abnormal and asymmetrical posture was almost completely symmetrical and his balance had improved. His upper thoracic pain resolved within four weeks."

• Drury R, O'Keefe C. Resolution of symptoms from Arnold-Chiari Malformation in a 6-year-old male following reduction of vertebral subluxation with Knee-Chest upper cervical care: Case report & selective review of the literature [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2017 Spring;2017(2):Online access only p 12-21.

"Specific Knee-Chest upper cervical chiropractic care provided positive outcomes to the pediatric patient with ACM. After the first adjustment, the patient reported that his headache symptoms had been eliminated. The upper cervical subluxation finding of pattern and thermal asymmetry was resolved; this was shown via post-paraspinal thermography scan. Post- spinal radiographs after forty-three days of care also indicated a measured reduction in the malposition of the C1 vertebra."

• Stenberg J, Hilpisch J. Female infertility and upper cervical chiropractic care: A case series [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2016 Summer;2016(3):Online access only p 31-43.

"Two female patients, ages 28 and 37, presented with a history of infertility and evidence of upper cervical subluxation. Both patients reported a significant history of motor vehicle accidents with cervical trauma, and were experiencing symptoms related to neuroendocrine dysfunction at the time of the initial examination."

"The patients both initiated upper cervical chiropractic care and received high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments according to the Blair Upper Cervical technique protocol. Both patients were able to conceive and deliver with no additional support while under care. Patient number one experienced a resolution of menstrual cycle irregularity and subsequent pregnancy while under chiropractic care, and patient number two was able to conceive without the use of assisted reproductive treatments for the first time. Additional improvements in quality of life were noted for both patients as well."

• Herman CA, Amilcar C. Chiropractic management of an infant with Paroxysmal Tonic Upgaze Syndrome, congenital torticollis & upper cervical subluxation following birth trauma: A case report. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2015 Spring;2015(2):Online access only p 19-23.

"The patient was seen for four months for a total of nine visits. After the first chiropractic correction parents noted that his sleep improved. Care continued weekly for one month and parents reported improvement in PTU and torticollis."

• Cook JR. A case report of improved behavior and a reduction in violent outbreaks in a 10-year-old boy with chiropractic care [case report]. J Clin Chiropr Pediatr. 2014 Nov;14(3):Online access only p 1172-1175.

"A reduction in a MYMOP score of 6/6 to 1.6/6 for behavior and violent outbreaks after 8 chiropractic adjustments. Further improvements were noticed with sleep and anxiety, as well as a dramatically improved awareness of feeling full after eating."

• Manis AJ, Reubinstein MM. Resolution of motor tics, ADHD and discontinuation of medications in a 10 year old male twin following upper cervical chiropractic care: A case study [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res: Fall 2014(2014:4): Online access only p 68-71.

"A 10-year-old boy presents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder along with involuntary motor tics. Patient is a twin born vaginally with the assistance of vacuum extraction. History revealed prior diagnoses of macrocephaly and underdevelopment of C2 at 4 months of age. The child was administered slow release stimulant medication for management of ADHD symptoms by a medical doctor since 8 years of age. After the first adjustment, patient showed improvements in behavior and focus. Patient was able to cease use of medication after 2 months. Reduction in ADHD symptoms along with complete resolution of motor tics were also noted over the duration of care. Cervical curve as seen on x-ray improved 10 months from the start of care."

• Rectenwald R. Resolution of severe chronic asthma in an infant following upper cervical chiropractic care to reduce subluxation [case report]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2014 Spring;2014(2):Online access only p 27-29.

"This patient began experiencing symptoms at age 9 months. By age 18 months he had been treated 4 times at the hospital emergency room for episodes of acute respiratory distress. He suffered from constant wheezing and cough and was not responding well to pharmacological interventions. Adjustments of the cervical spine utilizing the Orthospinology technique with KH-4 electric instrument were performed on 6 visits over a 7 month period. After 9 weeks, no further episodes of breathing difficulty were reported and measures of vertebral subluxation had reduced."

• Hubbard TA, Crisp CA. Cessation of cyclic vomiting in a 7-year-old girl after upper cervical chiropractic care: A case report [case report]. J Chiropr Med. 2010 Dec;9(4):179-183.

"A 7-year-old girl had a history of cyclic vomiting episodes for the past 4 1/2 years. She also had a 2-month history of headaches and stomachache. The patient received low-force chiropractic spinal manipulation to her upper cervical spine. There was improvement in her symptoms within an hour after the chiropractic manipulation. Her symptoms only returned after direct trauma to her neck. The recurring symptoms again disappeared immediately after treatment."

• Elster E. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a nine-year-old male with Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, asthma, insomnia, and headaches: a case report. J Vert Sublux Res. 2003 ;JUL(12):Online access only, 5 p.

"This nine-year-old boy suffered from asthma and upper respiratory infections since infancy; headaches since age 6; TS, ADHD, depression and insomnia since age 7; and neck pain since age 8. His mother reported the use of forceps during his delivery. His medications included Albuterol, Depakote, Wellbutrin, and Adderall. During the patient's initial examination, evidence of a subluxation stemming from the upper cervical spine was found through thermographic and radiographic diagnostics. Chiropractic care using an upper cervical technique was administered to correct and stabilize the patient's upper neck injury. Diagnostics and care were performed in accordance with the guidelines of the International Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. Evaluation of the patient's condition occurred through doctor's observation, patient's and parents' subjective description of symptoms, and thermographic scans. After six weeks of care, all six conditions were no longer present and all medications were discontinued with the exception of a half-dose of Wellbutrin. At the conclusion of his case at five months, all symptoms remained absent."

• Millman L, Forest T, Hubbard T. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a 10-year-old patient with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012 Fall;2012(4):85-91.

"Although still an ongoing case, the following report is a detailed 10-month record of this 10-year-old boy's response to his upper cervical technique, including a decrease in symptoms associated with CRPS Type 1, noting them as less frequent, of less duration and decreased severity."

• Kessinger R, Matthews A. Resolution of trigeminal neuralgia in a 14 year old following upper cervical chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: A case study [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012 Summer;2012(3):77-84.

"14-year old female presented with excruciating, intermittent left facial pain below the eye radiating into the jaw. Patient reported previous diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia."

"Cervical radiographs, paraspinal digital infrared imaging, and pelvic balance leg length inequality were used to confirm upper cervical subluxation. A Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific adjustment was administered to the C1 region of the spine. Patient's progress was monitored through pattern analysis of the subluxations, pelvic balance, leg length inequality, and observational reports from the mother and child. The patient demonstrated a complete remission of symptoms after one adjustment. One year later, the patient remains asymptomatic."

• Dickholtz M, White E. Improvement in quality of life, sleep & attention in a patient with attention deficit disorder undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: A case report [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012 Summer;2012(3):71-76.

"A 19-year-old male presented for chiropractic care with complaints of Attention Deficit Disorder and chronic dorsal and lumbar pain."

"National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) technique was utilized to evaluate the appropriateness of chiropractic care. Several objective clinical findings were noted. The atlas misalignment was corrected with an upper cervical adjustment and immediate improvement was observed. Visual evoked responses revealed normalization of a previously abnormal steady-state visual evoked response. Outcome assessment tools showed significant improvements in overall health."

• Wolfertz MT, Dahlberg VL. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a sixteen-year-old male with bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and vertebral subluxation [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012 Spring;2012(2):55-62.

"A sixteen-year-old boy suffered with symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder since six months of age. His mother reported that he was born with the umbilical cord around his neck and forceps were used to assist delivery. The child experienced frequent accidents and medications included antipsychotics, as well as slow release stimulants for ADHD and depression."

"Upon examination, a subluxation was found in the upper cervical region of the spine using thermography and radiographic analysis. Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific protocol was used to correct the cervical subluxation. The patient's condition was evaluated by the doctor's observation, his mother's subjective descriptions of the symptoms, and thermographic scans. After seven weeks of care the patient's symptoms were eliminated or greatly diminished. He no longer required any medications."

• Stewart A. Paediatric chiropractic and infant breastfeeding difficulties: A pilot case series study involving 19 cases. Chiropr J Aust. 2012 Sep;42(3):98-107.

"Improvements in breastfeeding behaviour were found in every infant in this study. The most significant outcomes occurred with improved attachment to the breast (100%), reduced extension/arching (94%) and side shaking (88%) once attached, reduced overall stress of feeding (84%),reduced pain when feeding (77%), and side preference (64%). The most common subluxation patterns involved the upper cervical and shoulder joint complexes. A larger study and some minor design changes would allow better correlation between subluxation patterns and specific dysfunctional breastfeeding behaviour. Given the possible benefits to community health, studies in this area should be given research priority."

• Chung J, Salminen B. Reduction in scoliosis in a 10 year-old female undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care: a case report [case report]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2011 Winter;2011(1):Online access only p 23-30.

"Six upper cervical adjustments were delivered over a period of 11 visits and 25 weeks. A 10 degree reduction in scoliotic curve was found and confirmed by an independent medical radiologist."

• Khauv KB, Dickholtz M. Improvement in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in a patient undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care: A case report [case report]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2010 Fall;2010(4):Online access only p 136-142.

"The patient is a fifteen year old female with a history of scoliosis, vertigo, lumbar pain, and lack of vitality. Objective indicators of vertebral subluxation were identified through palpation, National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) protocol, and radiographs. She had scoliosis with a Cobb angle of 44 degrees."

"NUCCA chiropractic adjusting directed at reducing vertebral subluxations in the upper cervical region was performed. Post upper cervical X-rays revealed a reduction of the Atlas subluxation. After 5 months of care, the Cobb angle was reduced to 32-degrees."

• Elster E. Sixteen infants with acid reflux and colic undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care to correct vertebral subluxation: A retrospective analysis of outcome [case report]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2009 Spring;2009(2):Online access 7 p.

"Two diagnostic tests, paraspinal digital infrared imaging and laser-aligned cervical radiography, were performed according to IUCCA protocol. These tests objectively identify trauma-induced upper cervical subluxations (misalignments of the upper cervical spine from the neural canal) and resulting neuropathophysiology. Upper cervical subluxations were found in all 16 infants and all 16 cases were resolved with IUCCA upper cervical care."

• Sweat RW, Khorshid KA, Zemba DA, Zemba BN. Clinical efficacy of upper cervical versus full spine chiropractic care on children with autism: a randomized clinical trial [randomized controlled trial]. J Vert Sublux Res. 2006 ;MAR(9):Online access only 7 p.

"The clinical improvement of the autistic children showed in the parent's observations through decrease of ATEC scores. This improvement of ATEC scores was seen in the cases of six of the seven children under upper cervical adjustment and in five of the seven children under full spine adjustment. The total ATEC average improvement in the upper cervical group was 32%, while only 8.3% in the full spine group. Two autistic children under the upper cervical adjustment protocol no longer met the criteria to be considered autistic following the interventions."

Our emphasis is not on the fact that corrective chiropractic care is a treatment for any given condition. Corrective chiropractic restores spinal integrity and removes stress from nerves. In response, the body works better and this means that all people (especially children) can live a happier, healthier life under corrective care and proper maintenance. In this way many health problems are helped and many also avoided.