Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Sioux Falls

A child being checked by a chiropractor

By: Adam Renelt, DC

Updated 3/7/2024

It is common for patients or potential patients to ask if our chiropractors work with children.  The answer is “Yes, we do!” Both Dr. Adam and Dr. Ashley have received training in pediatric chiropractic care and enjoy the opportunity to help children.  Our spines protect our spinal cord and nerves from before birth and also after birth occurs.  Our spines are made of moveable vertebra that are connected by tissues such as ligaments and intervertebral discs. These vertebrae can subluxate, or misalign, and prevent the body from functioning at its optimum level.  Chiropractic care focuses on removing these subluxations to help the spine function better. In this article I will dig deeper into pediatric chiropractic care.

A pediatric patient being checked by a chiropractor
Dr. Ashley Willow Checking the Spine of Pediatric Patient.

Is There a Minimum Age?

Another question people often ask is if there is a specific age a child must be before getting checked.  Chiropractic can help children (and adult patients) of all ages. Infants, toddlers and teenagers have all been seen in our office. In fact, our chiropractors have checked and adjusted the spines of patients as young as 2 days old and as old as 103 years old.  Dr. Adam and Dr. Ashley will modify their evaluation and care depending on the patient’s age and symptoms. 

What Symptoms do Pediatrics Show?

For adults and older children pain is a common complaint that drives them to seek chiropractic care.  Infants, toddlers and younger children may not be able to express that they have pain so it can sometimes be difficult for parents to tell if they need a spinal adjustment.  In these cases, a parent may notice them just not acting like themselves or they may notice specific symptoms.  Colic, difficulty turning their head, bedwetting, ear infections, constipation and acid reflux are all symptoms that have improved under chiropractic care and could be signs that a child may benefit from a chiropractic visit.  If spinal subluxations are found at the visit the child may have improvement of these symptoms following an adjustment. 

With school aged children it is common for them to complain about headaches, back pain or neck pain.  They also may develop pain in their arms or legs from being active from playing or sports. These symptoms will often improve under chiropractic care. Also, our chiropractors may give tips and recommendations for them to improve their posture when using technology or when at school, depending on their situation.

Pediatric Chiropractic Appointments

Chiropractic care for pediatrics may vary from adult chiropractic.  Your chiropractor will start with an evaluation to determine if there is a spinal subluxation.  If found, spinal adjustments, muscle massage or stretching may be used to correct the misalignment.  Also, lifestyle or dietary changes may be recommended.  If you are wondering if your child may benefit from chiropractic care, please contact our office for an appointment.  We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you, check your child’s spine and then, if indicated, start chiropractic care.

Adam Renelt, DC is the founder of Back in Balance Chiropractic. Dr. Adam grew up on a farm in South Dakota and received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota in 2004. In 2007 he graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic with his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree and started his career in private practice. He lives in Sioux Falls with his wife and son.  In his free time he enjoys reading and being outdoors, mountain biking and hiking.

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