Your Guide to Finding the Right Pediatric Chiropractor

Has your child seen a chiropractor, but the results fell short of your expectations? You're not alone. Many parents leave feeling disappointed—whether it's due to a lack of confidence or clarity from their chiropractor, weak or inconsistent care plan recommendations, or confusion over a long list of additional therapies added to the mix.

If that sounds familiar, keep reading to learn the key differences between standard chiropractic care, integrated or functional therapies, and truly specialized Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care.

The Truth About Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Not all chiropractors are equipped to help children—especially those with complex neurological challenges like sensory processing issues, ADHD, or chronic health concerns.

Let me share a story about a young patient named Henry. He came to our practice after trying traditional chiropractic care without success. Henry struggled with intense sensory processing challenges—running full speed into walls for sensory input, having extreme reactions to clothing textures, and struggling with impulse control.

His previous chiropractor provided care, but without a neurological focus and proper frequency, Henry's underlying issues weren't being addressed. After just one month of specialized, neurologically-focused care, his mother noticed profound changes they hadn't seen before. His sensory-seeking behaviors became less intense and more manageable, and his overall regulation improved dramatically.

So what makes the difference? There are core components that determine whether your child is getting the right care. They may seem simple, but they make all the difference.

The 5 Critical Elements That Make Pediatric Chiropractic Care Effective

1. Advanced Education and Training

Most chiropractors have advanced training in spinal care, back pain, neck pain, etc. But taking care of kids requires specialized pediatric training that goes far beyond basic chiropractic education.

Today's children face what we call "The Perfect Storm"—unfortunately high levels of stress and toxicity building up early in their lives, contributing to the fact that over 50% of kids today are chronically ill or struggling with complex health conditions.

Advanced pediatric training includes a deep understanding of:

• Developmental milestones

• Nervous system function

• Brain development

• The gut-brain connection

• Neuroinflammation

• And much more

When your child's care provider has this specialized training, they're better equipped to address the root causes of your child's challenges rather than just treating symptoms.

2. Experience with Pediatric Cases

While many chiropractic practices may have "Family" in their name and see a few kids here and there, you're really looking for someone who is FULLY focused on Pediatric and Family Care and has extensive experience with complex cases.

An experienced pediatric chiropractor should have a track record of successfully working with children who have:

• Sensory processing challenges

• ADHD

• Autism

• Chronic conditions like ear infections or constipation

• And even more complex conditions like seizures or special needs

You're also looking for an office that is fully focused on kids in terms of the environment, layout, and approach—a place where your child feels comfortable and welcomed.

3. Advanced Technology and Neurological Testing

In 2025, it's essential that your child's chiropractor uses advanced technology like INSiGHT Scans to properly assess nervous system function.

These non-invasive scans take just 15-20 minutes yet provide more information on the real root cause of your child's condition than many other forms of testing. They allow practitioners to find nervous system dysfunction, dysregulation, and subluxation with precision.

Most importantly, these scans should be performed throughout care to track progress and ensure that real neurological change, healing, and restoration is happening.

4. Multiple Adjusting Techniques

Each child's case is unique and requires a personalized approach. Unfortunately, most chiropractors only practice one singular technique, which often limits their results in complex cases.

Different adjusting techniques address various aspects of nervous system dysfunction. A one-size-fits-all approach simply won't address complex pediatric needs.

The right pediatric chiropractor should be well-versed in multiple techniques and able to adapt their approach to your child's specific needs and comfort level.

5. Appropriate Care Planning

Today's children often need more intensive care plans than previous generations due to the increased neurological challenges they face.

A proper pediatric care plan should include:

• Frequency and duration based on neurological assessment, not just a standard "one-size-fits-all" approach

• Adaptability as your child progresses

• Regular reassessment to ensure optimal results

• Clear communication with parents about expectations and progress

Finding the Right Care for Your Child

If you're feeling frustrated with your child's current chiropractic care, or if you're just starting to explore options for your child's health, now is the time to make a change.

The right care can make all the difference—just ask Henry's mom, who saw transformation in her son after finding the right provider.

Your child deserves care that's specifically designed for their unique needs. With the right chiropractic care, you can give them the support they need to reach their full potential.

Remember, it's not that chiropractic doesn't work for children—it's that not all chiropractors are equally prepared to work with children, especially those with complex neurological challenges.

Taking the Next Step

If you're ready to explore this type of Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care for your child, reach out to Live Well Family Chiropractic today! We specialize in this specialized form of Neurologically-Focused Care and are here to make both you and your child feel comfortable, heard, and hopeful.  If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Docs office near you. 

Your child's health journey deserves the best possible support. With the right care, we can help your child thrive—neurologically, physically, and emotionally.

Hidden Birth Trauma May Cause Your Child's Picky Eating

Are you exhausted from the daily mealtime battles with your picky eater? If you've tried hiding vegetables in smoothies, created elaborate reward charts, or found yourself negotiating "just one more bite" at every meal, you're not alone. As a parent, these struggles can leave you feeling frustrated, worried, and sometimes even like you're failing.

But what if I told you that your child's picky eating likely isn't really about the food at all?

Beyond Behavior: Understanding What's Really Happening

Studies show that up to 22% of children are classified as picky eaters, with 40% remaining picky for two years or longer. While most healthcare providers suggest waiting it out or trying various behavioral approaches, they're often missing a crucial piece of the puzzle: the nervous system connection.

The truth is, picky eating frequently has less to do with stubbornness or behavior and more to do with an overwhelmed nervous system.

Let me share a story that might sound familiar. Leo's family faced significant challenges with his eating habits — there were many days when he wouldn't eat at all. His mom felt completely helpless, especially when their pediatrician kept saying he would "grow out of it." They tried speech and eating therapy but saw little progress.

Everything changed when they discovered that Leo's nervous system was overwhelmed. Once they addressed this root cause, Leo's sensory skills improved dramatically, his meltdowns decreased, and he began eating regularly. He transformed from a struggling picky eater to a thriving, happy toddler.

The Nervous System Connection

To understand what leads to picky eating, we need to look deeper at what's happening neurologically:

Sympathetic Dominance: When Your Child's Body is in "Fight or Flight"

Your child's picky eating likely stems from a neurological state called "sympathetic dominance" — where their nervous system is stuck in a constant "fight or flight" mode. This creates several challenges:

• Sensory overload makes normal food textures, smells, and tastes feel overwhelming or even threatening

• A stressed nervous system actually programs the brain to crave simple carbs and sugars that can be quickly converted to energy

• What seems like a normal mealtime to you feels like a battlefield to your child's body and brain

The Three Root Causes of Picky Eating

1. Sensory Processing Challenges

When there's stress or subluxation in the upper neck and brainstem regions, it creates nervous system imbalance. This leads to heightened sensitivity to food textures, temperatures, and tastes.

What might seem like a normal food texture to you can feel extremely uncomfortable or even painful to your child. That soggy cereal or slightly lumpy yogurt isn't just unappealing — it might trigger a genuine sensory aversion.

2. Vagus Nerve Dysfunction

The vagus nerve is crucial as it controls digestion, appetite regulation, and the gut-brain connection. When this nerve isn't functioning optimally, it disrupts natural eating patterns.

This can cause digestive discomfort, making children associate eating with unpleasant experiences. No wonder they become hesitant at mealtimes!

3. Oral-Motor Coordination Issues

Proper neural connections affecting the cranial and cervical areas impact chewing and swallowing abilities. When these aren't working efficiently, children often prefer soft, simple-to-eat foods.

The struggle with certain textures isn't stubbornness — it's a physical challenge requiring proper neurological support. When your child says they "can't" eat something, they might be telling the literal truth.

Why Traditional Approaches Often Fall Short

Now it becomes clear why hiding vegetables, using reward charts, or creating mealtime rules often don't create lasting change. These approaches focus on behavior modification without addressing the underlying neurological causes.

It's like trying to teach someone to swim while they're actively drowning — they can't learn new skills until they feel safe.

A Different Approach: Supporting Your Child's Nervous System

Understanding these neurological connections is the first step toward real, lasting change!

Remember Leo's story? His transformation didn't happen overnight, but addressing the root cause — nervous system dysfunction — made all the difference. His mom went from feeling helpless to empowered, and mealtimes transformed from battlegrounds to bonding time.

At Live Well Family Chiropractic we use advanced INSiGHT scanning technology to identify specific areas of nervous system subluxation that might be contributing to your child’s picky eating. Our gentle precise adjustments help restore nervous system function, allowing your child’s natural eating instincts to emerge.  Don’t wait to give us a call today and schedule a consultation for your child. If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you.

Don't let another meal end in tears and frustration. With the right support and understanding, your child can develop a healthier relationship with food, and your family can enjoy peaceful mealtimes together.

What To Do When You’ve Tried It All and Nothing Works

As a parent, watching your child struggle with chronic health issues can feel like being trapped in an endless maze. You've tried everything - special diets, medications, supplements, various therapies - yet the breakthrough you're desperately seeking remains elusive. If this resonates with you, you're not alone, and more importantly, there's hope.

When "Trying Everything" Still Isn't Enough

Let me share a story that might sound familiar. Hannah was just 11 years old when her family found themselves at their wit's end. Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, she battled daily with nausea, headaches, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Her family had explored countless options: special diets, supplements, medications - even chemotherapy. Nothing provided lasting relief, and Hannah had reached such a low point that she felt empty and didn't want to live anymore.

This scenario plays out all too often for families dealing with various conditions, from Autism and ADHD to Epilepsy, PANS/PANDAS, allergies, and asthma. Parents exhaust both traditional medical routes and alternative therapies, yet their children continue to struggle.

The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

What if I told you there's a crucial piece of the healing puzzle that most healthcare practitioners - both traditional and alternative - often overlook entirely? 

It's not about finding the next treatment or therapy; it's about understanding the proper sequence of healing.

The Foundation: Your Child's Nervous System

Think of your child's body like a house. The nervous system is the foundation, developed first in the womb and controlling every other bodily function:

• Gut health and immune function

• Sensory processing and speech

• Motor development

• Emotional and behavioral regulation

• Focus and cognition

When this foundation is compromised, it's like building a beautiful house on unstable ground. You can invest in the finest furniture, most advanced security systems, and gorgeous decorations, but if the foundation is cracked, nothing will function as intended.

Understanding the "Perfect Storm"

Three key factors often contribute to nervous system dysfunction:

1. Pregnancy Stress Impact: High levels of stress during pregnancy can affect the developing nervous system

2. Birth Interventions: C-sections, forceps, vacuum extraction, and other interventions can create physical trauma to the brainstem and vagus nerve

3. Early Environmental Factors: Early exposure to antibiotics and environmental toxins can trigger inflammation and compromise the system further

   
   

Why Traditional Approaches May Fall Short

When we try to address "brain-based" issues without first stabilizing the nervous system, it's like trying to repair a roof while the foundation is still shifting. This explains why many children show minimal improvement despite trying numerous interventions - we're working in the wrong order.

The body follows a specific developmental sequence:

1. Nervous system

2. Motor system

3. Gut and immune health

4. Brain function

   
   

A New Path Forward: Neurologically-Focused Care

This is where Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care comes in. Unlike traditional medical treatments that might only address symptoms, this approach:

• Identifies and addresses subluxation, or nervous system dysfunction, that standard medical tests might miss

• Uses specialized neurological scans to pinpoint areas of concern

• Provides gentle adjustments to help restore proper nervous system function

• Creates an environment where other therapies can work more effective

  
  

Hannah's Breakthrough

Remember Hannah? Everything changed when she discovered Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. After her very first adjustment, she experienced immediate relief - sleeping through the night, feeling less nauseous, and regaining her appetite. Today, she's not just surviving; she's thriving, and has even begun her journey to become a pediatric chiropractor herself to help other children find relief before reaching their breaking point.

Taking the First Step

If you're feeling exhausted from trying everything without success, have faith that Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care might just be the missing foundational piece in your child’s healing journey.

At Live Well Family Chiropractic, the journey starts with understanding your child's unique needs through specialized neurological assessments. These INSiGHT Scans can reveal if nervous system dysregulation might be holding your child back from complete healing, and if so, we can create a personalized path forward.

Your Next Steps

1. Get Assessed: Schedule a consultation and INSiGHT Scans to identify areas of subluxation and understand your child's specific needs

2. Start with the Foundation: Address any nervous system dysfunction with gentle adjustments before adding other interventions

3. Build Systematically: Work with your healthcare provider to develop a sequential healing plan

4. Stay Hopeful: Remember that healing is possible when we address the root cause

   
   

Please don't give up hope, and don’t wait to reach out to us! If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find a local PX Docs office near you. 

So often, the breakthrough you're looking for starts with going back to the foundation and building from there. Your child's healing journey might not be a straight line, but with the right approach and proper sequence, lasting improvement is absolutely possible.