From the moment a baby is born, their body is growing, adapting, and learning at an incredible rate and the nervous system is at the heart of it all.

As parents, we want our children to thrive. That starts with understanding how their nervous system develops and how chiropractic care can help ensure it functions at its best.

At Midlothian Chiropractic we’re passionate about supporting healthy development from infancy through adolescence using safe, gentle, and natural chiropractic techniques.

What Is the Nervous System, and Why Is It So Important?

The nervous system is the body’s master control center. It includes:

• The brain
• The spinal cord
• A vast network of nerves that connect the brain to every part of the body

This system controls movement, sensation, digestion, breathing, immune function, learning, and development, even while your child sleeps!

During the early years of life, the nervous system is rapidly developing, creating new brain connections and organizing the body’s ability to move, respond to the environment, and regulate itself.

Fact: Over 90% of the brain’s growth happens before age 5. This is a crucial time for ensuring proper nervous system function.

How Does the Nervous System Develop in Children?

From birth through adolescence, the nervous system undergoes several key developmental stages:

Infancy (0–2 years)

• Rapid brain growth and sensory development
• Milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking
• Spine and posture begin to form
• Reflexes integrate into more controlled movement

Early Childhood (2–6 years)

• Refinement of motor skills (running, jumping, coordination)
• Language development
• Emotional regulation begins
• Growing independence and cognitive leaps

Later Childhood & Adolescence (7–18 years)

• Brain continues to mature (especially in decision-making and emotional control) • Hormonal changes and growth spurts
• Musculoskeletal system strengthens, but can be affected by posture, screen time, and heavy backpacks

What Can Interfere with a Child’s Nervous System?

The nervous system is highly adaptive, but also sensitive to physical, chemical, and emotional stress — even in children.

Common stressors that can affect nervous system function in kids:

• Birth trauma (long labour, C-section, forceps/vacuum delivery)
• Falls or bumps during crawling/walking
• Poor posture or prolonged screen time
• Sports injuries
• Chronic ear infections or colic
• Emotional stress or sleep disturbances

These stressors can sometimes lead to spinal misalignments that may irritate nearby nerves, affect development, or disrupt communication between the brain and body.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Children

Pediatric chiropractic care is safe, gentle, and specifically designed for growing bodies. Chiropractors use light pressure, no more than you’d use to test a ripe tomato, to assess and adjust a child’s spine.

Here’s how chiropractic supports a healthy nervous system in children:

Promotes Proper Nervous System Communication

Spinal adjustments remove interference from the nerves, helping the brain and body communicate clearly.

Supports Milestone Development

When the spine and nervous system are functioning optimally, children are better able to meet developmental milestones like crawling, walking, and talking.

Helps With Common Pediatric Issues

Research and clinical experience show chiropractic may help with:

• Colic and reflux
• Sleep disturbances
• Breastfeeding/latching difficulties
• Ear infections
• Behavioral or attention issues
• Poor posture and coordination

Encourages Lifelong Health

Regular checkups help ensure the spine and nervous system stay balanced as kids grow— just like dental checkups help keep teeth healthy.

“Chiropractic care may contribute positively to childhood development by ensuring proper spinal alignment and nervous system balance.”
– International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)

Is Chiropractic Safe for Children?

Yes! Chiropractic care for kids is extremely safe when performed by a chiropractor trained in pediatric techniques. At <b?Midlothian Chiropractic, we take time to assess each child’s needs and use age-appropriate, gentle adjustments to support their growing bodies.

We also work closely with parents to support healthy habits at home, from posture and sleep to movement and screen time.

When Should a Child See a Chiropractor?

Some parents bring their child in soon after birth, especially if the delivery was difficult or if the baby shows signs of discomfort. Others begin care when issues like colic, ear infections, or developmental delays appear.

We commonly see children for:

• Wellness checkups in infancy and early childhood
• Help with growing pains or sports injuries
• Postural support during school years
• Managing stress and screen-related strain in teens

Give Your Child a Strong Start

At Midlothian Chiropractic we believe that every child deserves the best start in life. A healthy spine and nervous system can set the foundation for better learning, movement, behavior, and growth.

Let’s support your child’s development – naturally, gently, and holistically.

References

1. Alcantara, J., Ohm, J., & Kunz, D. (2010). The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic: A survey of chiropractors and parents. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 6(5), 290–295.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2010.06.002

2. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). Early brain and child development.
https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/early-brain-and-child-development/

3. Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2012). The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 22(5), 768–776.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2012.02.012

4. International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). (2022). Chiropractic for Children.
https://icpa4kids.com/