There is no set minimum age for chiropractic care, but the younger the child, the more important it is to start with your child’s pediatrician. For babies, good research does not show that chiropractic care helps colic, reflux, ear infections, sleep or feeding problems. For older children and teens, the more reasonable uses are musculoskeletal problems such as neck or back pain after a sports injury, a fall or a car accident, and even then care should be gentle, age-appropriate and coordinated with the child’s doctor. At the other end of life, there’s no upper age limit either, but some health conditions change which techniques are safe.
Key Facts
- Pediatric specialists advise talking with your child’s pediatrician before starting chiropractic care, and using it, if at all, in addition to medical care rather than instead of it.
- The Canadian Paediatric Society has called for chiropractic care in children to be limited to musculoskeletal conditions where there is evidence it works.
- A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 86 infants with colic found chiropractic manipulation was no more effective than placebo (Olafsdottir et al., Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2001).
- East Coast Injury Clinic does not use needle EMG or nerve conduction testing to assess children.
- Severe osteoporosis at the treated area is a reason to avoid spinal manipulation there, which matters most for older adults.
Is There a Minimum Age for Chiropractic Care?
No specific age is required, and parents will find clinics that say they see “all ages, from newborns to seniors.” The better question is whether there is a good reason for care at your child’s age, and whether the evidence supports it. For young children especially, a medical evaluation comes first, because pain or unusual behavior in a child can have causes that need a doctor.
Because children can’t consent to their own care, a parent or guardian should be part of every decision and present at visits.
What to Know at Each Age
Babies (Under 1 Year)
Good research does not show that chiropractic care helps infant colic, reflux, ear infections, sleep or feeding problems, and East Coast Injury Clinic does not offer or promote chiropractic treatment of infants for those problems. If your baby is fussy, has trouble feeding or always turns the head to one side, talk to your pediatrician first. For what current research does and does not show, see our guide to infant chiropractic care.
Toddlers and Young Children (1 to 5 Years)
Bumps and tumbles are part of learning to walk and climb, and many don’t need any treatment. A young child who limps, won’t use an arm or leg, has pain that lasts, or seems unwell after a fall should see their pediatrician, who can check for fractures, infection and other medical causes. Chiropractic care is not a substitute for that evaluation.
School-Age Children (6 to 12 Years)
Back or neck pain in a school-age child is worth having checked by the pediatrician, especially if it wakes the child at night, comes with fever or weight loss, or doesn’t settle. For minor sprains and strains from sports or play, gentle, age-appropriate musculoskeletal care may be one option once medical causes have been ruled out. Scoliosis screening and monitoring should go through your pediatrician and, when needed, a pediatric orthopedic specialist.
Teenagers (13 to 17 Years)
Teens often have the same kinds of injuries adults do: sports sprains and strains, overuse pain, posture-related neck and back pain from long hours of sitting, and injuries from car accidents. For these musculoskeletal problems, chiropractic care and physical therapy may help as part of a plan that includes the teen’s doctor. A teen with a head injury should be evaluated by a doctor for concussion before returning to sports. Learn more about sports chiropractic care.
Adults and Older Adults
There is no upper age limit for chiropractic care. As we age, conditions such as osteoporosis, blood-thinning medication, spinal surgery or joint replacement, and some heart and blood vessel conditions can change what’s safe. A careful history and exam, and a lower-force technique when needed, let care be adapted. Your chiropractor may also recommend checking with your physician first. See conditions that may need medical clearance or a modified approach.
How Chiropractic Care Is Different for Children
- Much less force. Techniques for children use gentle pressure and positioning rather than the quick adjustments used for adults.
- A different exam. For children, assessment relies on an age-appropriate physical and neurological exam. We do not use needle EMG or nerve conduction testing for children. If further testing or imaging is needed, your chiropractor will refer you to your child’s pediatrician.
- Shorter, simpler plans. Minor strains in children often settle on their own or with a short course of care. A plan with many visits, or ongoing visits for a child who has no symptoms, is a reason to ask questions.
- A parent in the room and a clear explanation of what is being done and why.
When Your Child Should See a Doctor Instead
Take your child to their pediatrician, the emergency department or call 911 if they have:
- Back or neck pain with fever, weight loss or night pain that wakes them
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg, or trouble walking
- Trouble controlling the bladder or bowels
- A head injury followed by vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness or a headache that gets worse
- Pain after a car accident or a significant fall
- A limp, or refusal to use an arm or leg
If Your Child Was in a Car Accident
Have your child checked by their pediatrician or the emergency department first, even if they seem fine, since children may not describe their symptoms clearly. In Florida, PIP pays medical benefits only if initial care is received within 14 days of the crash, and an emergency room or urgent care visit counts. If a teen or older child has ongoing neck or back pain after a crash, call our front desk to ask whether our team is the right fit for their age and injury. See our car accident injury care.
Questions to Ask Any Provider Who Treats Children
- What do you think is causing my child’s pain, and what’s the evidence your treatment helps it?
- What technique will you use, and how much force?
- Will you share your findings with my child’s pediatrician?
- How many visits do you expect, and how will we know if it’s working?
- What signs mean we should see the pediatrician or go to the ER instead?
Be cautious with anyone who recommends ongoing “maintenance” visits for a healthy child, advises against vaccines or medical care, or promises to improve development, immunity or school performance.
Where East Coast Injury Clinic Fits
East Coast Injury Clinic is an injury clinic. Our chiropractors, chiropractic neurologists, physical therapists and medical providers focus on people hurt in car accidents, at work and in other injuries. We adapt care for each patient’s age and health. For children, we start by encouraging a visit with the pediatrician, and we can talk through your concerns with you and your child’s doctor. Individual results vary.
Most injury care at East Coast Injury Clinic is covered through one of four paths: auto insurance PIP after a car accident, a personal injury attorney’s Letter of Protection, state workers’ compensation for a work injury, or federal workers’ compensation (OWCP or Longshore) if you are a federal or maritime employee. We also see patients under Medicare, Tricare, VA Community Care, and a limited number of private plans. Our front desk verifies coverage before your first visit and explains exactly what is and is not covered for your specific case, so there are no surprises. Call 904-513-3954 or visit eastcoastinjury.com to start.
Our Jacksonville Clinics
East Coast Injury Clinic has two Jacksonville locations in Duval County. The Deerwood clinic is at 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd, Suite 609, Jacksonville, FL 32256, near J. Turner Butler Blvd (JTB), I-295 and Southside Blvd, a short drive from the St. Johns Town Center area. The North Jacksonville clinic is at 13453 N Main St, Suite 302, Jacksonville, FL 32218, on N Main St north of I-295. Call (904) 513-3954 or request an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can you start seeing a chiropractor?
There’s no set minimum age. For babies and young children, see the pediatrician first, because good research doesn’t show chiropractic care helps infant problems such as colic. For older children and teens, chiropractic care may be an option for musculoskeletal problems like sports strains, alongside care from their doctor.
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Serious harm appears to be uncommon with gentle, age-appropriate techniques, but safety in young children hasn’t been well studied, and forceful manipulation isn’t appropriate for them. Talk with your child’s pediatrician first and ask any provider exactly what they plan to do.
Can a baby see a chiropractor?
Good research doesn’t show that chiropractic care helps colic, reflux, ear infections, sleep or feeding problems in babies, and East Coast Injury Clinic doesn’t offer or promote infant chiropractic care for those problems. Start with your pediatrician.
Should my child see a pediatrician before a chiropractor?
Yes. Your pediatrician can check for medical causes of pain, decide whether tests or imaging are needed, and refer you to the right specialist. If chiropractic care is used, it should be in addition to medical care, not instead of it.
Can a teenager see a chiropractor for a sports injury?
Yes, for musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains and overuse pain, chiropractic care and physical therapy may help as part of a plan that includes the teen’s doctor. A teen with a possible concussion should see a doctor before returning to sports.
Does a parent need to be present when a child sees a chiropractor?
A parent or guardian should be part of every decision about a minor’s care and present at visits, and the provider should explain what they’re doing and why.
Is there an age limit for chiropractic care for older adults?
No. But conditions such as osteoporosis, blood thinners, spinal surgery or some heart and blood vessel conditions can change what’s safe. A careful exam and lower-force techniques let care be adapted, and your chiropractor may ask you to check with your physician first.
My child was in a car accident. Who should check them first?
Their pediatrician or the emergency department, even if they seem fine. In Florida, PIP pays medical benefits only if initial care is received within 14 days of the crash. For ongoing neck or back pain in an older child or teen afterward, call our front desk.
