Pediatric Chiropractic
in Murrieta, Temecula, Canyon Lake

Adjusting child Pediatric chiropractic focuses on gentle, nervous system-based care that helps infants and children transition from the birth state of stress to a “growth and development” state of ease. Using adjustments with pressure gentler than checking if a peach is ripe, we support your child’s body in expressing optimal health and reaching their full developmental potential.

Nurturing Generational Wellness

From the moment children enter this world, their bodies are susceptible to stress to the spine. Birth trauma and rapid growth and development alike often result in various symptoms, including colic in infants and ear infections in preschool and school-aged children. Through gentle and precise chiropractic adjustments, our goal is to help your child lead a naturally healthy life.

Why Chiropractic Care?

Pediatric chiropractic care offers a drug-free, root cause approach to supporting your child’s health. One of the most valuable benefits is prevention; starting care early can help prevent issues before they arise, giving your little one the healthiest foundation possible. Parents often see improvements in digestion and elimination, reduced tension and discomfort, better sleep quality, enhanced immune function, and a greater sense of calm.

Children may also experience support with meeting developmental milestones, improved nursing, and better overall body alignment. Rather than simply masking symptoms, chiropractic care addresses why issues occur in the first place, helping your child’s nervous system function optimally so their body can heal and grow naturally.

Chiropractic care has been known to aid the root cause behind the following conditions:

Back pain: Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help relieve strain and misalignments in a young child’s spine that may contribute to back pain, allowing the body to move more freely and comfortably.
Headaches: By reducing tension and improving nerve flow around the neck and upper spine, chiropractic care may decrease the frequency or intensity of headaches in children.
Colic: For infants dealing with colic, gentle spinal adjustments can help ease nervous-system irritation and improve digestive comfort, supporting calmer, less fussy behavior.
Ear infections: Adjustments around the upper spine and neck can promote better drainage and nerve function, potentially reducing the occurrence or severity of ear infections in children.
Birth Trauma: A difficult or stressful birth, such as one involving a c-section, long or very fast labor, inducement, or assisted delivery, can place strain on a baby’s nervous system. Gentle chiropractic care can help relieve this stress and support healthy development from the very beginning.

Poor sleep: When the nervous system is stressed or misaligned, sleep can suffer; chiropractic adjustments may help restore calm and improve sleep quality for kids.
Breastfeeding complications: For newborns and infants having trouble latching or feeding, gentle chiropractic care can ease tensions or misalignments in the neck or jaw, supporting a more comfortable feeding experience.
Asthma: While chiropractic care doesn’t replace medical asthma treatment, adjustments may help support the nervous system’s role in respiratory health and make breathing easier by reducing spinal stress.
ADHD: For children with ADHD, gentle chiropractic care can help reduce nervous-system irritation and spinal stress, supporting calmer behavior and improved focus (as part of a broader care plan).
Digestive issues: Misalignments in the spine may interfere with nerve signals to the digestive system; chiropractic care can restore balance and support healthier digestion.

Multiple research studies reveal that chiropractic can be an effective modality as well as extremely safe, with little to no adverse effects reported in hundreds of thousands of adjustments.

Adjusting baby

Safety and Evidence

At Trailhead Family Chiropractic, your child’s safety is always our highest priority. Pediatric chiropractic care uses gentle, age-appropriate techniques tailored to your child’s size and stage of development — often with no more pressure than you’d use to test a ripe tomato.

Research published in journals such as the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics and recognized by organizations like the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) supports the safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic care when performed by trained professionals. Studies show parents report improvements in areas such as sleep, feeding, behavior, and overall well-being following care.

Every adjustment is customized to your child’s comfort, and we always communicate openly about each step, ensuring parents feel confident and informed.

Gentle Adjustments for All Ages

All three of our locations, Murrieta, Temecula and Canyon Lake, offer gentle adjustments suitable for children of all ages, from infants to older adolescents. We utilize light-touch techniques to ensure the comfort and well-being of your child while helping them move closer to wellness. Our mission is to restore proper movement in the spine, alleviate their discomfort, and set them up for future well-being.

Early Intervention

We are here to assure you that it is never too early to introduce your child to chiropractic care. The earlier their spine is checked, the better prepared they will be for a lifetime of wellness. Whether your child is hours old or years old—we have the knowledge and skill to help them heal and live well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pediatric chiropractic safe for infants and children?

Yes, pediatric chiropractic is extremely safe. Adjustments for infants and children use very low force—only the amount of pressure you would use to check if a peach or avocado is ripe. Because the adjustments are so gentle, there is minimal chance of injury. We also use specialized mechanical tools designed specifically for pediatric care to ensure your child’s comfort and safety.

What conditions can pediatric chiropractic help with?

Pediatric chiropractic takes a root cause approach, supporting the nervous system rather than treating specific conditions. Parents commonly report improvements in reflux, colic, torticollis, gas and bloating, ear infections, sleep difficulties, nursing challenges, and eczema. As children grow older, we’ve also seen positive responses in neurodevelopmental concerns, focus issues, and behavioral challenges when chiropractic care is incorporated into their wellness routine.

What should parents expect during their child’s first visit?

You can expect a thorough, personalized conversation where you’ll feel heard. We’ll explain what we’re doing and how it helps. Depending on your child’s age, we’ll perform objective nervous system assessments with easy-to-read printouts. The visit includes a gentle adjustment and may include evaluation for tongue ties, cranial work, or primitive reflex checks. We’ll discuss a customized care plan and transparent fees with no hidden costs.

How does pediatric chiropractic differ from adult chiropractic care?

The biggest difference is the amount of force used; pediatric adjustments are much gentler because children’s spines have different composition than adult spines. We tailor communication to children, using kid-friendly terms like “popcorn sounds” to ensure they feel safe. Positioning may differ, with younger children sometimes lying on a parent. Pediatric visits are typically quicker, focusing primarily on the spine with less soft tissue work needed.

What if my child has sensory sensitivities or doesn’t like being touched?

We understand some kids, especially those with neurodevelopmental differences, may be hesitant about new environments or touch. We recommend bringing your child in to see the office and meet our staff with no pressure for an adjustment initially. We work at each child’s comfort level, and often after two or three visits, they become comfortable enough to receive care. We always respect your child’s boundaries.

How can I prepare my child for their first chiropractic visit?

Help prepare your little one by gently walking your fingers up and down their spine at home and doing light massage on their neck. Talk to them about “popcorn sounds” the doctor will make. Practice the movements—sitting up, lying down, lying on their tummy—and apply gentle pressure along their spine, saying “This is what the doctor will do.” This rehearsal helps children feel comfortable and confident.

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Pediatric Chiropractic in Murrieta, Temecula, Canyon Lake