Parents in Casper ask us a fair question: should a child ever see a chiropractor? At Martens Chiropractic, our answer depends on the child, the problem and the evidence behind the care. A teenage wrestler with recurring low back pain is a very different case from a fussy newborn. This guide explains what research says about safety, what a visit looks like and when a pediatrician is the better first call.
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Gentle chiropractic care appears to carry a low risk of serious harm for most children, but the research is thinner than it is for adults. A 2020 review commissioned by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia found that most reported side effects in children under 10 were mild, such as soreness or extra crying, and that the true rate of serious events is still unknown.
An independent 2019 review by Safer Care Victoria in Australia, supported by a Cochrane Australia systematic review, concluded that the evidence for spinal manipulation in children under 12 is weak for most conditions. We share that because parents deserve the full picture before deciding.
What does the research say about teenagers with back pain?
Adolescents have the strongest research support. A 2018 randomized trial published in the journal Pain followed 185 patients aged 12 to 18 with chronic low back pain. Those who received spinal manipulation along with exercise reported less pain over one year than those who did exercise alone, and the researchers reported no serious treatment-related side effects.
What happens at a child’s chiropractic visit?
A first visit starts with a conversation, not an adjustment. We ask about your child’s health history, sports, sleep and when the pain started, then check posture, range of motion and how the spine and joints move.
An adjustment, also called spinal manipulation, is a controlled movement applied to a joint to improve how it moves. Younger patients need far less force than adults, and slower mobilization techniques are often a better fit than quick thrusts. A parent or guardian should be in the room, and every step should be explained before it happens. If a plan doesn’t make sense to you, ask.
What problems do kids and teens see a chiropractor for?
Most young patients come in with musculoskeletal complaints, meaning pain or stiffness in the muscles, joints or spine. Common examples around Casper include:
- Low back or neck pain from wrestling, football, volleyball or rodeo
- Sore shoulders, hips or knees after a growth spurt or a heavy training season
- Upper back strain from overloaded backpacks; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a pack weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of a child’s body weight
- Stiffness and minor strains after falls on the ski hill
The research does not support chiropractic care for ear infections, asthma or developmental conditions, and it is never a substitute for your child’s regular medical care.
When should your child see a pediatrician first?
Some symptoms need a medical evaluation before any hands-on treatment. Call your child’s doctor first for back pain with a fever, pain that wakes them at night, unexplained weight loss, numbness or weakness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or pain after a serious fall or car accident. A responsible chiropractor will refer your child to a physician if any of these signs show up during an exam.
How does Martens Chiropractic work with Casper families?
Martens Chiropractic is led by Dr. Luke Martens, DC, who earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic summa cum laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic. He also volunteers with the Hogadon Ski Patrol, so he sees firsthand the bumps and strains Casper kids pick up on the mountain.
For families without insurance, the clinic’s posted cash rate is $60 for a new patient visit that includes an adjustment, and $40 for follow-up adjustments. Every treatment plan is tailored to the patient, and we teach simple stretches or exercises so kids can keep making progress between visits.
Is chiropractic care right for your child?
Chiropractic care makes the most sense for children and teens with muscle, joint and spine complaints, especially active kids dealing with sports or growth-related aches. Ask questions, expect a gentle approach and look for a provider who will tell you when something needs a medical doctor instead. If your child is dealing with back, neck or joint pain, schedule a consultation with Martens Chiropractic and we’ll help you decide on the right next step.