The Science Behind Developmental Chiropractic Care: Current Research Explained
Introduction
When parents first hear about chiropractic care for children, they often have questions: Is it safe? Is it effective? What does the research say? These are excellent questions that deserve thoughtful, evidence-based answers.
At Taproot Chiropractic, we believe in transparently sharing the scientific foundation behind our approach. While chiropractic care has historically relied on clinical observation and patient outcomes, the body of research supporting pediatric and developmental chiropractic care continues to grow.
In this article, we'll explore the current research on developmental chiropractic care, explaining the mechanisms behind this approach and the evidence for its effectiveness. Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of the science that informs our practice, empowering you to make informed decisions about your family's health care.
Understanding Developmental Chiropractic Care
Before diving into the research, it's important to understand what makes developmental chiropractic care distinct from traditional approaches.
Developmental chiropractic care focuses on optimizing nervous system function throughout childhood development. Rather than simply addressing pain or specific conditions, this approach recognizes the central role of the nervous system in coordinating all aspects of growth, development, and function.
The key premise is that proper structural alignment—particularly of the spine—supports optimal nervous system communication. When misalignments or dysfunction (called subluxations) occur, they can potentially interfere with this communication, affecting how the brain receives information from the body and how it sends instructions for development and function.
The Neurological Foundation: How Chiropractic Affects the Nervous System
Research into the neurological effects of chiropractic adjustments has grown substantially in recent years. These studies help explain the mechanisms through which chiropractic care may influence development and function.
1. Sensorimotor Integration
Several studies have demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments influence how the brain processes and integrates sensory information. One significant study led by Dr. Heidi Haavik demonstrated that spinal adjustments can alter cerebral cortex activity, particularly in areas responsible for sensorimotor integration.
This is particularly relevant for children, as sensorimotor integration forms the foundation for many developmental skills, including:
Coordination and balance
Visual-motor skills needed for reading and writing
Spatial awareness and navigation
Self-regulation capabilities
2. Autonomic Nervous System Function
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary bodily functions and has two branches: the sympathetic ("fight-or-flight") and parasympathetic ("rest-and-digest") systems. Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments may influence ANS function in several ways:
Heart Rate Variability: Studies have demonstrated changes in heart rate variability (a measure of autonomic function) following chiropractic adjustments, suggesting improved balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.
Stress Hormone Levels: Some research indicates reduced cortisol levels following adjustment, suggesting an impact on stress physiology.
Immune Markers: Preliminary studies have shown changes in certain immune markers following adjustment, potentially through autonomic pathways.
For developing children, autonomic balance is crucial for:
Emotional regulation
Sleep quality
Digestive function
Immune response
Stress resilience
3. Proprioception and Movement
Proprioception—the body's sense of position and movement—is essential for motor development and coordination. Research has shown that:
Spinal adjustments can improve proprioceptive accuracy
Joint dysfunction can alter movement patterns and proprioceptive input to the brain
Improved proprioception correlates with better motor control and coordination
For children, these effects may support:
Gross motor skill development
Fine motor precision
Posture and balance
Athletic performance and coordination
Research on Specific Developmental Concerns
While the mechanistic research helps us understand how chiropractic care might influence development, some clinical research examines specific conditions or concerns. Here's what current research shows about some common developmental issues:
Colic and Crying
Infantile colic affects approximately 20% of babies and can create significant family stress. Several studies have examined the effects of chiropractic care on colic:
A 2021 systematic review published in BMJ Open concluded that chiropractic manual therapy appears to reduce crying time in infants with colic, though the authors noted the need for larger, higher-quality studies.
A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that infants with colic receiving chiropractic care showed a significant reduction in crying time compared to those receiving placebo treatment.
Case series reports consistently document improvements in crying, sleep, and parental stress following chiropractic care for colicky infants.
The proposed mechanisms include improved vagus nerve function (which affects digestive motility), reduced musculoskeletal tension that may cause discomfort, and support for neurological regulation.
Sleep Challenges
Sleep is crucial for brain development, yet many children struggle with sleep disturbances. Research in this area includes:
A 2019 case series published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics documented improved sleep patterns in infants following a course of chiropractic care.
Studies examining autonomic function suggest that improved nervous system regulation following adjustment may support more consistent sleep-wake cycles.
Research on children with neurodevelopmental concerns has shown correlations between improved spinal function and better sleep quality.
Sensory Processing and Integration
Sensory processing challenges affect many children and can impact learning, behavior, and social development. Related research includes:
Studies demonstrating altered sensorimotor integration following chiropractic adjustments suggest a neurological pathway through which sensory processing might be supported.
Case studies have documented improvements in sensory regulation, attention, and behavioral outcomes in children receiving chiropractic care for sensory processing concerns.
Research on primitive reflex integration shows promising correlations with improved sensory processing following specific neurologically-focused interventions.
Neurodevelopmental Conditions
While chiropractic care cannot "cure" conditions like autism spectrum disorder or ADHD, research suggests it may support overall function, development, and expression of life:
Case studies document improvements in specific developmental parameters, such as attention, sleep, and digestive function, in children with neurodevelopmental diagnoses receiving chiropractic care.
Survey research indicates that many families of children with neurodevelopmental conditions report positive outcomes with chiropractic as part of a comprehensive care approach.
Mechanistic studies suggest potential pathways through which addressing neurological function might support development across various domains.
Safety Considerations in the Research
For parents, safety is understandably a top concern. Fortunately, research consistently demonstrates the safety of appropriate pediatric chiropractic care:
A 2015 systematic review published in PLOS ONE found that serious adverse events in children receiving chiropractic care are exceedingly rare.
A 2018 study examining over 2,000 pediatric chiropractic visits reported no serious adverse events and only minor, temporary discomfort in a small percentage of cases.
Research confirms that pediatric chiropractic techniques are substantially modified from adult techniques, using extremely gentle pressure appropriate for a child's developing structures.
It's important to note that pediatric chiropractic specialists receive additional training specifically focused on the unique needs of children at different developmental stages. At Taproot Chiropractic, our techniques are age-appropriate, gentle, and tailored to each child's specific developmental needs.
Integrating Research and Clinical Practice
While research in pediatric chiropractic continues to grow, we recognize that current evidence has both strengths and limitations. As evidence-informed practitioners, we integrate:
The best available research evidence
Clinical expertise and experience
Individual patient preferences and needs
Consideration of risk-benefit profiles for each child
This integrated approach allows us to provide care that is both scientifically grounded and individually responsive.
The Future of Developmental Chiropractic Research
The field of developmental chiropractic research continues to advance, with several promising directions:
Improved measurement tools: New technologies like advanced HRV analysis, functional neuroimaging, and sensitive motion analysis are providing more objective measures of neurological function.
Larger clinical trials: More extensive studies with rigorous methods are being designed to evaluate specific outcomes.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: Chiropractors are increasingly collaborating with neuroscientists, developmental specialists, and other healthcare providers to conduct comprehensive research.
Quality-of-life measures: Beyond specific symptoms, researchers are examining broader impacts on family functioning, developmental trajectories, and quality of life.
Making Informed Decisions for Your Family
As you consider developmental chiropractic care for your child, here are some evidence-based considerations:
Individual assessment is essential: Each child's nervous system is unique, and care should be based on specific assessment findings.
Integration matters: Chiropractic care works best as part of a comprehensive approach to health and development.
Documented progress: Objective measures of improvement should guide ongoing care recommendations.
Provider qualifications: Seek chiropractors with specific training and experience in pediatric and developmental care.
At Taproot Chiropractic, we're committed to providing care that reflects current scientific understanding while continuing to advance the field through careful documentation and participation in research initiatives.
Conclusion
The research supporting developmental chiropractic care continues to evolve, with growing evidence for its safety and effectiveness in supporting children's neurological development and function. While more research is always needed—as is true in all healthcare fields—current evidence provides a solid foundation for considering this approach as part of a comprehensive developmental support strategy.
We encourage parents to ask questions, review the research, and make informed decisions based on their children's specific needs. Our goal is to partner with you in supporting your child's optimal development, guided by both scientific evidence and personalized care.
References
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.
Carnes, D., Plunkett, A., Ellwood, J., & Miles, C. (2018). Manual therapy for unsettled, distressed and excessively crying infants: a systematic review and meta-analyses. BMJ Open, 8(1), e019040.
Miller, J. E., Newell, D., & Bolton, J. E. (2012). Efficacy of chiropractic manual therapy on infant colic: a pragmatic single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(8), 600-607.
Todd, A. J., Carroll, M. T., & Mitchell, E. K. (2016). Forces of commonly used chiropractic techniques for children: A review of the literature. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 39(6), 401-410.
Hawk, C., Schneider, M. J., Vallone, S., & Hewitt, E. G. (2016). Best practices for chiropractic care of children: a consensus update. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 39(3), 158-168.
Alcantara, J., Ohm, J., & Kunz, D. (2010). The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic: a survey of chiropractors and parents in a practice-based research network. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 6(5), 290-295.
Daligadu, J., Haavik, H., Yielder, P. C., Baarbe, J., & Murphy, B. (2013). Alterations in cortical and cerebellar motor processing in subclinical neck pain patients following spinal manipulation. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 36(8), 527-537.
Pohlman, K. A., & Holton-Brown, M. S. (2012). Otitis media and spinal manipulative therapy: a literature review. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 11(3), 160-169.
