Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Chicago, IL
At Chiropractic Chicago, pediatric chiropractic care is focused on supporting a child’s developing spine and nervous system in a gentle, age-appropriate way. Care is designed to be calm, safe, and comfortable for babies, children, and teens.
From infancy through adolescence, children go through rapid growth, frequent falls, and daily physical stress. These changes can quietly affect posture, movement, sleep, and overall comfort, even when pain is not obvious.
Dr. Elissa Grossman provides pediatric chiropractic care in Chicago using extremely light techniques created specifically for young bodies. Every visit is tailored to a child’s size, comfort level, and stage of development.
What Causes Spinal & Nervous System Stress in Children?
Children experience physical stress earlier than many parents realize. Dr. Grossman explains that stress on the spine often begins during the birth process and continues as children grow and explore their environment.
Common contributors include:
- Birth-related stress: Even uncomplicated deliveries can place pressure on an infant’s neck and upper spine.
- Falls and developmental movement: Crawling, walking, and learning balance involve frequent bumps that affect spinal motion.
- Postural strain: Screen use, backpack weight, and prolonged sitting can alter alignment over time.
- Sports and physical activity: Repetitive motion and impact may create uneven stress on growing joints.
These stresses do not always cause pain right away, but they can influence how the nervous system functions as a child develops.
How Do We Diagnose Pediatric Spinal & Nervous System Issues?
Pediatric evaluations at Chiropractic Chicago are gentle, calm, and age-appropriate. The focus is on observation, movement, and comfort rather than invasive testing.
During a pediatric evaluation, Dr. Grossman looks at:
- Health history from the parent: Feeding, sleep, digestion, development, and behavioral patterns.
- Posture and movement patterns: How the child holds their head, sits, crawls, or walks.
- Symmetry and range of motion: Checking for side preferences or restricted movement.
- Gentle palpation: Feeling for areas of tension or imbalance.
Imaging is only considered if clinically necessary or if referral to another provider is appropriate.
Pediatric Chiropractic Treatment Plan
Each child receives an individualized care plan based on age, findings, and comfort level. Pediatric chiropractic techniques are very different from adult care.
Treatment plans may include:
- Extremely gentle spinal adjustments: For infants, pressure is often compared to testing the ripeness of a tomato.
- Low-force instrument techniques: Used when appropriate for toddlers or older children.
- Age-appropriate visit pacing: Visits are kept short, calm, and child-friendly.
- Ongoing reassessment: Care plans evolve as the child grows and responds.
The goal is to support healthy movement and nervous system function over time, not force change.
Pediatric Case Study Extracted From Dr. Grossman
Infant With Recurrent Ear Infections
Patient profile: Infant patient brought in by a parent due to repeated ear infections.
Symptoms: The child had experienced multiple ear infections and had already gone through several rounds of antibiotics. Medical providers had begun discussing the possibility of ear tubes.
Root Cause Analysis: Dr. Grossman noted that irritation or restriction in the upper cervical spine can influence nerve function related to the ears and surrounding structures. The infant was evaluated using a gentle visual and palpatory assessment appropriate for age.
Treatment Plan: The infant received gentle pediatric chiropractic adjustments focused on spinal alignment, using extremely light pressure appropriate for babies.
Outcome: As of the most recent follow-up communication with the parent, the infant had not experienced another ear infection.
Pediatric Chiropractic Patient Testimonials & Reviews
Doctor Experience in Treating Pediatric & Childhood Conditions
Dr. Elissa Grossman has treated pediatric patients throughout her chiropractic career, including infants, toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents. She commonly sees children for concerns such as digestive discomfort, sleep challenges, recurrent ear issues, growing pains, headaches, and neck tension. Her approach prioritizes careful assessment, gentle technique, and long-term nervous system support. When chiropractic care is not appropriate, referrals to pediatric or medical providers are made.
Book an Appointment With Your Local Pediatric Chiropractor
If you are looking for pediatric chiropractic care in Chicago, Chiropractic Chicago offers a gentle, child-focused approach in a supportive setting. Call (312) 248-3002 or Book Online using the booking tool below:
Is chiropractic care safe for babies and children?
Pediatric chiropractic care uses extremely gentle techniques tailored to a child’s size and development. Most reported side effects in studies are mild and temporary, such as brief fussiness. Care is always adjusted to the child’s comfort and clinical needs.
At what age can a child see a pediatric chiropractor?
Children can be evaluated as early as infancy. Dr. Grossman commonly sees infants, toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents, adapting care to each stage of growth.
Can chiropractic care help with colic, reflux, or excessive crying?
Some small studies suggest chiropractic care may help with issues like infantile colic, but research is still limited. Care focuses on reducing spinal tension and supporting nervous system function, without guaranteeing specific outcomes.
Does pediatric chiropractic care help with sleep and behavior issues?
By addressing physical tension and nervous system stress, some parents notice improvements in sleep or calmness. Results vary, and chiropractic care is meant to complement, not replace, medical guidance.
What techniques are used in pediatric chiropractic care?
Techniques are very light and may involve gentle fingertip pressure or low-force instruments. Adjustments for children are very different from adult chiropractic care.
How often should my child see a chiropractor?
Visit frequency depends on the child’s age, findings, and goals. Dr. Grossman discusses recommendations clearly with parents after the initial evaluation.
Do children need X-rays or imaging before chiropractic care?
Most pediatric evaluations do not require imaging. X-rays or referrals are only considered when clinically necessary or if red flags are present.
Is pediatric chiropractic care painful or uncomfortable?
No. Pediatric chiropractic care is designed to be gentle and comfortable. Many infants remain calm or relaxed during visits.
Chiropractic Care for Infant Feeding & Latching Difficulties
Dr. Grossman explains that tension in the upper neck from birth can affect feeding and latching by influencing nerve function. Gentle care may help support more comfortable feeding positions.
Can chiropractic care support developmental milestones?
Chiropractic care does not replace developmental or medical care, but by supporting movement and nervous system function, it may help children move and develop more comfortably.
Pediatric Chiropractic Care for Growth, Posture & Nervous System Development
As children grow, chiropractic care focuses on promoting healthy posture, balanced movement, and spinal mobility to reduce unnecessary stress on the nervous system over time.
