Gentle Chiropractic Care for Babies, Kids, and Every Stage Between
A family-owned Lincoln practice that treats the whole family — from newborns to school-age kids — with adjustments sized and calibrated for small bodies.
Even the gentlest birth can place significant stress on a newborn's spine and nervous system. Infant chiropractic care addresses that stress early, before it contributes to feeding difficulties, disrupted sleep, or persistent fussiness. For older children, gentle adjustments support healthy development and help the body recover from the bumps, tumbles, and postural habits that come with growing up.
At Horak Chiropractic & Acupuncture, pediatric care is part of how we treat families — not an add-on. Dr. Horak has worked with patients across every life stage, and the same warmth and attention that defines care for adults carries through to every infant and child we see.
What Brings Families to Us — and What We Can Help With
Parents bring their children to us for a wide range of reasons. Some come in with a specific concern. Others are following up after a difficult delivery or a recommendation from their pediatrician or midwife. Here are the most common reasons we see infants and kids:
- Colic, excessive crying, or unexplained fussiness
- Difficulty latching or nursing on one side
- Torticollis (head tilt or preference for turning one direction)
- Disrupted sleep patterns in newborns
- Ear infections that keep recurring
- Back or neck discomfort in school-age children
- Postural concerns from heavy backpacks or screen time
- Recovery support after a fall or sports injury
Is it safe to see a chiropractor in the first trimester?
Yes. Many patients begin prenatal chiropractic care early in the first trimester, particularly if they're already experiencing pelvic or low back discomfort. We adapt our approach to your stage of pregnancy from the very first visit.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Babies and Infants?
This is the question nearly every parent asks before their child's first visit — and it's exactly the right question to ask.
Infant adjustments bear no resemblance to adult adjustments. The pressure used for a newborn is comparable to the light touch you'd use to check a ripe tomato — no thrusting, no cracking, no force. Techniques are adapted entirely to the size, weight, and developmental stage of the child. For infants, this typically means gentle fingertip contact along the spine and base of the skull to release tension and restore normal nervous system communication.
Pediatric chiropractic has a strong safety record, and research continues to support its use for common infant conditions. A 2012 review published in the journal *Chiropractic & Manual Therapies* found that adverse events in pediatric chiropractic care are rare and typically minor.
What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit
We know that bringing an infant or young child to any new appointment can feel uncertain. We want you to know what's coming before you walk through the door.
Step 1:
A Thorough Health History
We start by learning about your child's birth experience, any symptoms you've noticed, and what's prompted the visit. For infants, we ask about the delivery — whether it was vaginal or cesarean, how long labor lasted, and whether any instruments were used. All of that context shapes what we look for.
Step 2:
A Gentle Structural Assessment
Dr. Horak examines your child's spine, posture, and range of motion. For infants, this includes observing how they hold their head, how they respond to gentle movement, and where tension is present. The assessment is calm and unhurried — we work at your child's pace.
Step 3:
The Adjustment Itself
If an adjustment is appropriate, it's performed with the lightest possible touch. Most infants sleep through it. Older children often find it interesting rather than uncomfortable. You are present throughout the entire visit.
Step 4:
Guidance for Home
We send you home with clear recommendations — what to watch for, when to return, and anything you can do between visits to support your child's progress.
Colic, Latching Difficulties, and Infant Chiropractic — What the Research Shows
Colic affects an estimated 10–40% of infants worldwide, and for many families it means weeks of inconsolable crying with no clear medical explanation. While the causes of colic are still debated, spinal tension and nervous system irritation from the birth process are among the factors researchers have examined.
A randomized controlled trial published in the *Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics* found that spinal manipulation was more effective than dimethicone (a common colic medication) in reducing crying time in colicky infants. Parents in the chiropractic group reported meaningful improvement within two weeks.
Latching difficulties often stem from tension in the neck and jaw that makes it uncomfortable for an infant to turn their head fully to one side. When that tension is released through gentle adjustment, nursing frequently becomes easier and less painful for both baby and mother.
We don't promise outcomes — every child is different. But if your infant is struggling and you haven't explored chiropractic care, it's worth a conversation.
Pediatric Chiropractic as Part of Family Care
Many of the families we see bring in multiple generations at once — a mom receiving pregnancy chiropractic care before birth, then returning with her newborn a few weeks later. Others come in as a family unit, with parents and children all on the same care plan.
We also offer needleless acupuncture for older children and teens who may benefit from nervous system support without the use of needles. It's a gentle, non-invasive option that fits naturally alongside chiropractic care.
If you're already a patient, adding your child to your care is simple. If you're new to the practice, your child's visit is a great place to start.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Infant and Pediatric Chiropractic
Is chiropractic safe for newborns?
Yes. Newborn adjustments use only gentle fingertip pressure — nothing like the techniques used for adults. The goal is to release tension in the spine and nervous system that may have developed during the birth process. Adverse events in infant chiropractic care are rare and well-documented as minor in the research literature.
How old does my baby need to be for their first adjustment?
There is no minimum age. Some parents bring their newborns in within days of birth, particularly after a long labor, a cesarean delivery, or a birth that involved forceps or vacuum assistance. We assess each infant individually and adjust our approach based on age and development.
What does a baby chiropractic adjustment feel like?
The pressure used for an infant adjustment is very light — comparable to the gentle touch you'd use to test the softness of ripe fruit. Most infants remain calm or fall asleep during the adjustment. There is no cracking or forceful movement involved.
Can chiropractic help with infant colic?
Research suggests it can. Multiple studies have found that gentle spinal manipulation reduces crying time in colicky infants more effectively than some common medications. We can't guarantee results, but colic is one of the most common reasons parents bring infants to see us — and many report noticeable improvement within a few visits.
Do I need a referral from my pediatrician?
No referral is needed. You're welcome to contact us directly to schedule your child's first visit. That said, we're happy to coordinate with your pediatrician or midwife if you'd like us to.
Is infant chiropractic covered by insurance or FSA/HSA?
We accept FSA and HSA for eligible care. Coverage for pediatric chiropractic through standard insurance varies by plan. Contact us before your visit and we'll help you understand your options.
Working Hours
Monday-Wednesday: 9am-12:30pm & 3pm-6pm
Thursday: 9am-12:30pm
Friday - Sunday: Closed
Ready for your child to Feel Better
Families in Lincoln trust us with their youngest and most vulnerable patients — and we take that seriously. If you have questions before booking, call or text us at (402) 904-7179. We're glad to talk through what your child's visit would look like before you commit to anything.
