Chiropractic Care for Children with Behavior Issues

Dealing with behavioral problems in children is one of the most difficult challenges a family can face. Not only is it stressful for a child to not be in control of their behavior, but it also makes life difficult for everyone in the child’s life. 

While chiropractic care cannot cure everything that affects a child’s behavior, it can go a long way in helping a child better manage behavioral issues. 

Can Chiropractic Care Help Behavior in Children?

Yes.

Chiropractic care promotes overall good health. Specifically, it’s effective in improving mental health. Chiropractic care helps the body and mind find balance.

Chiropractic care is also comprehensive. Chiropractors assess all areas of a patient’s health, including: 

• Exercise
• Current medical care, including medications
• Diet
• Supplements
• Sleep

There is evidence that diet and other health issues are linked to behavioral problems in children. Working with a chiropractor helps families make changes to promote good health. It also reduces stress and anxiety, which is likely a problem for the affected child and their loved ones.

Common Behavior Issues

According to the CDC, the two most common behavior issues in children are:

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Examples of symptoms of ODD include:

• Inability to control anger or temper
• Frequent arguing with adults
• Refusing to follow rules or requests
• Feelings of resentment or spite
• Deliberately annoying other people
• Blaming other people for misbehavior or mistakes

Some degree of this behavior is common in nearly all children, but children with ODD frequently struggle with these underlying issues and cannot resolve them with discipline and maturity. Symptoms of ODD typically arise between ages 8 and 12. 

ODD behavior tends to occur more around people with whom the child feels familiar and comfortable.

Conduct Disorder (CD)

Examples of “symptoms” of conduct disorder include:

• Rule breaking, including rules that put the child at risk
• Aggression 
• Lying
• Stealing
• Damaging property
• Bullying
• Cruelty to animals

To receive a diagnosis of CD, a child must show an ongoing pattern of aggression toward others. They must seriously violate rules and social norms at home and elsewhere, often to the point of attracting attention from law enforcement authorities. 

How Chiropractic Treatments Help Kids

Chiropractic treatment helps children of all ages, whether they’re struggling with behavioral issues or not. The benefits of chiropractic adjustments for children include:

• Improved sleep
• Improved breastfeeding for babies
• Reduced risk of injury
• Improved focus and concentration
• Establishes healthy habits
• Reduced risk of colic and earaches

For many, the benefits of chiropractic adjustments go beyond the adjustment they receive. It allows them to focus on their health and well-being.

Conclusion

If you are concerned about your child’s health or a behavior problem, even if you aren't sure what the exact issue is, chiropractic care can help. To learn more or discuss your family’s situation, contact a chiropractor with experience working with children.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.