Acid reflux is a common concern for babies and young children, often showing up as frequent spit-up, fussiness after feedings, arching of the back, poor sleep, or general discomfort. While reflux is often part of normal development and improves with time, many parents look for gentle, non-invasive ways to help support their child’s comfort.
At Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics , our chiropractic teams take a whole-body, nervous-system-focused approach to care. Pediatric chiropractic services are designed to be safe, gentle, and supportive — working alongside pediatric medical care, not replacing it.
Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics Chiropractic Care for Babies and Young Children
Understanding Acid Reflux in Children
Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents move back into the esophagus. In infants and young children, this can be influenced by several factors, including:
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An immature digestive system
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Muscle tension in the neck, spine, or diaphragm
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Feeding positions or postural strain
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Birth-related stress, such as long or assisted deliveries
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A developing nervous system still learning to regulate digestion
While most reflux is not dangerous, ongoing symptoms can affect feeding, sleep, and overall quality of life for both children and parents.
The Role of the Nervous System
The nervous system plays a key role in digestion — including how the stomach empties, how swallowing is coordinated, and how well the valve between the esophagus and stomach functions. Signals from the brain travel through the spine to regulate these processes.
When there is restricted movement or tension in the spine — particularly in the neck or upper back — it may interfere with how efficiently these signals travel. Chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal motion and reducing tension, with the goal of helping the nervous system function more effectively.
Gentle Chiropractic Care for Babies and Young Children
Pediatric chiropractic care looks very different from adult chiropractic treatment. At Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics, techniques used for babies and children are extremely gentle, often involving light fingertip pressure rather than forceful adjustments.
Our chiropractors are trained to evaluate:
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Spinal movement and alignment
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Muscle tension from birth or growth
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Posture and positioning, especially during feeding
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Overall comfort and nervous system regulation
Many parents report improvements not only in reflux symptoms, but also in sleep quality, feeding ease, and general calmness — though every child responds differently.
What Does the Research Say?
Research on chiropractic care specifically for infant acid reflux is still limited and evolving. Some small studies and clinical observations suggest that improving spinal motion and nervous system regulation may help reduce reflux symptoms in certain children. However, large-scale clinical trials are limited.
For this reason, chiropractic care should be viewed as a complementary approach, not a replacement for medical care. Parents should always work closely with their pediatrician, especially if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by poor weight gain, projectile vomiting, or blood in spit-up.
Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics Chiropractic Care for Babies and Young Children
A Collaborative, Whole-Child Approach
At Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics, we believe the best outcomes come from a collaborative approach to care. Chiropractic services are often combined with education on positioning, movement, and overall musculoskeletal health to support a child’s developing body.
By addressing physical tension and supporting nervous system function, chiropractic care may help some children feel more comfortable as their digestive systems mature.
The Bottom Line
Chiropractic care does not cure acid reflux, and it is not appropriate for every child. However, gentle pediatric chiropractic care may help support nervous system balance, reduce physical tension, and improve overall comfort for some babies and young children.
If your child is experiencing reflux symptoms and you’re looking for a supportive, non-invasive option, the chiropractic teams at Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics are here to help — always working alongside your child’s pediatric healthcare providers.
👉 Book your appointment today at Midland Sports Rehab or Active Orthopedics
📞 Call 989.341.1070 to schedule
📍 Midland Sports Rehab
4710 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI 48640
📍Active Orthopedics
317 E Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48642