Why Children Benefit from Chiropractic Care
A child's spine undergoes extraordinary development from birth through adolescence. In the first year alone, the cervical and lumbar curves of the spine begin forming as your baby learns to hold their head up, sit, crawl, and walk. Each of these milestones places new demands on spinal alignment and nervous system function — and even minor disruptions during these critical windows can influence how a child's body develops, moves, and heals.
The birth process itself — whether vaginal or caesarean — places significant mechanical stress on a newborn's cervical spine and cranium. Difficult deliveries involving forceps, vacuum extraction, or prolonged labour can compound this stress. Many parents are surprised to learn that conditions like colic, feeding difficulties, and torticollis often have a spinal component that responds well to gentle chiropractic assessment and care.
As children grow, the falls of toddlerhood, heavy backpacks, hours of screen time, and the physical demands of organized sports all contribute to spinal stress and postural imbalance. Early assessment catches these issues before they become entrenched patterns — and because children's tissues are more pliable and adaptable than adults', they typically respond faster and require fewer visits.
What a First Visit Looks Like for Your Child
We understand that bringing your child to a new healthcare provider can feel uncertain — especially if they've never seen a chiropractor. A parent or guardian is always present throughout the entire visit, and our doctors explain every step before doing anything. There are no surprises.
Your child's first appointment includes a thorough health history (including birth history and developmental milestones), a gentle physical examination adapted to their age and comfort level, and — if appropriate — their first treatment. For infants, this may happen while your baby is nursing, sleeping, or resting in your arms. For older children, we take time to answer their questions and make sure they feel comfortable and in control throughout the process.
The techniques used on children are fundamentally different from adult adjustments. Pediatric chiropractic uses extremely gentle fingertip pressure — no more than you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. There is no forceful twisting, cracking, or sudden movements. Most infants sleep through their adjustment, and most children find the experience comfortable and even enjoyable.
Family Wellness — A Core Philosophy
Dr. Tamara Kornelsen has a particular focus on family wellness care and has spent over 26 years treating families as complete units — parents, children, and grandparents alike. She has seen firsthand how the benefits compound when an entire family commits to regular chiropractic wellness, and she brings that philosophy to every pediatric patient she sees. As she puts it: "Families that get adjusted together stay together."
Dr. Maia Pidperyhora brings a unique perspective to pediatric care. Before becoming a chiropractor, she worked as a Rehab Assistant in Pediatrics — gaining direct clinical experience with children's physical development, motor patterns, and rehabilitation needs. That foundation gives her a rare depth of understanding when assessing and treating young patients, particularly those recovering from injuries or navigating developmental challenges.
Insurance Coverage for Pediatric Chiropractic
Most extended health insurance plans in BC include chiropractic benefits that cover children on the family plan. We offer direct billing through our JaneApp system to most major providers, including Greenshield. If your child's condition resulted from a motor vehicle accident, ICBC covers up to 25 pre-approved visits at no cost to you. Contact us at (250) 492-7027 if you have questions about your family's coverage.