Many parents are surprised to learn that chiropractic care isn't just for adults with back pain. Pediatric chiropractic is a growing field with a strong evidence base, and it's increasingly sought by parents in the Twin Cities looking for drug-free, hands-on support for their children's health and development.
At Forward Spine Center in Golden Valley, Minnesota, Dr. Madeline Klesk provides gentle, specialized chiropractic care for infants, toddlers, and children of all ages. Her approach is rooted in pediatric-specific training and a deep understanding of how the developing spine affects overall health.
Is chiropractic care safe for babies and children?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic care is safe when performed by a provider with specialized training. The techniques used for infants and children are fundamentally different from adult chiropractic — adjustments use extremely light pressure, often no more than the pressure used to test the ripeness of a tomato. There are no high-force manipulations involved in pediatric chiropractic care.
Dr. Madeline Klesk is trained in pediatric chiropractic through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), the leading certifying body for chiropractors who work with children and pregnant women. ICPA-trained providers are among a small group of chiropractors in any metro area with this specialized credential.
Why would a baby or child need chiropractic care?
The birth process — even an uncomplicated vaginal delivery — places significant mechanical stress on a newborn's spine and nervous system. Interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, or C-section can amplify this stress. Misalignments introduced during birth can affect nursing, sleep, digestion, and overall comfort in ways that aren't always immediately obvious.
As children grow, falls, carrying heavy backpacks, screen posture, and sports injuries all create cumulative stress on the developing spine. Pediatric chiropractic care addresses these issues early, before they become structural problems in adulthood.
What conditions does pediatric chiropractic treat?
Parents at Forward Spine Center bring their children in for a range of concerns, including:
- Colic and excessive crying in infants
- Difficulty latching or nursing asymmetry
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Torticollis (head tilting or preference to one side)
- Sleep disturbances
- Constipation and digestive issues
- Scoliosis monitoring and support
- Growing pains
- Sports injuries
- Postural issues from screen use and backpack load
How is a pediatric chiropractic adjustment different from an adult adjustment?
Pediatric adjustments at Forward Spine Center use gentle, fingertip pressure specific to the child's age and size. Infants receive adjustments that look nothing like what most people associate with chiropractic — there is no twisting, cracking, or high-velocity movement. The goal is to restore normal neurological function and spinal alignment using the lightest effective touch.
Dr. Klesk tailors every visit to the child's age, development stage, and specific presenting concern.
Forward Spine Center serves families throughout Golden Valley, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and the greater Minneapolis and Twin Cities metro area. To schedule a pediatric consultation with Dr. Madeline Klesk, contact Forward Spine Center directly.
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