Helping Your Child Overcome Constipation Naturally: The Chiropractic Connection

(By Flower of Life Chiropractic)

Constipation is a common concern among parents, and it’s easy to understand why.

Research indicates that up to 30% of children experience constipation at some point, making it one of the leading digestive issues in pediatrics.

However, many families may not realize that constipation is not just a "plumbing" problem; it often relates to the nervous system.

At Flower of Life Chiropractic, we help families tackle constipation at its source by restoring calm to the nervous system and supporting the body’s natural ability to function, digest, and thrive.

What Is Constipation, Really?

Constipation is more than just having infrequent bowel movements; it indicates that the body’s internal communication system—especially between the gut and the nervous system—is not functioning properly.

Signs that your baby or child may be experiencing constipation include:

- Fewer than three bowel movements per week

- Stools that are hard, dry, or pellet-like

- Straining or experiencing pain during bowel movements

- A bloated or hard belly

- Irritability, poor sleep, or a decreased appetite

- Withholding stool behaviors

If not addressed, chronic constipation can lead to more serious issues, such as abdominal pain, nutrient deficiencies, and gut inflammation.

Common Causes of Constipation

Many factors can contribute to constipation, including:

- Dysregulation of the nervous system (more on this below!)

- Dehydration or diets low in fiber

- Food sensitivities, especially to dairy, gluten, and soy

- Use of antibiotics that disrupt healthy gut flora

- Formula feeding or introducing processed foods too early

- Emotional stress that affects communication between the gut and the brain

Nervous System Regulation: The Hidden Key

Constipation is often linked to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), particularly due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which is commonly referred to as "fight or flight" mode.

Here's how it works: When the body is stuck in sympathetic dominance, stress hormones increase, digestion slows down, and bowel movements become more difficult and less frequent.

On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system, known as "rest and digest" mode, facilitates relaxation of the intestines, proper digestion, and regular elimination.

In babies and young children—especially following birth trauma, C-section deliveries, or early exposure to stress—their delicate nervous systems can easily become unbalanced, leading to issues such as constipation.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

We provide gentle, specific adjustments for children to help restore balance to their nervous systems. By reducing nervous system interference—we can help shift your child from a "fight or flight" response to a "rest and digest" state.

This transition allows the brain and gut to communicate more effectively, which often leads to more regular, easier, and less painful bowel movements. Many parents notice that their child has a bowel movement shortly after an adjustment, and with consistent care, constipation frequently becomes a thing of the past.

Research from PX Docs indicates that over 80% of parents have reported significant improvements in their child's constipation following chiropractic care focused on the nervous system.

At-Home Remedies to Support Your Child

While chiropractic care addresses the root, there are several simple at-home strategies you can use to support gut health:

Hydration Boost: Encourage water intake or breastfeed frequently.

Fiber-Rich Foods: For toddlers and older children, introduce easy-to-digest fruits like pears, prunes, and berries.

Tummy Massage: Use gentle, clockwise strokes over the abdomen to stimulate bowel motility.

Probiotics: Talk to us about safe, high-quality infant probiotics that help balance the gut microbiome.

Movement: Tummy time, crawling, squatting, and walking naturally stimulate digestion.

Epsom Salt Baths: Soothing warm baths can relax the nervous system and help relieve tension.

Allergy Awareness: Consider eliminating common inflammatory foods like dairy if constipation persists.

Why Choose Holistic Care?

Rather than merely masking symptoms with laxatives—which can have side effects and do not address the underlying cause—holistic chiropractic care assists your child in self-correcting naturally.

We believe in empowering the body to heal from within, which not only supports easier bowel movements but also promotes overall vibrant health, emotional regulation, and thriving development.

While constipation may be common, it is not something your child has to "just live with."

Through chiropractic care focused on the nervous system, simple natural remedies, and the right support, your child’s digestion—and overall health—can significantly improve.