Chiropractic for All Ages: Why Families Trust Salt in South Brisbane
When most people think of chiropractic care, they picture someone, (usually over 30) with back pain that’s finally doing something about it. But chiropractic is not just for adults with discomfort. It can support people of all ages - from babies and children to parents and grandparents - by helping the body function more clearly and adapt more easily to life’s demands.
At Salt Chiropractic, we are proud to be a trusted family chiropractor in South Brisbane, offering care for everyone under one roof. Families choose us not only because we help relieve symptoms, but because we take the time to understand the individual and their goals. Our approach is tailored, thorough, and focused on the nervous system, which means we don’t just chase symptoms. We help people reconnect with how their bodies are meant to work.
In this article, we’ll explore what chiropractic for all ages really means, how care looks different depending on age and stage of life, and why families across South Brisbane choose Salt.
Why Chiropractic Isn’t Just About Pain
Your nervous system is the communication pathway between your brain and body. It controls movement, digestion, healing, coordination, and stress responses. When this system is disrupted, your body may not function the way it should. Chiropractic care works by improving that communication, helping the body self-regulate and heal more effectively.
This means chiropractic can support more than pain. Many people anecdotally report improvements such as better sleep or focus after care, though these outcomes are subjective and not guaranteed. More research is needed to understand the full effects of chiropractic on non-musculoskeletal symptoms
Chiropractic for Babies and Young Children
The early years of life involve rapid growth and adaptation. Some parents choose to have their babies checked by a chiropractor shortly after birth, especially if they experienced a long or difficult delivery. Others are referred by word of mouth after noticing things like:
Discomfort or tension through the neck or jaw
Preference for turning the head to one side
Fussiness or unsettled behaviour
Feeding difficulties
Restless sleep
It’s important to be clear, chiropractic care is not a treatment for any specific childhood condition. However, these are some of the reasons parents have brought their children to us for assessment. Our role is to evaluate how the spine and nervous system are functioning and whether there is any tension or imbalance that may be affecting comfort or development.
Chiropractic adjustments for babies and young children are extremely gentle. Often, it’s light fingertip pressure or subtle movement to support better balance and coordination in the nervous system. Many parents anecdotally report that their child seems more at ease following care, though responses vary and further research is needed to understand these changes.
I (Andrew Roberts) have completed further study in paediatric chiropractic care, so parents can feel confident knowing that every step of the process is grounded in current guidelines, age-appropriate techniques, and a deep respect for the developing nervous system.
What the Research Says
In 2019, Safer Care Victoria conducted one of the largest reviews of pediatric chiropractic care in Australia. As part of this review, over 21,800 parents shared their experiences. The findings were clear:
99.7% of parents reported a positive experience with chiropractic care for their child
98% said they noticed an improvement in their child’s symptoms
Only 0.3% of respondents reported a neutral or negative experience
No serious adverse events were identified among those surveyed
While the review also noted that further high-quality research is needed to determine the effectiveness of spinal manipulation for specific pediatric conditions, it confirmed that serious harm is extremely rare when care is delivered appropriately by trained professionals.
At Salt Chiropractic, we align with these recommendations. We always discuss the risks and benefits with parents, tailor our approach to the child’s age and health history, and maintain open communication throughout the process.
Chiropractic for School-Aged Kids and Teens
As children grow, their bodies are under constant physical, emotional, and mental stress. School posture, long hours on screens, and rapid growth can lead to imbalances in posture and nervous system function. Some of the reasons families seek chiropractic care for school-aged children and teens include:
Postural strain
Coordination issues or frequent falls
Trouble focusing
Headaches or tension
Sports injuries or recovery support
General fatigue or emotional regulation challenges
Again, chiropractic care is not a substitute for medical or psychological care, and we don’t claim to treat specific conditions. What we do offer is a way to assess how the body is adapting and functioning under stress, and whether adjustments may support better balance and performance.
For teenagers especially, who are often navigating study, part-time work, and performance pressures, regular care can help them feel more grounded and resilient. Many report better sleep, less tension, and a clearer mind.
Chiropractic for Adults
Adults are often the last to prioritise their own care. By the time they come in, they’ve often been living with low-level discomfort, stress, or fatigue for years. They’re also usually juggling a lot - work, parenting, training, relationships, and mental load.
Some of the common reasons adults seek chiropractic care include:
Persistent neck or back pain
Tension headaches or migraines
Numbness or nerve tension
Sleep disruption
Poor posture or flexibility
Generalised fatigue or burnout
Once care begins, many people notice a difference not just in their pain, but in how they feel overall — more relaxed, more clear-headed, and more in control of their health.
Chiropractic for Older Adults
Aging doesn’t have to mean decline. Many older adults seek chiropractic care to stay active, mobile, and independent.
Our care for seniors is focused on:
Supporting balance and stability
Improving mobility
Easing joint or muscular discomfort
Enhancing energy and brain-body coordination
We always take into account individual health conditions, past surgeries, and any joint replacements, and adapt our care accordingly. Chiropractic care may offer a gentle approach that supports mobility and comfort in older adults, depending on individual needs and health status.
As we age, maintaining mobility, balance, and overall well-being becomes increasingly important. Many older adults seek chiropractic care to address age-related musculoskeletal issues. Research supports the safety and potential benefits of chiropractic interventions in this demographic:
Enhanced Balance and Fall Prevention: An 8-week study focusing on adults aged 65 and older demonstrated that chiropractic care could lead to measurable improvements in balance, as assessed by the Short-Form Berg Balance Scale. Enhanced balance is crucial in reducing fall risks among seniors.
Pain Relief and Improved Mobility: Research indicates that chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pain and improve joint function in older adults, particularly those suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. These improvements contribute to better mobility and quality of life.
Safety Considerations: Studies have shown that chiropractic care is generally safe for older adults, with a low incidence of adverse events. Most reported side effects are mild and transient, such as temporary soreness or stiffness.
While these findings are promising, it's important to note that more high-quality research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and efficacy of chiropractic care in older populations. At Salt Chiropractic, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that care is both safe and effective.
Whole-Family Care in South Brisbane
At Salt Chiropractic, we love looking after entire families. Not only does it create convenience, but it also allows us to support the rhythms of the household as a whole. When parents are feeling better, they’re more present for their kids. When kids are calmer or more coordinated, the whole family dynamic shifts.
We don’t offer cookie-cutter plans or make promises we can’t keep. We test, we explain, and we work with you. Whether you’re bringing in your toddler for a check-up or coming in after a long workday, you’ll be met with care that respects where you’re at.
And because we’re located just across from the Sky Needle in South Brisbane, close to West End and South Bank, we’re an easy stop between school runs, errands, or morning coffee.
In Summary
Chiropractic care is not just for adults, and it’s not just for pain. Many families across South Brisbane choose chiropractic care as part of their broader health approach, with a focus on supporting overall comfort, adaptability, and well-being.
Whether you're a new parent looking for gentle support, a teen under stress, or someone who just wants to feel more balanced and connected - we’re here for you.
Looking for a family chiropractor in South Brisbane?
We’d love to help. [Click here] to book your first visit or learn more about our approach.
References
Safer Care Victoria. (2019). Review of Spinal Manipulation of Children under 12 Years. Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria.
Retrieved from: https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/20191024-Final%20Chiropractic%20Spinal%20Manipulation.pdfCochrane Australia. (2019). Evidence Review for Safer Care Victoria: Effectiveness and safety of spinal manipulation in children. Included within the SCV final report.
Alcantara, J., et al. (2019). The quality of life of children under chiropractic care using PROMIS-25: Results from a practice-based research network.
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388119307479Todd, A. J., Carroll, M. T., Robinson, A., & Mitchell, E. K. (2020). Adverse events due to chiropractic and manual therapies in children: A systematic review.
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 28, 8.
https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-020-0299-yChiropractors’ Association of Australia. (2020). Commentary on the Safer Care Victoria Review.
https://www.chiropractors.org.au/wp-content/uploads/COMMENTARYONTHE2019SAFERCAREVICTORIAREVIEW-1.pdfHolt, K. R., Beck, R. W., & Green, B. N. (2016). Chiropractic Care of Older Adults: Focus on Safety and Outcomes.
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https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(16)30227-5/fulltextShaw, L., et al. (2009). The effect of chiropractic care on balance in older adults: A pilot study using the Berg Balance Scale.
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https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(09)00162-6/fulltextHartvigsen, J., French, S. D., et al. (2018). What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention.
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https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)30480-X/fulltextNdetan, H. T., et al. (2015). Characterizing adverse events reported by chiropractic teaching clinics: A 6-year retrospective review.
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