Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Mooresville, NC

Children grow and develop quickly, and their spine and nervous system play a key role in how they move, sleep, and respond to their environment. At ChiroLife Wellness Center, we provide gentle and safe pediatric chiropractic care in Mooresville for infants, toddlers, and children.

Dr. John Ashcraft, DC, and Dr. Haley Huck, DC, use age-appropriate techniques designed to support comfort, development, and overall well-being. Care focuses on helping children move better and feel more at ease in their daily activities. Each visit is calm, safe, and tailored to your child’s needs.

If you have concerns about your child’s posture, movement, or comfort, call (704) 218-9161 to schedule an evaluation.

What Is Pediatric Chiropractic Care?

Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on the spine, joints, and nervous system of infants, children, and teens. It looks at how the body moves and how well it adapts to daily stress.

Unlike adult care, techniques for children are much gentler and more specific. Evaluations consider posture, development, and movement patterns, not just pain.

The goal is to support healthy growth by improving mobility and reducing tension in the body. This can help children move more comfortably, maintain better posture, and stay active. Care may also support common concerns related to growth, minor injuries, or daily strain.

How Does Chiropractic Care Help With Infants?

The trunk of a tree grows the way it starts. The same applies to babies. Early evaluation may help identify movement or tension patterns that could affect comfort, feeding, posture, or development.

Checking babies for subluxation (dislocation) right out of the womb and correcting anything that is found gives them the very best start. Children respond much faster than adults because they do not have decades of accumulated stress on their nervous systems. Their bodies are still developing, and their nerves are adapting rapidly, so they tend to respond quickly to care.

Most babies brought into our clinic are evaluated for wellness evaluations following prenatal care during pregnancy. They do not have symptoms, but are checked right after birth to make sure nothing is interfering with their development from the start.

Common Symptoms in Pediatric Patients

Torticollis: The neck becomes stuck in one direction. Babies with this condition can only turn their head one way. They can develop a bald spot on one side of the head from constant pressure against the crib. The cranial bones (skull) and ears can also begin to reshape over time if it is not addressed. If left untreated, it can result in a misshapen head or neurological issues down the road.

Colic: Babies who cry persistently without a clear cause. This is often related to subluxations (dislocations or misalignments) in the thoracic region affecting the stomach and upper digestive tract. Some parents seek chiropractic evaluation when concerns such as colic-like crying or recurring ear issues continue. Care should remain coordinated with the child’s pediatrician.

Ear Infections: There is a muscle called the tensor veli palatini that connects to the Eustachian tube (ear canal). In babies, this tube sits at a fairly flat angle. As they develop, it begins to angle downward. When there are subluxations in the upper neck, the nerve controlling that muscle can get disrupted, causing the muscle to tighten and trap fluid inside the ear. This leads to recurring ear infections.

Pediatric Chiropractic Treatment Plan

After a thorough evaluation, treatment involves adjustments and soft tissue work as needed.

Spinal adjustments for infants use only fingertip pressure. The force is similar to the light pressure you would use to check whether an avocado is ripe. The joints in an infant are small, and the structures are much more delicate than in an adult, so very little force is needed.

If muscle spasms are present, such as with torticollis, targeted soft tissue work is done on those specific areas as well.

Children respond much faster than adults. They do not have years of neglect and accumulated stress on their bodies. Their nerves are developing rapidly, so they tend to take care quickly.

Pediatric Patient Case Study

Severe Scoliosis in a Six-Year-Old Stabilized Without Surgery

Patient Information: A six-year-old boy with a hemi-vertebra in his mid-back. One of his vertebrae is shaped like a triangle instead of a block, causing the areas above and below to stack unevenly. Dr. Ashcraft has been treating him since shortly after birth.

Symptoms: A 54-degree spinal curvature in the mid-back caused by a hemi-vertebra. No functional limitations or nerve symptoms were present despite the severity of the curve. The boy is very normal-acting and functions very well.

Diagnosis: A 54-degree scoliosis was diagnosed. Because the vertebra itself is the structural problem, the curve cannot be corrected.

Treatments: Consistent chiropractic care from shortly after birth, focused on maintaining nerve function and preventing the curvature from getting worse as the child grows.

Outcome: Several years ago, a pediatric neurosurgeon recommended removing the hemi-vertebra surgically. The mother declined and continued with chiropractic care. The scoliosis has not progressed at all. The boy continues to grow normally and functions very well. At a recent follow-up, the neurosurgeon confirmed that surgery is no longer being considered as long as his function remains stable.

Pediatric Patient Testimonials & Reviews

Bruce Swanson

Very caring and knowledgeable folks. They treated me with the utmost respect and kindness, the staff explained every step and made sure I understood. I have been a steady patient of chiropractic since 2007 at another top rated clinic and I’ve never received the thorough treatment and care I received from Chiropractic Life of Mootesville. I will definitely continue to seek my chiropractic help from them for years to come!

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Lisa Spade

Not one to write reviews but the doctors here have been such a blessing! I’m pregnant with my first child and have scoliosis. I’ve been experiencing sciatic pain for years and since going to Chirolife regularly, I’ve noticed a huge difference in how little I experience it now, even with a growing tummy.

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Emily Shorkey

I’ve been to several chiropractors across different states over 10 years, and Dr. A is, without question, the most knowledgeable and effective chiropractor I’ve worked with. The entire staff at Chirolife Wellness is equally exceptional - professional, welcoming, and genuinely invested in your well-being. Even though I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about the benefits of chiropractic care, Chirolife Wellness exceeded my expectations with how holistic and comprehensive their approach is. The team takes the time to thoroughly explain your individualized treatment plan and strategies to improve your health (beyond the standard stretching/exercise

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Alexis Thompson

I started seeing Dr. Haley Huck to help with pain related to pregnancy. She was amazing at helping relieve that pain and overall educating me on the chiropractic way. Now, after the birth of my son, I have continued to see Dr. Huck and she is changing my life. The adjustments, education, and connection that she provides at every appointment is restoring wellness and healing in so many areas of my life. Why have I not done this sooner?! If you’re on the fence about whether or not to try a chiropractor, hop on over to ChiroLife Wellness and see Dr. Huck. From one mom to another, it’s worth it! ✨

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Tawanna Heaggans

These professionals have been a part of my life for at least 5 years. Both Dr. Ashcroft & Dr. Donahue are so caring & personable. The staff are always warm & welcoming. I get my regular adjustments and take advantage of their sauna. When I’m ready to leave, I float out of the office. So thankful I found them.

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Tom Onsrud

Everyone at ChiroLife Wellness Center is super profesional, Extremely nice, got me in and out quickly. Very Nice Facility, and equipment. Easy to make future appointments. Remembered me immediately even though I had not been in there in 5 years. Could not have been a Better Experience !

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Book An Appointment | ChiroLife Wellness Center

If you have concerns about your child’s comfort, movement, or development, it is a good time to get them evaluated.

At ChiroLife Wellness Center, Dr. John Ashcraft, DC, provides gentle and focused pediatric chiropractic care tailored to your child’s needs. You will receive clear guidance and a plan that supports your child’s growth and well-being.

Call us at (704) 218-9161 or book online using the booking tool below.

LET US HELP YOU

Pediatric Chiropractic Patient FAQs

Is chiropractic care safe for babies and children?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic uses extremely gentle, low-force techniques adapted to a child’s size and age. Care is conservative and coordinated with your pediatrician when needed.

How early can my baby see a chiropractor?
Babies can be evaluated shortly after birth if parents have concerns. Techniques are light and carefully modified for newborns and infants.

What conditions do you commonly see in children?
We often evaluate colic, torticollis, posture concerns, growing pains, sports strains, and unusual movement patterns after medical causes are ruled out.

Will the adjustment hurt my child?
No. Adjustments for children are extremely gentle and often use light fingertip pressure or a small instrument. The force is similar to the light pressure you would use to check whether an avocado is ripe. Most children tolerate care comfortably.

How many visits will my child need?
The number of visits depends on what is found during the evaluation and how the child responds to care. Children heal a lot faster than adults because their bodies are still growing and their nervous system is developing rapidly.

Do you replace my child’s pediatrician?
No. Chiropractic care complements medical care. We encourage regular pediatric checkups and collaborate with other providers when appropriate.

Content Reviewed by

Dr. John Ashcraft, DC

Author

Doctor of Chiropractic