Why Kids Poop Better After Chiropractic Care

Constipation in children isn’t always just a digestive issue. Research from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA4Kids) shows it can also be linked to nerve interference in the spine that disrupts how the digestive system works. Digestion is guided by the autonomic nervous system, which tells the intestines when to move, contract, and eliminate. When those nerve signals are interrupted — often from areas of the spine that aren’t moving well — the gut can slow down or become irregular. Chiropractors refer to this nerve interference as a subluxation. Chiropractic care helps restore normal nervous system function and support healthy digestion by reducing nerve interference, so a child’s digestion can get back on track.

When Relief Isn’t the Same as a Solution

Many pediatricians recommend medications to help children with constipation, the most common being Miralax. Its active ingredient, polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG-3350), is an osmotic laxative that pulls water into the intestines to soften stool. Research shows it can temporarily increase bowel movement frequency in children with chronic constipation. But while PEG-3350 may offer relief, it can cause side effects such as gas, bloating, cramping, or diarrhea, and long-term use in children should be monitored. More importantly, it does not address why constipation is happening. Chiropractic offers a different approach: instead of forcing movement through medication, it focuses on restoring normal nerve communication so the body can regulate elimination naturally. Using what the ICPA calls a “salutogenesis” approach — which just means supporting the body’s own ability to work the way it’s designed — chiropractic helps the nervous system coordinate digestion rather than relying solely on symptom-based treatments.

Supporting Your Child’s Digestion Naturally

Chiropractic care supports nerve function at the source, helping the body coordinate digestion the way it was designed to. Parents can further support their child’s digestive health through simple lifestyle strategies: encouraging regular bathroom routines, offering plenty of fiber-rich foods, keeping children hydrated, and fostering movement and activity throughout the day.

When nerve communication improves and the body is supported with healthy habits, parents often notice positive changes:

• More regular, predictable bowel movements

• Less straining

• Fewer tummy aches

• A more relaxed and comfortable child

Constipation shouldn’t be a normal part of childhood. If you’re looking for a natural approach that supports your child instead of masking the problem, chiropractic care may be the missing piece. If you’d like to see whether chiropractic can help your child, we’d love to take a gentle, parent-focused look at what’s going on.