IS IT JUST ABOUT THE SPINE? MAYBE NOT.
When you think “chiropractor,” chances are you imagine someone cracking backs or easing neck pain. Or maybe those oddly satisfying adjustment videos online pop into your head. But what if chiropractic care could actually go deeper—like helping with asthma, infant colic, or even digestion issues in older adults?
I used to roll my eyes at those claims, honestly. But lately, I’ve come across more stories that made me pause—and researchers are starting to ask the same questions.
MY FRIEND’S BABY AND A SMALL MIRACLE
My friend Sara had a rough time. Her newborn cried constantly—day and night. Doctors said it was just colic and to wait it out, but the crying didn’t stop. In desperation, she tried something different: a chiropractor who specialized in infants.
After just two sessions, the baby wasn’t screaming nearly as much. It wasn’t a magical fix, but to Sara, it felt like a small miracle. Her exact words? “I could finally hear myself think again.”
Sure, it might have been timing. Or luck. But it still made me wonder—maybe there’s more to this than we think.
WHAT THE STUDIES ACTUALLY SHOW
There was a major review of nearly 180 studies looking at chiropractic care for issues not related to the spine—things like ear infections, asthma, and colic.
Here’s what stood out:
Some early evidence showed benefits for infant colic and cervicogenic vertigo (dizziness that comes from the neck).
There were hints that asthma patients might experience fewer symptoms and rely less on medication.
Other conditions, like ear infections and pneumonia, didn’t have strong evidence—but researchers didn’t totally dismiss them either.
Now, it’s important to say: most of this research isn’t “gold standard” quality. Out of all the studies, only a few met the highest levels of scientific rigor.
MORE THAN JUST “CRACKS”
A good chiropractor doesn’t just adjust your spine and send you on your way. They ask about sleep, stress, your desk setup, even how you breathe. That holistic approach is hard to capture in quick clinical trials.
One woman I met at the gym shared how her breathing got better after she started going. Not cured—she still uses an inhaler—but posture work and adjustments helped her feel more in control. She told me, “I didn’t even realize how much tension I was holding until it was gone.”
RISKS, LIMITATIONS, AND WHAT WE NEED TO IMPROVE
Let’s be real for a sec: chiropractic care isn’t a cure-all. And not everyone in the medical field is on board with using it for non-spinal conditions—and that’s valid.
In fact, many studies lacked long-term follow-up, and only one met the standards of “whole systems research”—basically a fancy term for looking at care as it happens in real life.
The good news? Serious side effects were very rare. When they did occur, they were mostly mild and resolved on their own. Still, it’s a good idea to always talk to your primary doctor before adding anything new to your health routine.
Oh, and small note: some chiropractors may oversell supplements or make claims that feel a bit too confident. That’s a red flag.
SO… SHOULD YOU GIVE IT A SHOT?
If you’re dealing with colic, asthma, or weird dizzy spells—and nothing else has worked—trying chiropractic care alongside your regular medical treatment might be worth exploring.
But don’t skip the doctor. And don’t assume it will work for everyone.
Honestly, I think the biggest benefit sometimes isn’t the adjustment itself—it’s that someone spends time with you. Listens. Offers a different perspective.
(And yeah, I probably wrote “chiropractic” wrong three times before spellcheck fixed it, haha.)
THE BOTTOM LINE
Chiropractic care is evolving—from “crack and go” to something more personal and whole-body focused. The science isn’t perfect yet, but real people have real stories worth listening to.
Sometimes healing doesn’t come from a pill or procedure. Sometimes, it starts with a human touch and a question that no one else thought to ask.
✅ FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can chiropractic care treat asthma or colic?
There’s no solid proof that it “treats” these conditions, but some people report symptom relief. Always talk to your doctor first.
Is chiropractic safe for babies and seniors?
It can be, when done by experienced professionals. Pediatric and geriatric care requires extra training—so ask first.
Do chiropractors prescribe medicine?
Nope. Chiropractors focus on non-invasive techniques like spinal adjustments, posture work, and sometimes lifestyle tips.
Is it covered by insurance?
Sometimes. Coverage depends on your provider, diagnosis, and country. Check before booking.
✍️ ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Daniel W. – Curious writer, skeptic turned open-minded observer
I started researching chiropractic care because I was honestly skeptical. But personal stories—like my friend Sara’s—made me want to learn more. I’m not a doctor, just someone trying to understand what works for real people. I believe healing is personal, and writing about it helps others feel less alone on the journey.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment.
Written by Tomasz Pieszko – health enthusiast and chiropractic researcher.
Sharing real experiences and insights from my own journey with spine care and natural health.