October is National Chiropractic Health Month — a time to shine the spotlight on how chiropractic care supports health across the lifespan. At ABC Family Chiropractic, Dr. Terri Gates had had the honor of caring for patients from just 40 minutes old to 102 years young. That range illustrates one foundational truth: chiropractic is for everyone. In this post, we’ll explore how chiropractic adapts to different life stages, why it matters, and how it can support your family’s wellness journey.

Why “All Ages” Matters

Your nervous system is always at work — from your very first breath to your 100th birthday. The spine acts as a protective and structural conduit for nerve signals. Misalignments, stresses, or restrictions along the vertebrae can cause interference to that communication. Gentle, precise chiropractic adjustments help restore alignment and optimize nervous system function — and that benefit doesn’t have an expiration date.

Movement, flexibility, balance, and pain-free motion are goals at every age. Caring for the spine early and consistently helps people adapt better over time, reduce compensations, and maintain function even as life’s demands shift.

Also, during National Chiropractic Health Month, we emphasize a non-drug, patient-centered approach to musculoskeletal health. Addressing spinal and joint issues early — rather than waiting until they become chronic — is part of proactive, holistic care.

Chiropractic for Newborns & Children

Did you know that chiropractic adjustments for infants uses no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato!

Treating infants is nothing like treating adults. A newborn’s spine is delicate, and adjustments are made using very light force (often fingertip pressure or specialized instruments). The goal is not a “snap,” but rather releasing tension, correcting misalignments, and supporting optimal spinal development. Dr. Terri Gates is certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

Some possible benefits (though research is still emerging):

• Helping with birth-related spinal or muscular stresses

• Supporting better feeding, sleep, or colic relief (in some cases)

• Encouraging proper spinal alignment as the child’s nervous system develops

As children grow, chiropractic care can support them through:

• Growth spurts and bone/joint stress

• Postural challenges (phone, tablet, backpack load)

• Sports or activity-related injuries

• Nervous system support through growth and development

Chiropractic in Adulthood

Most adults come to us seeking relief from neck pain, back pain, headaches, or posture issues. The evidence supports that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) — a core chiropractic technique — is often comparable to physical therapy for low back pain in clinical trials.

Chiropractic care for adults often includes:

• Spinal adjustments (manual or instrument)

• Soft tissue therapy (myofascial release, stretching)

• Rehabilitation exercises and movement instruction

• Posture education, ergonomics, and lifestyle advice

These combined modalities help restore motion, reduce pain, and support long-term function. And because chiropractic is naturally non-drug, it can be an appealing first step before stronger interventions.

Chiropractic for Seniors & Aging Gracefully

Aging brings changes: disc wear, joint degeneration, reduced flexibility, balance concerns, and increased risk of falls. Chiropractic care for older adults is adapted to those realities using gentler techniques like mobilization, instrument-assisted adjustments, soft tissue work, and tailored exercise.

Research shows that combining chiropractic with other therapeutic modalities may reduce pain and improve function in older adults. Some strategies for seniors include:

• Gentle, low-force adjustments

• Focus on balance, muscle strength, and coordination

• Addressing stiffness, postural shift, and mobility limitations

• Integrating with medical care and being mindful of comorbidities

For someone in their 80s, 90s, or beyond, the goal is to maintain as much mobility, independence, and comfort as possible.

Real-Life Story: From 40 Minutes Old to 102 Years Young

When you treat patients from 40 minutes old to 102 years old, you see firsthand how spinal and nervous system health matter through all seasons of life.

• A newborn, barely here, may benefit from a gentle adjustment to ease birth stress.

• A centenarian may benefit from gentle mobilization or modifications to maintain mobility, reduce pain, and support balance.

These stories aren’t just inspiring — they reflect a philosophy that respects structure, function, and vitality at every age.

Tips for Patients & Families This National Chiropractic Health Month

• Schedule a screening — If it’s been a while (or never), now is a great time for an evaluation.

• Ask your chiropractor about techniques — Especially with infants or older adults, know how they’ll adjust safely.

• Be consistent — Consistency helps maintain alignment and function.

• Pair with movement — Gentle exercise, stretching, balance training support the effects of adjustments.

• Share your health story — Tell your chiropractor about medications, bone health, surgeries, goals — so they can tailor your care.

Call to Action

Are you ready to see how chiropractic care can support your health at any age?

👉 Schedule your appointment here and take the first step toward better movement, comfort, and vitality — naturally!

📍 Proudly serving Colorado Springs, CO and surrounding communities with gentle, effective chiropractic care for families of all ages.

References:

1. American Chiropractic Association — National Chiropractic Health Month Overview

2. Palmer College of Chiropractic — October is National Chiropractic Health Month

3. NIH / PubMed Central — Clinical Effectiveness and Efficacy of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy

4. Chiropractic Care for Children: Literature Review — PMC Article

5. Chiropractic Use in Older Adults — PMC Article

6. Systematic Review: Chiropractic Care and Fall Prevention — PMC Article

7. Best Practices for Chiropractic in Older Adults — Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

8. NUHS Research Update — How New Research is Advancing Chiropractic Medicine

9. Total Health Clinics — Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Seniors