Constipation in Kids: How Chiropractic Care and Gut Health Testing Can Help

By Dr. Kara Rangel, DC, IBCLC | The Well Chiropractic & Lactation Support

If your child struggles with constipation, you’re not alone. Many families deal with irregular bowel movements, tummy aches, or painful bathroom trips—but it doesn’t have to be that way. While most people think of chiropractic care as something for back pain, it can actually play a big role in supporting healthy digestion and helping kids find natural relief from constipation.

At The Well Chiropractic & Lactation Support in Danville, CA, we take a whole-child approach—looking at the nervous system, diet, and gut health to uncover why constipation is happening and how to restore balance gently and naturally.

Why Constipation Happens in Children

Constipation in kids can have many causes, including:

• Low fiber or water intake

• Stress or emotional changes

• Food sensitivities (like dairy or gluten)

• Poor gut bacteria balance

• Slow digestion from nervous system tension

When the body’s natural communication between the brain, gut, and bowels isn’t working properly, digestion slows down. Over time, stool becomes harder, and the cycle of discomfort continues.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Healthy Digestion

Your child’s nervous system controls every function in the body—including digestion. When there’s tension or misalignment in the spine, especially around the lower back or pelvis, it can interfere with the nerves that signal the intestines to move properly.

Gentle pediatric chiropractic adjustments help:

• Improve communication between the brain and gut

• Stimulate intestinal motility (the wave-like movement that moves stool)

• Relieve tension in the lower spine and pelvis

• Support relaxation so the body can eliminate naturally

At The Well Chiropractic, adjustments for kids are always soft, precise, and tailored to their age. Most children find care relaxing and even fun!

The Gut–Brain Connection

The gut and brain are constantly communicating through what’s called the gut–brain axis. If that communication gets disrupted—by stress, inflammation, or spinal tension—digestion can slow down. Chiropractic care helps keep that communication clear, while also supporting overall nervous system regulation, sleep, and mood (which can all impact digestion too).

When Functional Gut Health Testing Helps

Sometimes, constipation is a symptom of an underlying gut imbalance—like low beneficial bacteria, yeast overgrowth, or inflammation in the intestinal lining. That’s where functional gut health testing comes in.

At The Well Chiropractic & Lactation Support, we offer comprehensive stool and microbiome testing (such as Tiny Health or GI-MAP) to get a deeper look at what’s going on inside your child’s digestive system.

These tests can reveal:

• Bacterial imbalances or overgrowths

• Food sensitivities

• Inflammation markers

• Parasites or pathogens

• Nutrient absorption issues

Once we know what’s happening inside, we can create a targeted plan using natural support—like probiotics, dietary changes, or gentle supplements—to help the gut heal and improve bowel regularity.

A Whole-Child Approach to Constipation

Our approach is never one-size-fits-all. Every child’s body and digestive system are different, so we start with a full assessment that includes:

• A conversation about your child’s health history, diet, and routines

• A gentle chiropractic evaluation

• Optional functional gut testing to find root causes

• A customized plan that may include nutrition, lifestyle, and chiropractic care

Many parents notice improvements within just a few visits—like more regular bowel movements, less bloating, and happier moods.

Natural Relief That Lasts

Instead of relying on temporary fixes like laxatives or stool softeners, chiropractic care and gut testing work together to help your child’s body function better from the inside out.

When the spine is aligned, the nervous system can communicate freely, the gut can move naturally, and kids can feel like themselves again—energetic, happy, and comfortable.

Find Support for Your Child in Danville

If your child is struggling with constipation, tummy aches, or digestive issues, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to help you uncover what’s going on and create a plan that truly supports their health and comfort.

Book your visit today at The Well Chiropractic & Lactation Support and learn how gentle chiropractic care and gut testing can help your child’s body find balance—naturally