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Back pain in children and young athletes is more common than many parents realize — from heavy backpacks, sports, and growth-related strain. Gentle, age-appropriate chiropractic care can address the cause early, before it affects posture, sleep, or activity. The Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol serves Bristol, Plainville, Southington, and Burlington. Call 860-583-4346 for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Astrid Baldrich, DC, a mother and experienced chiropractor. In most cases we can see you the same day.
Back Pain in Children Is More Common Than Parents Think
We often think of back pain as an adult problem, but children and teens get it too — and because kids don’t always describe their symptoms clearly, it’s easy to miss. Between heavy backpacks, hours hunched over phones and tablets, sports, and the rapid changes of growth spurts, a young spine takes on a surprising amount of stress. The good news is that addressing the cause early, while a child is still growing, is often simpler than waiting until poor posture and movement habits are set.
As a mother and the Clinic Director at the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, Dr. Astrid Baldrich, DC, has a special focus on helping children and young athletes feel and move their best — with gentle, age-appropriate care.
Common Causes of Back Pain in Kids and Teens
- Heavy or poorly worn backpacks — overloaded bags, or wearing one strap, pull the spine out of balance. See our guide on backpack-related back pain in children.
- Sports and repetitive strain — the twisting, impacts, and repetitive motion of soccer, football, gymnastics, and other sports can strain the spine and supporting muscles. Learn how chiropractic can help with a child’s sports injury.
- “Tech neck” and posture — long hours looking down at screens load the neck and upper back.
- Falls and bumps — active kids fall, and minor injuries can linger if the joints don’t move well afterward.
- Growth spurts — rapid growth can temporarily outpace flexibility and strength, leading to aches and stiffness.
Helping Young Athletes Stay in the Game
Sports are wonderful for kids — but the repetitive motions, sudden twists, and impacts of a game like soccer can strain a growing spine. Dr. Baldrich uses a holistic approach aimed not only at relieving current pain but at preventing future injuries so young athletes can keep doing what they love.
Care begins with a thorough, gentle assessment of each child — evaluating posture, spinal alignment, and muscle balance to find the root cause of the discomfort, rather than just chasing the symptom. From there, each child receives a plan tailored to their age, size, and activity.
How Dr. Baldrich Cares for Young Patients
Pediatric chiropractic care is very different from adult care. The techniques are gentle and low-force, scaled to a child’s size and stage of development:
- Gentle adjustments to restore normal motion and take pressure off irritated nerves.
- Soft-tissue work and stretching to relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility.
- Education for kids and parents — proper backpack use, posture, warm-ups, and simple strengthening — so improvements last and future injuries are less likely.
If a child’s situation calls for imaging or another specialist, we’ll refer promptly. Our goal is always the child’s comfort, safety, and long-term wellness.
When Should a Child See a Chiropractor?
It’s worth having your child evaluated if you notice any of these:
- Frequent complaints of back, neck, or shoulder pain.
- Pain after sports that doesn’t settle within a few days.
- Noticeably uneven posture, or one shoulder or hip sitting higher than the other.
- A heavy backpack and regular soreness from carrying it.
- Reduced interest in activities they normally enjoy because of discomfort.
Trusted, Gentle Care for Bristol Families
You don’t have to take our word for it. See what Bristol families say about their care.
Read all patient reviews » | Watch more video testimonials »
Worried About Cost? Let’s Take That Off Your Plate.
- Most major insurance plans accepted — we’ll verify your benefits before your first visit.
- Complimentary consultation — find out if we can help, at no cost or obligation.
- Auto-injury & work-injury cases welcome — we handle the paperwork.
- Se habla español — bilingual care for the whole Bristol community.
See accepted insurance plans »
To schedule, call 860-583-4346 or fill out the form below — we’d love to help your child feel their best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Back Pain
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic uses very gentle, low-force techniques appropriate for a child’s size and age. Dr. Baldrich adapts every part of care carefully for younger patients and only treats when chiropractic care is appropriate.
What kinds of back problems do you treat in children?
Common reasons include back or neck pain from heavy backpacks, sports activity, falls, posture and screen time, and growth-related strain. We assess gently and refer out if a child needs imaging or another specialist.
How will I know if my child needs to be seen?
Watch for frequent pain complaints, soreness after sports that lingers, uneven posture, or a child avoiding activities they enjoy. When in doubt, a complimentary consultation can help you decide.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans and offer a complimentary consultation. Call (860) 583-4346 and we’ll verify your benefits before your first visit.
Do you offer care in Spanish?
Yes — Dr. Astrid Baldrich is bilingual and provides care in English and Spanish. Se habla español. Ver página en español »
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