Constipation is more than just an occasional tummy issue—it can become a chronic and frustrating challenge for both children and parents. Chronic constipation is often misunderstood or dismissed as a simple dietary problem, but the truth is, it usually involves a deeper dysfunction in the body.
What Is Chronic Constipation?
Chronic constipation in children goes beyond infrequent bowel movements. It involves ongoing difficulty in passing stool, hard or painful bowel movements, and sometimes even soiling accidents due to buildup in the colon. It can start as early as infancy and persist for years if not addressed properly.
Many children learn to "withhold" their stool because of discomfort or fear, which can lead to worsening symptoms. Over time, this creates a cycle of discomfort, behavioral challenges, and physical tension in the body—especially in the gut and nervous system.
What Causes It?
Chronic constipation can be caused by:
- Poor diet and low fiber intake
- Dehydration
- Emotional stress or anxiety
- Nervous system interference affecting gut-brain communication
- Spinal misalignments from birth trauma or early development
Often, the problem isn't just in the gut—it's in the nervous system that controls the gut. When communication between the brain and digestive system is disrupted, regular bowel movements become more difficult to achieve.
How Chiropractic Can Help
At Family Chiropractic Centre, we take a holistic and neurologically focused approach to constipation. Instead of relying solely on diet changes or medications, we assess how the spinal and nervous systems are functioning—especially in areas that control digestion and elimination.
Gentle, pediatric-specific chiropractic adjustments can help:
- Improve nervous system communication
- Reduce spinal tension and misalignments
- Support healthy bowel movements
- Promote relaxation and reduce stress
Many parents report that after consistent chiropractic care, their children begin to have more regular, pain-free bowel movements, along with improvements in sleep, mood, and overall well-being.
We understand how tough it can be to watch your child struggle—and we're here to support your whole family with compassionate care and personalized strategies.