The Order Is Wrong: Why Your Child’s Chiropractor Should Be the First Doctor You Call

**This article was written by Dr. Tony Ebel for the PXDOCS network in which the Soul Full Team works for, trains under, and is affiliated with **

Parents today are trying harder than ever to raise healthy kids — and many are searching for ways to do that without relying on more medications and pharmaceuticals.

They’re changing diets.
They’re researching gut health and the microbiome.
They’re learning about toxins, inflammation, and nervous system regulation.
They’re investing in supplements, therapies, and lifestyle changes.

In many ways, parents today are more informed and more proactive than any generation before them.

And yet something strange keeps happening.

Despite all this effort, children are getting sicker.

Rates of chronic conditions in kids have exploded over the past few decades:

• ADHD

• Autism

• Anxiety

• Seizure disorders

• Sensory processing disorders

• Chronic digestive issues

• Autoimmune conditions

• Sleep disorders

• Developmental delays

Parents are working harder than ever to solve these challenges.

But most families are still entering the healthcare system through the exact same doorway.

The conventional pediatrician.

And what happens next often follows a very predictable path.

A long wait followed by a quick, rushed appointment.
A symptom-based diagnosis and label.
A prescription or a “wait and see” approach.
Then, if things persist, a referral to a specialist.

Weeks turn into months.

Parents bounce between appointments.

More testing is done.

More medications are introduced.

And slowly, without ever intending to, families become trapped inside the chronic illness system.

But what if the real problem isn’t just the treatments being offered?

What if the real problem is the order families are entering the system in the first place?

What If We Simply Switched the Order?

For most families today, chiropractic care is something they try later.

After the pediatrician.
After the medications.
After the specialists.
After months — or years — of frustration.

But what if millions of families simply did something different?

What if the first call for many health concerns wasn’t the pediatrician?

What if the first step was a Pediatric and Family Chiropractor?

Not as a last resort.

But as the starting point.

This single shift could dramatically change the trajectory of childhood health.

Because Pediatric + Family Chiropractors evaluate something that almost no other healthcare provider examines first.

The nervous system.

Why This Moment Matters: Chiropractic and the MAHA Movement

Across the country, a powerful new conversation is emerging about the health of our children.

Movements like MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) are shining a national spotlight on concerns parents have felt for years:

• rising chronic illness in children

• pharmaceutical overuse

• vaccine injury 

• environmental toxins

• poor nutrition

• metabolic dysfunction

• a healthcare system focused on symptom management rather than root causes

These concerns are valid and long overdue.

But what many parents may not realize is that one healthcare profession has been addressing these issues for more than a century.

Chiropractic.

Pediatric and Family Chiropractors focus on one of the most important systems in the human body — the nervous system.

The brainstem and autonomic nervous system regulate nearly every major function in a child’s body, including:

• immune function

• digestion and metabolism

• stress responses

• inflammation

• sleep cycles

• sensory processing and integration

• motor coordination and tone

• development and milestones

When this system becomes stuck in stress and dysregulation early in life, children can begin experiencing a wide range of chronic challenges.

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care works to restore balance to this system.

Naturally!

Without drugs.
Without pharmaceuticals.
Without invasive procedures.

Instead, chiropractic care supports the body’s ability to regulate and heal itself.

That philosophy aligns perfectly with the goals of the MAHA movement.

Because if we truly want healthier children, we must prioritize healthcare approaches that:

• address root causes

• support whole-body function

• strengthen natural physiology

• reduce unnecessary pharmaceutical dependence

And that is exactly what pediatric chiropractic care is designed to do.

The Doctor Most Families Call Last

Ironically, the healthcare provider best trained to evaluate nervous system function is often the one families call last.

The chiropractor.

Not because chiropractic care isn’t effective.

But because most parents have never been told something important:

Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed healthcare providers and are recognized as primary portal-of-entry providers.

This means families do not need a referral to see a chiropractor.

Parents are fully empowered to make chiropractic care their first step when concerns arise.

Yet culturally, chiropractic has been positioned as something to try after everything else.

But when it comes to children’s health, the nervous system should arguably be the first place we look — not the last.

Kids Who Receive Chiropractic Care Tend to Be Healthier

Families who incorporate Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care into their healthcare approach often notice something remarkable.

Their children tend to experience:

• stronger immune systems

• fewer ear infections

• better sleep

• improved digestion

• calmer nervous systems

• better sensory processing

• improved motor coordination and development

Why?

Because chiropractic care focuses on removing interference within the nervous system.

When the nervous system is functioning optimally, the body can regulate itself far more effectively.

Instead of waiting for symptoms to escalate, chiropractic care supports the body proactively.

What the Research Shows

Healthcare utilization research has repeatedly shown an interesting trend.

Families who incorporate chiropractic care into their healthcare model often rely less on medications, hospitalizations, and invasive procedures.

One study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients receiving chiropractic-centered care experienced:

• 60% fewer hospital admissions

• 59% fewer hospital days

• 62% fewer outpatient surgeries

• 85% lower pharmaceutical costs

Other research examining chiropractic families has found children in these households tend to experience:

• significantly lower antibiotic usage

• fewer ear infections

• less reliance on prescription medications

This does not mean medical care is unnecessary.

But it does highlight something important.

When families focus on nervous system health and preventative care, many conditions can be addressed earlier — before escalating into chronic illness.

One of the Safest Healthcare Professions

Another important factor parents often consider is safety.

One of the clearest indicators of safety in healthcare is malpractice insurance rates.

Insurance companies set malpractice premiums based on historical risk and injury claims.

When we look at these numbers, chiropractic stands out.

Profession

Average Malpractice Premium

Chiropractor

$2,000 – $5,000/year

Pediatrician

$20,000 – $60,000/year

OB/GYN

$100,000+/year

These differences reflect decades of data.

Chiropractic care has consistently demonstrated one of the strongest safety records in healthcare.

This is especially true for chiropractors trained in Pediatric and Neurologically-Focused Care.

The Whole Child vs The Siloed Model

One of the biggest challenges in modern healthcare is fragmentation.

A child experiencing multiple challenges may end up seeing:

• a gastroenterologist for digestion

• a neurologist for headaches

• a psychiatrist for behavioral challenges

• an occupational therapist for sensory issues

Each specialist examines one small piece of the puzzle.

But the nervous system controls all of those systems simultaneously.

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care instead begins with a simple question:

Is the child’s nervous system stuck in stress and dysregulation?

When that system begins to regulate again, many seemingly unrelated symptoms can improve together.

Root Cause vs Symptom Management

Conventional medicine excels at many things.

Emergency care.
Surgery.
Life-saving interventions.

But chronic conditions require a different approach.

One that asks deeper questions:

• Why is the immune system struggling?

• Why is the nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight?

• Why is the body unable to regulate itself?

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care focuses on restoring balance to the nervous system so the body can begin healing naturally.

Instead of suppressing symptoms, the goal is to restore regulation.

Why We Believe So Deeply in the Nervous System

This belief in the power of the nervous system isn’t just something I learned in school or through clinical practice.

It’s something many families live through.

When Dr. Tony Ebel’s son Oliver was born, he didn’t begin life the way most babies do.

Within hours of birth we were thrown into a medical crisis that most parents never even hear about.

He was diagnosed with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) — a life-threatening condition where a newborn’s circulatory system fails to transition properly after birth, preventing the lungs from delivering adequate oxygen to the body.

Because of the lack of oxygen during birth, Oliver also suffered a hypoxic brain injury.

Neurological monitoring revealed burst suppression patterns on EEG, a brainwave pattern often associated with severe brain injury and extremely poor neurological prognosis.

And to keep him alive, Oliver had to undergo one of the most extreme interventions in modern medicine — ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation).

ECMO is essentially a heart-lung bypass machine used when a newborn’s heart and lungs cannot function adequately on their own.

It is used only in the most critical situations.

The Prognosis We Were Given

In the NICU, doctors did what good doctors do.

They prepared them for the worst.

Based on the severity of his condition — the PPHN, hypoxic brain injury, burst suppression EEG findings, and the need for ECMO — we were told the odds were stacked heavily against him.

Doctors explained that Oliver had roughly a 20% chance of surviving to his first birthday.

And even if he did survive, the likelihood of long-term neurological complications was overwhelming.

They warned us to expect conditions such as:

• cerebral palsy

• epilepsy

• autism spectrum disorders

• severe developmental delays

• lifelong neurological impairment

The expectation was that if he lived, he would almost certainly require medications, therapies, and medical support for the rest of his life.

That was the prognosis they were given as parents.

But something very different happened.

What Actually Happened

Six weeks later, Oliver left the NICU.

Alive.
Stable.
And off every medication.

Follow-up neurological testing showed something remarkable.

His EEG was completely normal.

His MRI was clear.

And as the months and years passed, something else became obvious.

He never experienced a developmental delay.

He hit his milestones.

He learned.

He played.

He thrived.

Like many children recovering from early medical trauma, his immune system took a little time to fully strengthen. In his early years he occasionally struggled with things like croup or lingering colds longer than his sisters.

But even that phase passed.

By around age three, his immune system had fully strengthened.

Today he is completely healthy, rarely gets sick, and when he does his body clears it quickly.

No neurological disorders.

No medications.

No lingering complications from the diagnoses that once threatened his life.

Just for extra perspective, the same child who began life essentially “drowning” from PPHN and a hypoxic brain injury is now a sophomore in high school running cross country at the state level — and is on pace to clock a 4:30 mile in the upcoming track season.

We know firsthand that God designed our children with an incredible capacity to heal.

And we also believe that early access to Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care can be the foundational missing link for millions of children who deserve the same opportunity to grow, heal, and thrive the way Oliver did.

The Lesson That Changed Everything for Our Family

Oliver’s story changed the way Dr. Tony saw children’s health forever and Dr. Tony has passed on this passion to Dr. Jonah + Dr. Allie!

Because what we witnessed wasn’t just survival.

We witnessed the resilience of the human nervous system.

Despite the oxygen deprivation.
Despite the brain injury diagnosis.
Despite the terrifying neurological predictions.

His nervous system adapted.
Recovered.
Regulated.

And when it did, his body followed.

His lungs recovered.

His brain developed normally.

His immune system strengthened.

His development unfolded exactly the way it was meant to.

That experience reinforced something I now see every day in clinical practice:

When the nervous system is supported and able to regulate properly, the body has an incredible ability to heal and thrive.

Why This Story Matters for Every Family

Most parents will never face the extreme medical crisis our family experienced.

But many families today are watching their children struggle with things like:

• chronic ear infections

• sensory processing challenges

• developmental delays

• anxiety and behavioral dysregulation

• immune dysfunction

• digestive issues

And too often they are told these problems are simply something to manage long-term.

But what if we asked a different question first?

What if instead of asking:

“What medication can manage this condition?”

We asked:

“Is this child’s nervous system stuck in stress and dysregulation?”

Because when the nervous system begins functioning the way it was designed to…

The body has an incredible ability to heal.

Chiropractors Collaborate Exceptionally Well

Another misconception is that chiropractic care exists outside the healthcare system.

In reality, Pediatric Chiropractors frequently collaborate with other providers, including:

• functional medicine doctors

• naturopathic physicians

• nurse practitioners

• physical therapists 

• occupational therapists

• speech therapists

• nutritionists

• lactation consultants

• midwives

Because when the nervous system begins functioning properly, many therapies become more effective.

The First Call Framework

If families truly want to support their child’s long-term health, a simple shift can make a big difference.

Instead of asking:

“What medication fixes this symptom?”

Start by asking:

“Is my child’s nervous system functioning properly?”

Many families adopt a simple framework.

Step 1: Prevention First

Establish care with a Pediatric & Family Chiropractor even when your child is healthy.

Regular chiropractic wellness care helps regulate your child's nervous system during important developmental periods. This consistent care also allows your child's chiropractor to fully understand their ongoing healthcare needs.

Step 2: First Check for Common Childhood Challenges

When issues arise such as:

• ear infections

• sleep struggles

• constipation

• sensory issues

• behavioral challenges

• immune struggles

• emotional dysregulation

Families can begin by evaluating nervous system function. 

Step 3: Collaborate When Needed

If additional care is required, chiropractors often work collaboratively with other providers to ensure comprehensive care. 

Step 4: Build the Lifestyle Foundation

Pediatric & Family Chiropractors frequently guide families on foundational health habits like:

• nutrition

• supplementation 

• sleep routines

• physical activity

• stress regulation

• immune support

These lifestyle factors shape long-term health outcomes.

The Switch That Could Change Everything

If we truly want to reverse the chronic illness epidemic in children, the solution may be simpler than we think.

We don’t just need better treatments.

We need a better starting point.

We need to start with the foundation.

Imagine if millions of families simply changed the order.

Before medications.
Before specialists.
Before months of waiting while symptoms worsen.

They would first check their child’s nervous system.

They would first consult a Pediatric & Family Chiropractor.

Because when the nervous system functions well…

Everything else works better.

A Simple Step You Can Take Today

If this idea resonates with you, here is one simple step you can take.

Find a Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractor in your area and schedule a consultation for your child — even if they seem healthy.

You can find the best of the best in Pediatric + Family Chiropractic right here on our directory. 

Think of it the same way you think about:

• dental checkups

• vision screenings

• well-child visits

Your child’s nervous system deserves that same level of attention.

Because the nervous system controls every other system in the body.

And sometimes the most powerful shift in healthcare isn’t discovering something new.

It’s simply changing where we begin.

- DR. TONY EBEL x PXDOCS TEAM x SOUL FULL CHIROPRACTIC

Citations: 

Sarnat, R., & Winterstein, J. (2004). Clinical utilization and cost outcomes from an integrative medicine independent physician association: An additional 3-year update. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

Fallon, J. (1997). The chiropractic management of 46 pediatric patients with otitis media. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics.