Chiropractic Cranial Work: Why It’s Beneficial for Both Adults and Children

When people think of chiropractic care, they often picture adjustments focused on the spine. While spinal alignment is central to chiropractic, there’s another powerful and often overlooked aspect of care: cranial work. This gentle technique focuses on the bones of the skull, the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, and the delicate membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord.

Though subtle in its application, cranial work can produce profound benefits—for both adults and children.

What Is Cranial Chiropractic Work?

Cranial work involves very gentle, hands-on techniques aimed at detecting and correcting imbalances in the cranial bones, jaw, and upper cervical spine. Despite the common belief that the bones of the skull are fused and immobile, they actually have a subtle rhythmic motion. This motion plays a key role in circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and in overall nervous system health. 

When the cranial system is not functioning optimally—due to birth trauma, injury, stress, or structural misalignments—it can disrupt the body’s ability to self-regulate, leading to a wide range of physical and neurological symptoms.

Why Is Cranial Work So Important for Children?

There are not many children whom I don’t check work on cranials. I find most children need some form of cranial work – whether it be one specific adjustment or working through many restrictions.

1. Birth is a Big Event—Even When It’s Smooth

Even in the most straightforward births, a baby’s head undergoes significant pressure during delivery. The cranial bones are designed to shift and overlap to help the baby pass through the birth canal. However, these bones don’t always return to ideal alignment on their own. In more complicated deliveries—such as prolonged labor, forceps or vacuum use, or C-sections—there can be more strain on the baby’s head and neck.

Cranial chiropractic care can gently support the realignment of these bones, relieving pressure on the nervous system and promoting more balanced development.

2. Helps with Breastfeeding and Latching Difficulties

Tension or misalignments in a baby’s jaw, neck, or cranial bones can make it difficult for them to latch properly. This is especially true if you find they feed well on one side but really struggle or fuss on the other side. Cranial work can relieve that tension, helping improve the suck-swallow-breathe coordination essential for effective feeding.

3. Supports Colic, Reflux, and Sleep Issues

Some babies show signs of discomfort early on—constant crying, arching their back, spitting up excessively, or having trouble sleeping. While these symptoms may be chalked up to “normal baby behaviour,” they can also be signs of nervous system imbalance. Cranial adjustments may help regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which supports digestion, rest, and relaxation.

4. Encourages Healthy Brain and Motor Development

Cranial imbalances can affect the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and the function of cranial nerves that are vital for development. Regular cranial care in infants and young children can support better coordination, speech development, sensory integration, and concentration.

How Adults Benefit from Cranial Chiropractic Work

While it’s not as common that I will do cranial work on adults – I still find cases where it is necessary to do some cranial work to get the best results. Those with chronic headaches, migraines, brain fog and emotional stress really benefit from cranial work.

1. Relief from Headaches and Migraines

Tension in the cranial bones or cervical spine can lead to chronic headaches or migraines. Cranial work can help relieve pressure, improve fluid dynamics around the brain, and reduce the frequency and severity of these debilitating episodes.

2. Reduces Stress and Promotes Deep Relaxation

Many patients describe cranial adjustments as deeply calming. This tends to be why I end on cranial adjustments – its a nice way to end the appointment.The gentle pressure and subtle adjustments can shift the nervous system out of “fight or flight” mode and into “rest and digest,” helping reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and support emotional wellbeing.

3. Improves TMJ and Jaw Function

Jaw tension or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is often linked to misalignments in the cranial bones or upper neck. Cranial chiropractic care can reduce jaw clenching, improve bite alignment, and alleviate pain or clicking in the joint.

4. Supports Cognitive Function and Focus

For adults dealing with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or recovery from concussions, cranial work can improve blood flow, enhance neural communication, and support mental clarity. This is especially beneficial for students, professionals, or anyone facing high cognitive demands.

Is Cranial Work Safe?

Yes—cranial chiropractic care is extremely gentle and safe, even for newborns. Unlike more forceful spinal adjustments, cranial work uses light, sustained pressure (often no more than the pressure you would use testing an avocado ripeness). It’s non-invasive, pain-free, and often quite soothing for both children and adults.

A Gentle Yet Powerful Path to Wellness

Cranial chiropractic work is one of those hidden gems in healthcare—gentle, natural, and deeply supportive for the nervous system. It’s especially valuable because it addresses the root of many common issues, from colic and latch difficulties in babies to migraines, stress, and cognitive fatigue in adults. Its one of the tools we use along with our spinal adjustments to ensure we are clearing the interference within the nervous system to allow it to function smoothly and efficiently.

Want more chiropractic tips?

1. Head on over to our blog to learn more about Chiropractic and pregnancy 
2. Email us at admin@innerbloomchiropractic.com.au with any questions
3. Call the practice on 9720 0777 to speak to a chiropractor or book an appointment