Maggie slumped into the worn couch, her coffee growing cold on the table beside her. Her hand rested lightly on her son Ben’s forehead, her heart sinking at the warmth that lingered. His fever had returned—again. She had heard the same advice on repeat: “Keep him hydrated, alternate the fever reducers.”

She glanced at the medicine bottle on the counter, then at her little boy, whose flushed cheeks and glassy eyes tugged at her heart. Something about the situation didn’t sit right. At first she was scared of his temperature getting too high. But now Maggie is tired of giving Ben Tylenol and she wants to figure out what the root cause of his fevers are.  

As a parent, few things are more stressful than watching your child as they battle sickness after sickness, month after month. The worry, sleepless nights, and lingering question—am I doing enough?—can leave you feeling powerless.

Here’s the truth: a fever isn’t the enemy. It’s a sign that your child’s body is working to heal itself. While it’s natural to want to lower the temperature immediately, understanding the why behind a fever can help you make informed decisions about your child’s care.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

What Causes Fevers in Children?

When the body gets an infection, tiny “alarm” cells in the body send out signals called pyrogens. These signals tell the brain’s temperature control center, called the hypothalamus, to raise the body’s temperature and cause a fever.

The liver also helps with this process. Special cells in the liver make a substance called PGE, which works with the brain and a nerve called the vagus nerve to increase the fever. This is how the body tries to fight off the infection. 

Why You Shouldn’t Always Fear the Fever

While it’s tempting to suppress a fever, it’s important to remember that it serves a purpose. Fevers:

• Activate the Immune System: Elevated temperatures stimulate the production of white blood cells, your child’s first line of defense.

• Slow Pathogen Growth: Many viruses and bacteria struggle to thrive at higher body temperatures.

• Encourage Rest: Fevers often leave children feeling tired, which allows their body to conserve energy for healing.

When to Be Concerned About a Fever

While most fevers are harmless and self-limiting, there are times when you should seek medical attention:

• Fevers over 104°F (40°C)

• Persistent fevers lasting more than 72 hours

• Accompanying symptoms like seizures, difficulty breathing, or severe dehydration

The best advice that we were ever given was by our pediatrician and she said that you should treat your child not the sickness. If your child is otherwise active, drinking fluids, and not showing signs of distress, the fever is likely a normal part of their recovery process. But you should always consult your provider.

How Chiropractic Care Can Support Your Child During a Fever

You might not immediately think of chiropractic care when managing a fever, but the nervous system plays a key role in regulating the immune response. So having a clear communication highway between the nervous system and immune system is crucial to having an optimally functioning body. 

As pediatric chiropractors, we focus on ensuring your child’s body is functioning optimally to heal itself.

The Nervous System-Immune Connection

The nervous system controls every function in the body, including immune responses. When spinal misalignments (subluxations) occur, they can interfere with communication between the brain and body, reducing the efficiency of the immune system.

Chiropractic care can:

• Relieve Stress on the Nervous System: Gentle adjustments restore proper alignment, helping the body respond effectively to infection.

• Reduce Inflammation: Subluxations, particularly in the neck and upper back, can create localized inflammation, which may contribute to systemic stress and fever.

• Support Lymphatic Drainage: Adjustments can promote better fluid movement, aiding the immune system in flushing out toxins.

What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit

If you bring your feverish child into our office, here’s what we’ll do to ensure your child’s care is safe and effective:

1. Thorough History: We’ll review your child’s health history to identify potential stressors or triggers.

2. Neurological Scans: These scans help pinpoint areas of interference in the nervous system.

3. Gentle Adjustments: Using techniques tailored for children, we’ll address any misalignments contributing to the fever or underlying condition.

4. Proactive plan for optimal development

Natural Ways to Support Your Child at Home

While chiropractic care is a powerful tool, there are additional ways you can support your child during a fever:

• Stay Hydrated: Offer water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-rich drinks to prevent dehydration.

• Rest and Comfort: Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep in a calm environment.

• Help the body retain its heat: Use warm clothes on the area of the fever to assist the body in having an optimal immune response.*

*Make sure that your child’s temperature is within healthy limits

Empower Your Child’s Body to Heal

Three days later, Maggie found herself sitting at the kitchen table, watching Ben build a tower of blocks. His giggles filled the room, and his bright eyes sparkled—clear and free of the fever’s haze. It hadn’t been an easy week, but choosing to support his body’s natural healing process rather than just suppressing symptoms had made all the difference.

Maggie was skeptical of bringing Ben to the chiropractor because it didn’t make sense to her how it could help. But after seeing how Ben’s nervous system was stressed and what organ systems were affected by the stress, it made all the sense in the world. Thankfully, after Ben’s adjustment his nervous system worked to break his fever. It helped his body return to homeostasis and optimal health. So now Ben is no longer just surviving, he’s thriving. 

If your child’s frequent fevers leave you feeling unsure or overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Chiropractic care can help address the root causes of immune stress, giving your child the best chance to heal naturally and thrive.

Give us a call at Sláinte Chiropractic at (904) 718-6330 today to learn how we can support your family’s health journey—one adjustment at a time!