Kids Deserve Great Care

Pediatric Chiropractor Grand Rapids

Gentle, age-appropriate chiropractic care for infants, children, and teens at The Chiropractic Doctors. Nothing like an adult adjustment. Our team uses light fingertip pressure tailored to your child's size and stage of growth.

Newborn through teenUltra-gentle techniques35+ years experience

Schedule Your Child's Visit Call (616) 432-3103

New Patient Special

$47

Complimentary Consultation

Birth to 12 Months

Infant Chiropractic Care

Infant chiropractic care is a gentle spinal evaluation for the stress a newborn's spine and nervous system absorb during birth. Even a normal delivery can create small misalignments in the upper neck that affect feeding, sleeping, and digestion. Parents across Grand Rapids, Cascade, and Forest Hills bring their babies to our office within weeks of birth for this evaluation.

Infant adjustments use no more pressure than you would use to check the ripeness of a peach. Dr. Phinney and Dr. Papes hold your baby the entire time, using precise fingertip contacts to restore proper alignment. Many parents report improvements in colic, reflux, and sleep patterns after just a few visits.

Common Reasons Parents Bring Infants

Colic and excessive crying
Difficulty latching or nursing
Reflux and spitting up
Torticollis (head tilt)
Restless sleep patterns
Post-birth spinal evaluation

Ages 1 through 12

Toddler and Child Adjustments

Toddlers fall an average of 25 times per day while learning to walk. Each tumble can shift spinal alignment just enough to affect posture, nerve function, and development over time. As children grow into school age, heavy backpacks, long hours at desks, and sports activities add new stresses to their developing spines.

Our doctors adjust children using the Thompson Drop Table method and gentle manual techniques. The force is always scaled to the child's size. Kids at our Grand Rapids office are usually comfortable and relaxed during their visits. Many look forward to coming back because the experience is quick, painless, and even fun.

Families from Kentwood, Ada, and Wyoming bring their children in for recurring ear infections, bedwetting, growing pains, and general wellness. Regular checkups help catch small problems before they become bigger issues during growth spurts.

Ages 13 through 18

Teen and Adolescent Chiropractic

Teenagers face unique spinal challenges. Rapid growth spurts can create postural imbalances. Hours hunched over phones and laptops lead to what many parents call “tech neck.” Student athletes push their bodies hard, and injuries from football, soccer, gymnastics, and other sports are common in Grand Rapids schools.

Our doctors work with teens on posture correction, sports injury recovery, and scoliosis screening and management. Early detection of spinal curvature during adolescence leads to better outcomes. If your teen's school or pediatrician has flagged a posture concern, an evaluation at our 28th Street SE office is a smart next step.

Conditions We See

Common Pediatric Conditions

Common pediatric conditions treated at The Chiropractic Doctors span 4 age-related categories, from colic in infants to scoliosis screening in teens. Parents across Grand Rapids trust our team with these childhood health concerns.

Colic

Gentle upper cervical adjustments help calm the nervous system and reduce digestive irritation in colicky infants.

Ear Infections

Misalignments in the upper neck can affect drainage of the eustachian tubes. Many children see fewer recurring infections after care.

Growing Pains

Rapid bone growth can stress muscles and joints. Chiropractic care helps keep the spine aligned during growth spurts.

Scoliosis Screening

Early detection of abnormal spinal curves is critical. We screen children and teens and provide non-surgical management when appropriate.

Parents Ask

Pediatric Chiropractic FAQ

At what age can a child see a chiropractor?

Infants can receive gentle chiropractic care within the first few weeks of life. Dr. Phinney and Dr. Papes use extremely light fingertip pressure for newborns, about the same amount of force you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Parents in Grand Rapids bring children of all ages to our 28th Street SE office.

Is pediatric chiropractic safe for babies?

Yes. Pediatric adjustments use specialized, low-force techniques that are completely different from adult adjustments. There is no twisting, popping, or cracking. Our doctors have decades of combined experience working with infants and children in the Grand Rapids area.

Can chiropractic help with colic?

Many parents in Grand Rapids and Cascade report improvements in colic symptoms after gentle spinal adjustments. Misalignments in the upper neck can irritate the nervous system and contribute to digestive discomfort. Our doctors evaluate each infant individually and use only age-appropriate techniques.

How often should a child see a chiropractor?

It depends on the child and the reason for care. Some children with an active issue may come in once or twice a week for a short period. Others visit for wellness checkups a few times per year. Dr. Phinney or Dr. Papes will recommend a plan based on your child's specific needs.

Do you treat scoliosis in children?

Yes. Our office provides early scoliosis screening and management for children and teens. Early detection makes a significant difference in outcomes. If your child's pediatrician or school screening has noted a spinal curve, call (616) 432-3103 to schedule an evaluation at our Grand Rapids office.

Will my child's insurance cover chiropractic care?

Most family insurance plans in Michigan include chiropractic benefits for dependents. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, United Healthcare, and many others. Call (616) 432-3103 with your insurance card and our team will verify your child's coverage before the first visit.

Related Services

More for Your Family

Pediatric care is one part of a whole-family approach at The Chiropractic Doctors. The related services below cover the adjustment techniques, wellness programs, and scoliosis management that round out care for parents and grandparents alongside their kids.

Your Child Deserves the Best

Gentle care for growing spines.

Three doctors, 35+ years of experience, and 474 Google reviews. The Chiropractic Doctors have been caring for Grand Rapids families since 1980.

Schedule Your Child's $47 Visit Call (616) 432-3103

5747 28th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49546