Pediatric Chiropractic in Portland & Hood River

What is pediatric chiropractic care?

Pediatric chiropractic care is chiropractic care adapted for growing bodies. Children's spines and joints are more flexible than adults', so adjustments use far less force — often no more than the light pressure you'd use to check a piece of fruit. Care focuses on comfortable movement, posture and musculoskeletal aches.

Children fall, carry heavy backpacks, spend hours on screens, and play sports with growing bodies. These everyday stresses can lead to aches and stiffness just as they do in adults. Pediatric chiropractic care is one gentle, drug-free option families use to help kids move comfortably.

How is chiropractic care different for children?

Pediatric adjustments are much gentler than adult adjustments. Your doctor uses light fingertip pressure or a gentle instrument, adapts positioning to the child's size and comfort, and explains each step to both parent and child. For infants, care is limited to very gentle, low-force techniques. Children are never forced through any part of a visit.

Why do families bring children to a chiropractor?

Common reasons families visit include posture concerns and backpack strain, sports and activity injuries, aches during growth, minor falls and general wellness. Pediatric chiropractic focuses on the musculoskeletal system — it isn't a treatment for medical conditions, and we encourage you to keep your child's pediatrician involved in their care.

We don't claim to treat colic, ear infections, ADHD or other medical conditions. If your child has symptoms like fever, unexplained pain or illness, please see their pediatrician first.

What happens at a child's first visit?

Your child's first visit starts with a conversation with you about health history, birth history for infants, activities and your concerns. The doctor then does a gentle, age-appropriate exam and explains any findings in plain language. If care is appropriate, adjustments are light and brief, and you stay with your child the whole time.

1. 1History: you share your child's health history, activities and what you've noticed.
2. 2Gentle exam: posture, movement and areas of tension are checked in a child-friendly way.
3. 3Explanation: the doctor explains findings and whether care is recommended — and when to see the pediatrician instead.
4. 4Gentle care: if appropriate, light, low-force adjustments with you present.
5. 5Home tips: simple advice on backpacks, screen posture, sleep positions or activity.

How many visits will my child need?

It depends on your child's exam, age, the concern and how they respond. Every child is different. Your doctor will recommend a plan, check in regularly and never push more visits than your child needs.

Is Pediatric chiropractic covered by insurance?

Coverage for pediatric chiropractic depends on your specific plan, your diagnosis and whether the care is considered medically necessary. Our team can check your benefits before you start so there are no surprises. If it isn't covered, we offer self-pay discounts, payment plans and CareCredit at both clinics.

We work with many plans, including PacificSource, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Providence Health Plan, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, as well as Medicaid, workers' compensation and auto/PIP claims. Including but not limited to — please verify your plan with our office. See our insurance and payment page for details.