Pediatric Chiropractor in Grapevine, TX | Baby, Infant & Child Chiropractic
When it comes to your child's health, you want safe, gentle, and effective care — that's where we can help. As a pediatric chiropractor in Grapevine, Dr. Jenna Carter uses a safe and nurturing approach to maintain your child’s nervous system and spine health and address other common childhood conditions, such as allergies, asthma, ear infections, colic, digestive problems, and more.
Many parents question why kids need to see a chiropractor when their little ones do not exhibit any visible signs of aches or pains. To understand the importance of pediatric chiropractic care, we need to talk about the birthing process experienced by not just mom but baby too. Whether delivered vaginally or via C-section, nearly all newborns are pulled out by the medical provider at the head and neck. Many parents are surprised to learn that more than 80% of newborns experience trauma to the cervical spine at the time of birth. Directly impacting how your baby’s nervous system functions. The trauma causes misalignments of the bones of the neck, creating undue stress on the nervous system. Pushing it into a sympathetic state—commonly referred to as the fight-or-flight mode—instead of allowing it to remain in a parasympathetic state, which is crucial for rest and healing. Left uncorrected, kids can become more likely to experience colic, reflux, ear infections, difficulty sleeping, constipation, torticollis, allergies, developmental delays, and much more.
Safe, gentle Pediatric chiropractic adjustments remove misalignments of the spine, restore balance, and switch the nervous system into the resting and calming mode parasympathetic state. Many Grapevine parents choose to continue the maintenance of chiropractic care to ensure proper growth and development in their kiddos, especially as they begin learning new skills. As kids start learning new milestones, they tend to tumble and often fall, which can create subluxations or misalignments in the spine leading to altered nervous system function. Pediatric chiropractic care can serve as a proactive approach to enhancing a child's overall well-being, even in the absence of immediate symptoms.
Chiropractic Care for Kids: Treatments for Every Development Stage
Newborn and Infant Chiropractic (Birth to First Month):
The birthing process can be very stressful for both mom and baby and is commonly the cause of your baby’s first subluxation – a misalignment in the spine that creates stress on the nervous system. Whether delivered vaginally or via C-section, nearly all newborns are pulled out at the head and neck. Many parents are surprised to learn that more than 80% of newborns experience trauma to the cervical spine at the time of birth, directly impacting how their nervous system functions. The resulting stress on the nervous system switches it from the parasympathetic mode (resting mode) into the sympathetic mode (protective, flight or fight mode). This means babies will have difficulty doing the three things they are supposed to do: eat, sleep, and digestion.
At The Chiro Co., we believe having your newborn examined by a pediatric chiropractor near me is essential. Chiropractic care for little ones is extremely delicate and precise in nature. Don't worry mom, infant adjustments are very different from the dramatic, forceful pops or cracks often seen in adult adjustments. The amount of pressure used is the same pressure you would use to test the ripeness of an avocado. The goal of pediatric chiropractic care is to eliminate any misalignments within the spine, reducing stress on the nervous system and restoring balance by switching it back into parasympathetic resting mode.
Chiropractic for Toddlers During Childhood (1-4 Years):
As children embark on their developmental journey, they are in a dynamic state of learning and growing. With each new milestone hit, it’s common for them to stumble and fall regularly. While these tumbles are a natural part of growing, they create misalignments in the spine, setting off a chain reaction of stress on the nervous system. Shift from a state of calm (parasympathetic mode) into a heightened state of alertness (the sympathetic mode) — often referred to as the “fight or flight” response.
Unlike adults, who express their discomfort through back pain, neck pain, or headaches. When your child’s nervous system is stressed, they exhibit subtle signs of distress that might go unnoticed. Instead of vocalizing their discomfort, a child under stress may experience a range of challenging symptoms, such as persistent ear infections, restless nights filled with sleep difficulty, digestive troubles like constipation, heightened sensitivity to their environment, or even bursts of hyperactivity.
Pediatric chiropractic care for toddlers is very gentle and specific. Sometimes children sit, crawl, walk, stand or play with toys on the floor during the treatment. But many times parents are shocked at how still their children will lie for their adjustments. Our Grapevine, TX pediatric chiropractor will focus on relieving the stress and tension on your child’s nervous system, ensuring that your little adventurers thrive both physically and emotionally.
Chiropractic Care for School Aged Children (5-17):
As kids begin school, many children find themselves facing not only the emotional stress that comes with new routines and expectations, but also significant physical stress. The most common, often-overlooked factor is the weight of heavy backpacks and the hours spent sitting at desks, both of which cause misalignments in the spine known as subluxations. Disrupting the vital functions of their nervous system.
When kids are subluxated, their nervous systems become overactive, stuck in sympathetic or protective mode. Imagine the unsettling sensation of having your foot pressed down firmly on the gas pedal of a car, racing without the ability to slow down. This unrelenting state can hinder their ability to relax, pay attention and focus, absorb information, and enjoy their school experience fully.
Enter holistic chiropractic care, a proactive approach to restoring balance and harmony within the body. Through precise adjustments, chiropractors can realign the spine, enabling the nervous system to shift back to the parasympathetic or resting mode. This rejuvenating transition allows children to thrive not only in their physical health but also in their behavior, emotional and mental development. With proper alignment, children can grow, learn, and flourish to their fullest potential, equipped to navigate the challenges of school life with ease and enthusiasm.
Personalized Care Using State-of-the-Art Nervous System Scans
Before any adjustment takes place, Dr. Jenna will thoroughly assess your child's nervous system. Through our new state-of-the-art technology, Insight Neurological Scans, we gain insight into the functioning of the nervous system. Allowing us to get a more comprehensive understanding of potential areas of concern or imbalance in your child.
What makes The Chiro Co. different? We take a personalized approach, recognizing that each child is unique. Pediatric Adjustments are adapted to the specific needs and comfort level of the child, ensuring a positive and stress-free experience. Personalized care is created based on each nervous system that enters our doors. By using the INSiGHT technology, Dr. Jenna can visualize where stress is stored in the nervous system, and how deeply rooted it is in the body. These scans give her a better idea of how frequently and how long one needs to be getting adjusted.
Common Childhood Conditions We Help in Grapevine TX
Breastfeeding Problems
The breastfeeding journey can often be more challenging than anticipated. For many mothers, they experience pain with breastfeeding. This struggle can lead to feelings of worry and frustration, which are not uncommon. A significant contributor to the issue often comes from the bones of the neck not functioning as they should. When these bones aren't working optimally, it can be difficult for your infant to turn their head in both directions and latch effectively on each side. As a result, many mothers find themselves in a situation where their baby prefers feeding on one breast more than the other. Additionally, the development of a baby’s palate and jaw can play a crucial role in the breastfeeding experience, causing more pain or difficulty breastfeeding. With the right support and care, mothers can navigate these challenges, ensuring that feeding time becomes a cherished moment of connection rather than a source of stress. Dr. Jenna is trained in gentle pediatric chiropractic techniques that focus on restoring proper motion in the neck while aligning the jaw and palate. Helping to alleviate these challenges, enabling both mother and baby to enjoy a more pain free breastfeeding journey.Torticollis
Torticollis is a condition we frequently receive referrals for as chiropractors. It refers to a muscle spasm in the neck, specifically affecting the sternocleidomastoid. We often see this develop due to positioning in utero or as a result of a difficult birth. During the birthing process, significant stress is placed on the baby’s head and neck, especially when the medical provider assists in delivery.
This can lead to misalignments or fixations in the neck bones, causing stress on the nervous system. Signs to look for in your baby include a head tilt to one side, a preference for rotating the head in one direction, flattening of the cranial bones on the back of the head, and difficulty breastfeeding on one breast. Pediatric chiropractic care helps correct these misalignments, relieving pressure on the nerves and restoring full neck mobility. Additionally, specific techniques can promote proper cranial bone movement, reducing any flattening that may be present.
We love empowering parents by teaching at-home stretches and techniques, such as the football hold and engaging with the baby on the side opposite the muscle tension. These strategies encourage babies to turn their heads in both directions, supporting balanced development.
Colic
Colic is characterized by persistent, intense crying in infants without an obvious cause. At The Chiro Co., common signs we see include prolonged crying, difficulty sleeping, and noticeable tension in the baby’s body. Tension is one of the biggest indicators of discomfort, and babies often express it through physical cues. We look for clenched fists with bent elbows and hands near the face, as well as bent hips with legs drawn up. These tension patterns often begin in utero, and many babies are born with what we call a nuchal arm—an elbow bent with a hand near the shoulder or neck. After an adjustment, we love seeing these tense babies relax, their arms resting comfortably by their sides.
One of the main causes of colic is gassiness, and we don’t subscribe to the common belief that babies simply need to “grow out of it.” Chiropractic care helps balance the nervous system and supports the body’s natural ability to release gas, providing relief for babies and peace of mind for parents.
Studies have shown that chiropractic care has a 94% success rate in reducing colic symptoms. Pediatric chiropractors, like our team at The Chiro Co., are trained to identify and alleviate nervous system tension, allowing babies to feel more relaxed and function optimally. Many parents of colicky infants are amazed at how much their baby sleeps after just one adjustment. Seeing that transformation is exactly why we do what we do.
Reflux
Reflux is something we see often at The Chiro Co. for pediatric chiropractic care, It typically presents as frequent spitting up after feedings, arching of the back during or after feeding, coughing or gagging, and irritability. Similar to colic, many doctors advise parents to simply wait it out.
Our approach to reflux is very different. We provide gentle yet specific adjustments to help babies balance their nervous systems, allowing their bodies to rely more on the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system—also known as “rest and digest.” We also teach parents massage techniques and stretches to support their baby at home between sessions, empowering them to take an active role in their child’s well-being. Additionally, we may recommend dietary adjustments as needed, always in collaboration with the child’s pediatrician.
How Chiropractic Can Help Child Constipation
If your child suffers from constipation, you’re not alone but we recommend you find a chiropractor near. It’s actually pretty common, affecting anywhere from 5% to 28% of kids—sometimes starting as early as newborn/infancy. While it’s easy to reach for laxatives or suppositories, those constipation treatments only offer temporary relief without fixing the root cause of the problem. One common but often overlooked cause of baby constipation is improper movement in the joints of the lower back, which can place stress on the nervous system.
This misalignment, known as a subluxation, can interfere with normal digestive function since the nerves in the lower back are directly connected to the bowels. Leading to symptoms such as constipation, bloating, reflux, gas, and even irritable bowel syndrome. Gentle adjustments get the spine moving the way it should, taking the pressure off those important nerves so digestion can work properly again. In fact, one of the most common (and almost instant!) responses many children experience after a pediatric chiropractic adjustment is a much-needed trip to the bathroom. Highlighting the effectiveness of chiropractic care for constipation relief in newborns, infants, and children of all ages.
How Pediatric Chiropractic Care Supports Children with Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or nervousness, often linked to an overactive nervous system. You might not immediately think of chiropractic care as a solution for anxiety, but because anxiety is directly connected to the brain and nervous system, spinal health plays a key role in managing it.
When misalignments (subluxations) occur in the spine—often caused by poor posture, repetitive motions, falls, or even emotional stress—the nervous system shifts into a heightened state known as the sympathetic mode (fight-or-flight). This can cause the brain’s emotional regulation center to become overactive, making everyday situations feel overwhelming or stressful for children.
Pediatric chiropractic care offers a natural and effective way to support children struggling with anxiety. Gentle adjustments help reduce stress on the nervous system, restoring balance and encouraging a shift back into the parasympathetic mode (rest-and-digest). This allows the body and brain to function more calmly and effectively, helping children feel more at ease in their daily lives.
Difficulty Sleeping
Sleep is so essential for a child’s physical and emotional development. Stress on the nervous system switches the body into the sympathetic or flight or flight/protective mode. When the nervous system is working in sympathetic overdrive, it is difficult for your child to relax, rest, and sleep. Colic, night terrors and bed wetting are other signs of a child's nervous system being stuck in fight or flight. Gentle chiropractic adjustments reduce stress on the nervous system and switch it back to parasympathetic mode. Thus, your child will be able to rest and relax more easily, leading to better sleep.
Ear infections
Ear infections are a common concern, especially in children, causing discomfort, pain, and repeated trips to the doctor. Over 80% of kids get an ear infection before age 3. Most ear infections are viral, so antibiotic medications are not always necessary or effective. Many parents are seeking natural and effective alternatives to help alleviate and prevent ear infections, and chiropractic care offers a promising solution.
Understanding Ear Infections:
Ear infections typically occur due to fluid buildup in the middle ear, which leads to pain and discomfort. This issue is particularly prevalent in children because their smaller and more horizontal Eustachian tubes make it easier for fluid to become trapped and blocked.
The Impact of Nerve Interference:
Subluxations, or misalignments in the upper cervical spine, can impact the nerves responsible for Eustachian tube function. When these nerves are compromised, fluid drainage can be affected, leading to recurring ear infections. Chiropractic adjustments focus on correcting these subluxations, helping to restore proper nerve function and drainage.
Chiropractic Adjustments and Their Benefits:
Chiropractic care can help alleviate ear infections by reducing interference in the nervous system, particularly in the upper cervical region. This improves nervous system function and promotes better Eustachian tube drainage, reducing fluid buildup and lowering the risk of infection.
During adjustments, we often focus on “ear wiggles,” which help ensure that a baby’s cranial bones are moving properly, allowing fluid to drain from the ear. We also love teaching parents simple techniques and stretches they can use at home between sessions to support their baby’s healing.
Please note, we always collaborate with local pediatricians as we help fight and prevent ear infections in our sweet infant clients. We have a list of local providers we love co-treating with available on the providers we love page you can find here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic safe for a child?
When should you take children to a pediatric chiropractor?
How do I know if my baby needs a pediatric chiropractor?
Is pediatric chiropractic the same as chiropractic for adults?
Should a child see a chiropractor for ear infections before putting tubes in their ears?
Chiropractic care for ear infections is a great first step. Often, ear infections can arise from subluxations or misalignments within the top bones of the neck. This puts pressure on the nerves that travel to the ear. When these nerves cannot function correctly, the ear cannot drain fluid, leading to a buildup of fluid within the ear and ear infections. Chiropractic care ensures proper alignment and motion in the bones of the neck, allowing the nerves that flow to the ear to function so that the ears drain properly, potentially eliminating the need for tubes. We believe in always trying the least invasive option first. So we encourage parents to try chiropractic care before putting their child through the surgery to put tubes in their ears.