Can Babies and Kids See a Chiropractor? A Winchester Family Guide

Parents often ask us whether chiropractic care is only for adults with bad backs. It isn’t. At Winchester Chiropractic, Dr. Gabriel “Gabe” Williams, DC, sees patients of every age: infants, school-age kids, busy parents, grandparents and moms-to-be. Whoever walks in, care is adapted to that person, including their age, size, comfort and goals.

Here is a look at why Winchester and Clark County families come to see us, and what to expect at a first visit.

Can babies see a chiropractor?

Yes. We see infants as well as older children. Care for a baby is adapted to their age and size, a parent stays involved, and we explain every step before we begin. Parents of babies sometimes ask about colic or a stiff, twisted neck (torticollis). Our treatments may help some infants with these concerns. If your baby has a fever, isn’t feeding or seems unwell, see your pediatrician first.

Why families come in

Kids: posture, backpacks and growing bodies

Between heavy backpacks, hours on tablets and phones, and plenty of tumbles in the backyard, kids’ necks and backs work hard. A few everyday habits help:

• Wear the backpack on both shoulders, with the straps snug so the pack sits close to the back instead of hanging low.
• Keep the load light. A common rule of thumb is no more than about 10 to 15 percent of your child’s body weight.
• Pack the heaviest books closest to the back.
• Hold screens up closer to eye level, and take a movement break every half hour or so.

Adults: desk work, driving and long days

Whether you work at a desk in town, commute to Lexington every day or spend your shift on your feet, holding one position or repeating the same motion can leave your neck and back stiff and sore. Headaches that seem to start in the neck are common too. Our page on posture and desk work has a few simple setup tips.

Moms-to-be: pregnancy discomfort

As your body changes during pregnancy, low back, hip and pelvic discomfort is common. We adjust patients during pregnancy, using comfortable positioning adapted to each trimester. Please let us know you are pregnant when you book.

Seniors: staying active

Many of our Medicare age patients simply want to keep doing what they enjoy: working in the garden, walking, traveling and keeping up with the grandkids. Care for seniors is adapted to each person’s comfort, health history and goals.

What a first visit looks like

1. Conversation. We talk about your health history (or your child’s), symptoms and goals.
2. Exam. A thorough exam to find what is driving the problem. We don’t take X-rays in our office; if you need them, we’ll refer you to an outside imaging provider.
3. A plan in plain language. We explain what we found and what we recommend, and answer your questions. We work with you, not on you.
4. Care that fits. Adjustments, therapies and exercises as appropriate, plus simple things to keep doing at home.

Insurance, Medicare and booking

We are a Medicare provider and accept most insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and Passport (Molina Healthcare), and we accept plans from Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), WellCare and Aetna. Kentucky Medicaid covers chiropractic care when it is medically necessary, with yearly visit limits, so call us and we’ll help you check your plan. Self-pay options are available, and you don’t need a referral. For your first visit, just bring your insurance card(s).

We have cared for Winchester and Clark County families since 1997.