Pediatric Chiropractor in Murray, UT
Gentle, low-force chiropractic care for infants, toddlers, and school-age children
Gentle, low-force chiropractic care for infants, toddlers, and school-age children
Children are not immune to the mechanical stresses that cause spinal problems. Birth, falls, sports, and prolonged screen time all place stress on developing spines. Parents often come to Mecham Chiropractic after noticing a child who tilts their head to one side, has trouble sleeping, is sore after a sports injury, or carries tension from heavy backpacks and poor posture.
At Mecham Chiropractic in Murray, UT, Dr. Cody Mecham has completed ICPA-based pediatric chiropractic training and uses techniques specifically adapted for children's smaller, still-developing musculoskeletal systems. Pediatric adjustments look nothing like adult adjustments — the force is gentle, the movements are precise, and most children tolerate them easily.
Adult chiropractic adjustments use controlled force to move stiff, restricted joints. Pediatric adjustments apply considerably less force — often described as the light pressure of a fingertip. In infants, no thrusting is used at all. For older children and adolescents, adjustments are scaled to body size and the child's comfort.
The evaluation process is also different. Dr. Mecham assesses spinal alignment, range of motion, and any neurological concerns using methods appropriate for the child's age — including postural observation, palpation, and reflex testing.
Yes. When performed by a trained provider using age-appropriate techniques, pediatric chiropractic has an excellent safety profile. The ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) has extensive literature on the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for children. As with any healthcare, parents are encouraged to share their child's full health history at the first visit so Dr. Mecham can adapt the evaluation and care accordingly.
The first visit begins with a parent consultation to review the child's health history, birth history, and current concerns. Dr. Mecham then evaluates the child at a pace the child is comfortable with — no rushing, no pressure. If the child is a toddler or infant, most of the evaluation happens while the parent holds them or while the child plays. A care plan is explained clearly before any treatment begins.
Many families who receive prenatal chiropractic care continue with pediatric evaluations after delivery. If your child plays sports, our sports injury chiropractic service complements pediatric care for active kids.
Mecham Chiropractic serves families from Murray, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, and across the Salt Lake Valley. If you have questions, schedule a consultation and we will discuss whether pediatric chiropractic is appropriate for your child.
Schedule a Pediatric ConsultationThis page supports patient education and local service discovery. It is reviewed against the site's editorial policy, connects to Dr. Cody Mecham's background and certifications, and is paired with supporting content on the blog and education hub.
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic uses techniques specifically adapted for children's developing spines. The force used on an infant is comparable to light fingertip pressure. Techniques are always scaled to the child's age, size, and comfort level.
Common reasons parents bring children in include torticollis (neck tilt in infants), difficulty latching while breastfeeding, back or neck pain in school-age children, sports injuries, scoliosis monitoring, and postural issues from backpacks or prolonged screen use.
For infants, no thrusting is used — the contact is light fingertip pressure. For older children and teens, adjustments are scaled down from adult techniques and are generally described as painless. Most children tolerate them easily, and many enjoy the visits once they know what to expect.
Evaluations can begin as early as the newborn period. Birth — especially assisted delivery with forceps or vacuum — can place mechanical stress on the infant's cervical spine. Early evaluation is appropriate when torticollis or feeding difficulty is suspected.
Many health insurance plans cover chiropractic care for children the same as for adults. Coverage varies by plan. The office can verify your child's benefits before the first visit so you know what to expect out of pocket.
Signs that may warrant evaluation include: a persistent head tilt, difficulty turning the head to one side, complaints of back or neck pain, uneven shoulders or hips, pain after a sports fall, or difficulty sleeping comfortably. When in doubt, an evaluation can confirm whether there is a structural concern.