Pediatric Chiropractor in Bartlett, TN
Gentle, kid-friendly adjustments for growing bodies, adapted to your child's age and size.
Pediatric Chiropractic That Fits Your Child
Dr. Jared Worthington, DC is a Logan University College of Chiropractic graduate and has cared for patients from 17 days to 104 years old. With kids, he slows down, explains every step to parent and child, and uses only gentle, low-force techniques sized to your child's body.
Pediatric care is part of our Chiropractic Care services, alongside our prenatal chiropractor care for expecting moms. Teens in sports can also benefit from our sports chiropractor services in Bartlett, TN.
Why It Matters
When a Pediatric Chiropractor Can Help
Back and neck pain are not just adult problems. Research shows a meaningful share of children and teens deal with recurring musculoskeletal pain. Overloaded backpacks, long hours hunched over tablets, growth spurts and weekend tournaments all place new demands on a young spine. When a child starts skipping practice, rubbing a sore neck or struggling to get comfortable at night, parents want answers that do not start with a prescription.
A pediatric chiropractor looks at how your child's spine, joints and muscles are moving, then uses gentle, age-appropriate care to ease tension and restore comfortable motion. For older kids and teens, that often includes simple stretches, posture tips and chiropractic adjustments in Bartlett scaled to their size. We coordinate with your pediatrician and refer out whenever something needs a different kind of care.
What Is Pediatric Chiropractic?
Gentle Care, Scaled to Size
Pediatric chiropractic is conservative, drug-free care for musculoskeletal complaints in infants, children and teens, such as back pain, neck pain and posture strain. It is not a drug or device, so there is no FDA approval involved. The NIAMS back pain guide notes most back pain improves with conservative care.
Adjustments for kids use far less force than adult care: often light fingertip pressure, gentle stretching and slow joint mobilization. Your child stays fully clothed, and most visits feel calm. Relief tends to build over a few visits along with home stretches.
Treatment Timeline
What We Help With
Common Reasons Kids Visit Us
Musculoskeletal Care for All Ages
Back Pain
Gentle care for low and mid back aches from growth, sports or sitting
Neck Pain
Eases stiffness from screens, sleep position or a sudden twist
Posture & Tech Neck
Posture coaching and mobility work for kids who hunch over devices
Sports & Play Strains
Supports recovery from minor sprains and overuse aches like tendonitis
Backpack Strain
Relief for shoulder and upper back tension from heavy school bags
Tension Headaches
Addresses neck and muscle tension linked to some teen headaches
Benefits
Benefits for Your Child
Why Parents Choose It
- 01
Drug-Free Relief
Hands-on care that may ease pain without reaching for medication first
- 02
Gentle, Low-Force
Techniques scaled to age and size, often just light fingertip pressure
- 03
Better Posture Habits
Simple desk, screen and backpack tips your child can use every day
- 04
Back in the Game
Supports young athletes returning to practice after minor strains
- 05
Family-Style Care
Parents stay involved and informed at every step of the visit
- 06
Pediatrician Teamwork
We coordinate with your child's doctor and refer out when needed
Pediatric Chiropractic vs. Alternatives
Not sure where to start, I was referred here by my physical therapist and was honestly pretty skeptical at first. But it’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Everyone is supportive and genuinely cares about your well-being. Dr. Worthington brings incredible energy and passion, and it’s clear he truly cares about helping you make real progress. I’ve had two back surgeries, and now on a third journey through back pain. After being adjusted and traction, I’m already noticing significant improvements. For the first time in a while, I feel like I’m starting to get my life back. A special shout out to Kayln, she’s incredibly friendly and takes customer service to a new level. Thank you for being so accommodating with my schedule.
Jamil Abdelfattah Absolutely amazing experience at this chiropractor office! From the moment I walked in, the staff was welcoming, professional, and made me feel comfortable. The office itself is clean, organized, and has such a positive atmosphere. A huge thank you to Dr. Jared for providing outstanding care and making the entire experience feel personal and professional. He took the time to listen, explain everything clearly, and made sure I was comfortable throughout the visit. You can truly tell he cares about his patients and wants the best for them. Also, Michelle and Kalyn at the front desk was incredible — so kind, helpful, and attentive from start to finish. She made scheduling and check-in easy and stress-free and always had a friendly attitude. If you’re looking for a chiropractor office with amazing staff, excellent care, and a welcoming environment, I highly recommend this place!
Alexander Graham I love every experience I have at Worthington Chiropractic. All of the staff work together to make sure every patient’s needs are met. I am especially thankful for Kalyn for her patience with my daughter when she comes with me. They are a family friendly business. 💗
Karina Morgan I was at my wits end with hip pain. I was informed about how great Dr. Worthington was, and that was absolutely true!! The ladies at the front desk Michelle and Kaylin, were so very sweet, kind, and very helpful. I had NEVER been to a chiropractor before but I trust Dr. Worthington and getting my hip corrected. I highly recommend the office!!!
Tammy Stevens Dr Worthington is amazing. He is so knowledgeable and explains everything so thoroughly. I instantly felt safe and comfortable in his care. I trust him and his staff. They are kind, patient and very accommodating with my schedule so i can get in and out before work. I’m so glad The Joint Clinic recommended me here!!!
Sharita Baker 
Who Is a Good Candidate for Pediatric Chiropractic?
Matching Care to Your Child
Ideal Candidates for Pediatric Chiropractic 
-
Kids and teens with back pain in Bartlett, TN from growth, sitting or sports - Students with neck pain or stiffness from screens and heavy backpacks
- Young athletes with overuse aches such as tendonitis or tight muscle knots
- Teens with tension headaches linked to neck and shoulder tightness, after a pediatrician visit
- Children recovering from minor falls or fender benders with whiplash-type neck soreness, once cleared by a doctor
Who Should Wait or See a Pediatrician First
- Fever, a stiff neck with illness, or unexplained weight loss
- Pain that wakes your child at night or keeps getting worse
- Numbness, weakness, or changes in bladder or bowel control
- A recent hard fall, head injury or suspected fracture
- Known bone, joint or connective tissue disorders
Your Child's Visit
Pediatric Chiropractic Treatment Overview
Step by Step, Together
- 01
Conversation
Dr. Worthington talks with you and your child about symptoms, activities, sports and health history.
- 02
Gentle Exam
He checks posture, movement and muscle tone using simple, kid-friendly tests. X-rays only if clinically needed.
- 03
Adjustment
Using light fingertip pressure or gentle Diversified or Thompson methods, he eases restricted joints.
- 04
Home Plan
Your child leaves with easy stretches, posture tips and a plan you both understand.
Safety First
Side Effects and Safety
What Parents Should Know
Published reviews of manual therapy in children describe side effects as usually mild and short-lived, such as temporary soreness, stiffness or fussiness for a day. Serious events are rarely reported, and published cases mostly involved high-force techniques or an underlying medical problem that had not been diagnosed. That is why we use only gentle, low-force methods and start every visit with a careful history and exam.
Chiropractic care is for musculoskeletal complaints like back pain, neck pain, posture strain and sports aches. It is not a replacement for your pediatrician, vaccines or medical treatment of illness. If your child has fever, a head injury, worsening pain or any neurological symptoms, call your pediatrician or seek urgent care. The MedlinePlus back pain page lists warning signs worth knowing.
Investment
Pediatric Chiropractor Cost in Bartlett
Pricing and Payment Options
How Much Does a Pediatric Chiropractor Cost in Bartlett?
The cost of pediatric chiropractic depends on your child's age, what the exam shows and how many visits make sense. Many kids need only a short series of visits, while ongoing posture or sports concerns may call for a longer plan. Dr. Worthington reviews the plan and cost with you before any care begins, so there are no surprises.
Your First Visit
- Personalized consultation
- Full chiropractic exam
- X-rays, if needed
- First chiropractic adjustment
Flexible Payment Options
We offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit for families who prefer to spread out the cost of care. Contact our Bartlett office with questions about pricing or payment before your first visit.
The Worthington Difference
Why Choose Worthington Chiropractic for Pediatric Chiropractic in Bartlett, TN
Trusted by Bartlett Families
All Ages Welcome
Patients seen from 17 days to 104 years old, so the whole family fits
Award-Winning Clinic
Named best chiropractic clinic in the 2025 Memphis Most Awards
Trusted by Families
Nearly 300 five-star Google reviews from Memphis-area patients
Logan University Graduate
Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan University College of Chiropractic
Walk-Ins Welcome
Open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM, on Stage Road in Bartlett
Gentle Techniques
Low-force adjusting options chosen after your child's exam
Explore More
Related Services
Care that pairs well with pediatric chiropractic for the whole family.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise, hands-on spinal adjustments that restore alignment, ease pain and help you move freely.
Learn More
Prenatal Chiropractic
Gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments for back, hip and pelvic comfort as your body changes.
Learn More 
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Gentle, computer-controlled traction on the Triton 6M to ease disc pressure and nerve pain.
Learn More Common Questions
Pediatric Chiropractic FAQs
Answers for Bartlett Parents
How much does a pediatric chiropractor cost in Bartlett?
Cost depends on your child's needs and the number of visits in the plan. Your first visit includes a consultation, full exam, X-rays if needed and the first adjustment. Just mention the special when you book. We also offer Cherry and CareCredit financing.
Is chiropractic safe for kids?
For musculoskeletal complaints, gentle pediatric chiropractic is generally considered low risk. Published reviews describe side effects in children as usually mild, like brief soreness, with serious events rarely reported. We use only low-force techniques sized to your child and start with a careful exam, referring to your pediatrician whenever something needs medical care.
Does a pediatric adjustment hurt?
No, most kids find adjustments comfortable and many say they feel relaxed afterward. We use far less force than adult care, often just light fingertip pressure or gentle stretching. Your child may feel a little sore for a day, similar to after a hard practice. We explain each step first so nothing feels surprising.
How young can my child be to see a chiropractor?
Dr. Worthington has seen patients as young as 17 days old. Care for infants and toddlers is extremely gentle and focused on comfortable movement, while care for older kids and teens often looks like a lighter version of adult care. Every plan is adapted to your child's age, size and specific complaint.
How long is a pediatric chiropractic visit?
Most visits take about 15 to 30 minutes. The first appointment runs a little longer because it includes a conversation about your child's history and a gentle exam. Follow-up visits are shorter and usually fit easily before or after school, since we are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM.
How soon will my child feel better?
Many kids notice improvement within the first few visits, often as less stiffness or easier movement. Recent strains tend to respond faster than posture problems that built up over months. Results vary, and we reassess progress regularly so you always know whether care is helping or whether a different approach makes more sense.
How often will my child need to come in?
Most pediatric plans are short, often a few visits spread over a couple of weeks, then tapering as your child improves. Young athletes or teens with ongoing posture strain may benefit from occasional check-ins. We never lock families into long plans and will explain the reasoning behind every recommendation we make.
Is pediatric chiropractic better than physical therapy?
Neither is better for every child, and they often work well together. Chiropractic focuses on gentle joint and muscle care, while physical therapy emphasizes guided exercise and strength. For many back, neck and sports complaints we combine adjustments with home stretches, and we will refer to a pediatric physical therapist when that is the better fit.
Should I talk to my pediatrician first?
It is always a good idea, and we are happy to coordinate with your child's doctor. A pediatrician visit is especially important for headaches, pain with fever, pain after a hard fall or any numbness or weakness. Chiropractic care supports musculoskeletal comfort and works alongside your child's regular medical care, not in place of it.
Will my child need X-rays?
Most children do not. We have X-ray on site, but for kids we only take images when the history or exam points to a clear clinical reason, such as a significant injury. Dr. Worthington will explain why before any X-ray is taken, and you are always part of that decision.
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8AM to 6PM
- Phone
- (901) 519-7777
Ready to Feel Better?
Schedule Your Appointment
References
- Chambers et al., Pain. (2024). Meta-analysis finding that about 1 in 5 children and adolescents experience chronic pain, with musculoskeletal pain among the most common types. PMID: 38743558.
- Evans et al., Pain. (2018). Randomized trial in adolescents aged 12 to 18 finding spinal manipulation plus exercise reduced chronic low back pain more than exercise alone over one year. PMID: 29596158.
- Dissing et al., BMJ Open. (2018). Conservative care with or without manipulative therapy in the management of back and/or neck pain in Danish children aged 9-15: adding manipulative therapy did not reduce recurrent episodes. PMID: 30206079.
- Yu et al., Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. (2024). Mixed studies systematic review of rehabilitation approaches for back pain in the pediatric population. PMID: 38720355.
- Corso et al., Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. (2020). Rapid review on the safety of spinal manipulative therapy in children under 10 years, noting the risk of moderate and severe adverse events remains unknown. PMID: 32093727.
- Todd et al., J Manipulative Physiol Ther. (2015). Adverse events due to chiropractic and other manual therapies for infants and children were rare in this review of the literature and mostly involved high-velocity techniques or pre-existing pathology. PMID: 25439034.