Chiropractic Care for Children and Infants in Kingsport, TN
Children aren't small adults, and their care shouldn't look like adult care. At Elevate Sport and Spine in Kingsport, Dr. Preston Douglas, DC, CCSP (Tennessee License #3451) sees patients of every age, from babies a few days old to high school athletes. Exams and techniques are adapted to the child's age and size, the force used with infants is about the pressure you'd use to test a ripe tomato, and a parent or guardian is with the child at every visit. Chiropractic care for kids works alongside your pediatrician, not in place of them.
Call your pediatrician or go to the ER for: any fever in a baby under 3 months, a baby who is unusually sleepy, floppy or hard to wake, poor feeding or fewer wet diapers, trouble breathing, a bulging soft spot, a child who won't use an arm or leg after a fall, or a headache with fever, stiff neck or vomiting.
Who we see
Age
Common reasons parents bring them in
Infants
A gentle musculoskeletal check, often alongside a parent's own care
Children
Back or neck pain from sports, backpacks or falls; posture questions
Teens
Sports injuries, back pain, neck pain, scoliosis screening and monitoring
Teen athletes
Shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle injuries, return-to-play plans (sports medicine)
How care is adapted for kids
- •Infants: a gentle exam and fingertip-pressure techniques only; no adult-style adjustments
- •Young children: low-force techniques such as Activator, plus play-based exercises
- •Teens: care closer to adult care, adjusted for growth, with an emphasis on exercise and sport
- •Every age: a parent or guardian stays in the room, and we explain everything before we do it
What we don't claim
You may see chiropractors online claiming to treat ear infections, colic, asthma, ADHD or bedwetting, or to boost a child's immune system. We don't make those claims, because the evidence doesn't support them. If your child has one of those concerns, your pediatrician is the right first stop. Our focus is muscles, joints and movement.
About our training
Dr. Douglas doesn't hold a specialty pediatric chiropractic certification. He has cared for patients from a few days old through high school, and his athletic training background means young athletes get care built around their sport and their growth.
Common Questions
Ready to be seen?
Call 423-239-9122 or book online. We don't take walk-ins, but most new patients are seen within a week, and we check your insurance benefits before your first visit.