Pediatric Chiropractic Care in West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
What Is Pediatric Chiropractic Care?
Pediatric chiropractic care is chiropractic evaluation and treatment designed for patients from infancy through adolescence. A child’s spine undergoes significant stress during birth, developmental milestones, falls, sports, and the sustained postures of school life. When spinal joints in a developing spine lose their normal movement or position, the surrounding nervous system can be affected.
Techniques used for children are fundamentally different from those used for adults. Adjustments are gentle, low-force, and adapted to the child’s age, size, and level of spinal development. Our goal is to identify and address spinal dysfunction while the nervous system is still developing, rather than after years of compensation have taken hold.
What Pediatric Chiropractic Care Can Help With
Pediatric chiropractic care supports a range of concerns in growing patients. What applies to your child depends on their age, their symptoms, and what the evaluation reveals.
Spinal health during development. A child’s spine grows quickly and absorbs substantial physical stress. Pediatric care identifies areas of dysfunction early, before compensatory patterns become established.
Postural support during the school years. Hours at a desk, heavy backpacks, and screen time contribute to forward head posture and spinal stress in children and adolescents. Evaluation can identify whether those habits are affecting spinal mechanics.
Recovery from falls and sports injuries. Children are active and sustain impacts regularly. Pediatric chiropractic care helps identify and address spinal dysfunction that may result from those impacts, even when a child does not report significant pain.
Headaches with a postural or mechanical component. Some children experience recurring headaches that are related to neck tension or postural strain. Evaluation can help determine whether that connection exists in your child’s case.
Scoliosis monitoring and support. Scoliosis is often identified during the adolescent growth period. Chiropractic evaluation can be part of a monitoring and management plan for patients not yet requiring orthopedic intervention.
When Pediatric Chiropractic Care May Not Be Appropriate
Pediatric Chiropractic Care is not the right starting point for every patient. During your evaluation, our team reviews your health history, symptoms, examination findings, and any relevant imaging to determine whether this care fits your situation. If your symptoms point to a condition outside the clinic’s scope, we may recommend medical evaluation or referral before beginning care. Being clear about who this care does and does not fit is part of how Vero Health Center builds a plan you can trust.
Conditions We Treat With Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Pediatric chiropractic care supports the healthy development of a child’s spine and nervous system through every stage of growth. Families bring children to us for many reasons, including digestive discomfort, disrupted sleep, ear infections, and colic, and these concerns are part of the care plans we build for younger patients. Our work centers on the spine and nervous system and how well they are moving and functioning, alongside your child’s pediatrician. The conditions below are the musculoskeletal issues we most commonly evaluate and care for.
Who This Service Is For
Pediatric chiropractic care is appropriate for children of various ages whose parents are concerned about spinal development, recurring symptoms, or activity-related injuries. It is well-suited to active children in sports, children who carry heavy backpacks or spend long hours at a desk, and adolescents who have been identified with postural concerns or scoliosis.
Parents do not need to wait for symptoms to appear to bring a child in for an evaluation. Many of our pediatric patients come for a general spinal assessment as part of maintaining their overall health.
Your child may benefit from a pediatric chiropractic evaluation if:
- They have had a fall, sports injury, or other physical impact
- They report recurring neck pain, back pain, or headaches
- They have been identified with postural concerns or scoliosis
- They carry a heavy backpack or spend significant time at a desk
- You want a baseline spinal assessment as part of their overall health care
How Vero Health Center Provides Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Pediatric care at Vero Health Center begins with an age-appropriate evaluation. We explain every step to the child and their parents before proceeding, and we never rush through the process.
Gentle, Age-Appropriate Evaluation
We assess posture, spinal movement, and neurological function using methods suited to the child’s developmental stage. The examination includes observation of how the child moves and carries their body, as well as gentle palpation of spinal structures.
Low-Force Pediatric Adjustments
Pediatric adjustments require significantly less force than adult adjustments. Techniques are selected based on the child’s age, spinal development, and the specific findings from their evaluation. Most children tolerate adjustments well.
Parent Communication After Each Visit
We take time after each visit to explain what we found, what we addressed, and what to watch for at home. Parents are active participants in the care plan, not observers.
What Our Patients Are Saying
What To Expect At Your Child's First Pediatric Chiropractic Visit
We understand that bringing a child to a new provider requires trust. Here is exactly what to expect.
Scheduling And Preparation
When you contact us to schedule your child’s visit, our team will explain what the appointment involves and confirm any forms to complete before you arrive.
Intake And Conversation
We begin by talking with you and your child about what brought you in, their history, any symptoms they are experiencing, and how they spend their days. Your child’s perspective matters at every stage of this conversation.
Pediatric Evaluation
We assess posture, spinal motion, and nerve function using age-appropriate methods. The evaluation is gentle and non-threatening, and we explain each step to your child as we go.
Findings And Recommendations
After the evaluation, we explain what we found in terms both you and your child can understand. We describe what we recommend and why, and we answer every question before any care begins.
First Adjustment
If an adjustment is indicated and you are ready to proceed, we perform it that day using gentle, low-force technique appropriate for your child’s age and presentation.
Related Services
Pediatric chiropractic care is often the beginning of a family’s relationship with Vero Health Center. Explore related services:
Neurologically Based Chiropractic Care
An approach to evaluation and treatment centered on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system.
Pregnancy Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic evaluation and treatment adapted specifically for patients who are pregnant.
Wellness Chiropractic Care
Ongoing chiropractic support for patients who are past the acute phase of care or who want to maintain their spinal health and function over time.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Sources And Clinical References
- Source: Mayo Clinic: Back Pain in Children
- Source: Spinal manipulation and mobilisation in paediatrics – an international evidence-based position statement for physiotherapists
- Source: Royal College of Chiropractors: Core Competencies of the Paediatric Chiropractor
- Source: Cleveland Clinic: Chiropractic Adjustment + Evans et al., 2018 adolescent low-back-pain RCT
- Source: HealthyChildren.org / American Academy of Pediatrics: Backpack Safety + AAOS OrthoInfo: Backpack Safety
- Source: Canadian Paediatric Society: Chiropractic Care for Children: Controversies and Issues + Cleveland Clinic: Chiropractic Adjustment + Royal College pediatric competencies
- Source: Mayo Clinic: Chiropractic Adjustment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Yes. When performed by a trained chiropractor using age-appropriate techniques, pediatric chiropractic care is considered safe for children at various stages of development. The forces used for pediatric adjustments are far lower than those used for adults, and the approach is adapted to the child’s anatomy.
How young can a child be seen for chiropractic care?
Chiropractic evaluation is appropriate from infancy onward when there is a clinical reason to assess spinal function. The technique and approach are fully adapted to the child’s age. If you are unsure whether your child’s situation fits, contact us and we will let you know.
What if my child is nervous or reluctant?
We understand that some children are cautious in clinical settings. We explain every step before we proceed and never rush. Many children find the experience more comfortable than they expected once they understand what is happening.
Can pediatric chiropractic care help with my child's scoliosis?
Chiropractic evaluation and care can be part of a monitoring and management plan for pediatric scoliosis. The approach depends on the degree of curvature and where the child is in their growth cycle. We will be honest with you about what chiropractic care can and cannot address for your child’s specific case.
Do you see teenagers as well as young children?
Yes. We see patients from infancy through adolescence. Teenagers in particular often benefit from spinal evaluation given the postural demands of school and, for many, the physical demands of competitive athletics.
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Read This ArticleBook Pediatric Chiropractic Care in West Des Moines
Children do not always know how to describe the discomfort they feel, and not all spinal dysfunction produces obvious pain. If you have questions about your child’s posture, development, or recurring symptoms, a pediatric evaluation is the right starting point. Contact Vero Health Center to schedule a visit.