Health & Chiro Articles

The scientific periodical, the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, published a case study on February 6, 2012, documenting the resolution under chiropractic care of a 9-month-old infant with constipation. The child had developed constipation at nine months of age after the mother had stopped breastfeeding.

The study authors begin by noting that constipation is the slow or difficult movement of feces through the large intestines. They also reported that, “Chronic constipation is among the most common digestive complaints in the United States.” The highest number of these cases occurs in both pediatric and geriatric age people. The authors also report that it is a common misconception to believe that constipation resolves itself near puberty for many children with the problem, noting that studies show more that 50 percent eventually become chronic.

In this case, a 9-month-old girl was brought to the chiropractor with the chief complaint of constipation. The mother advised the doctor that her daughter had been suffering with the problem for about 5 months since she discontinued breastfeeding. It was noted that the baby would go as long as two days without a bowel movement, and that movements involved straining, and were painful to the child.

The infant was born via forced labor, was born with a heart murmur, and had a history of repeated ear infections. A chiropractic examination was performed with the results finding subluxations in the upper neck (atlas) and at the base of the spine (sacrum). Care was initiated at the rate of one visit per week. Chiropractic care consisted of specific adjustments to the atlas and sacrum when warranted. The adjustments were age specific for the infant to correct the subluxation in her spine.

The reported results showed that after the first visit, the child’s bowel movements increased in frequency. After three weeks, the mother reported that her child’s constipation problems were infrequent. By a five month follow-up, the constipation was resolved and the child’s stools were normal.

In the April 20, 2009 issue of the scientific journal, the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, was a case study report of a young girl who had signs of cerebellar ataxia that were completely eliminated with chiropractic care. Cerebellar ataxia is a disorder that results in balance and coordination problems.

In this case a 7 year old girl was brought to a chiropractic clinic for health and wellness. In the course of examination tests were performed that showed a brain malfunction consistent with cerebellar ataxia. Chiropractic care was initiated for the presence of vertebral subluxations. The young girl was seen weekly in the initial stages of care. By the fourth adjustment the patient was re-tested and the specific findings of cerebellar ataxia were gone.

Author of the paper, Dr. Nicoleta Borcean explained this case by noting, “Basic science research shows that the proper development and function of the brain relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age.”

She continued, “It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated Dr. Borcean. “The brain constantly needs and wants to know where our body is in space. If there is interference with the neurological communication between the spine and the brain all sorts of malfunctions can occur.”

Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health added, “There are very important functional relationships between the spine and the brain that if disturbed can result in a host of problems with how the brain functions”. According to McCoy “Childrens nervous systems need the constant stimulation of movement in order to develop and function properly. Abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra can develop and this can lead to nerve interference. It is this interference, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.”

On September 13, 2005, Medical News Today published the announcement of the creation of chiropractic guidelines for pediatric care. The guidelines “The Child Patient: A Matrix for Chiropractic Care” was originally released as a supplement to its peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (JCCP) Vol. 6, No.3, 2005.

The release is noteworthy in two respects. This is the first time guidelines such as these have been published with parameters establishing the necessity of chiropractic care for children of all ages. But additionally, since these guidelines were published as a supplement to a scientific, peer reviewed journal, the medical news outlet “Medical News Today” picked up the release and published it in their general release available for all physicians and the general public.

Dr. Joan Fallon, Board of Directors member of the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) and past chair and current Executive Committee member of the ICA Pediatrics Council stated, “The foundation of chiropractic care is the presence of subluxation.” She continued, “For children, subluxation manifests itself differently than in adults, and also may occur as a result of multiple non- pain producing activities especially in the very young child. The Matrix closely examines the presence of subluxation in the child with respect to their anatomy, physiology and development.”

Dr. Lora Tanis, Chairperson of the ICA Pediatrics Council noted the importance of these guidelines by stating, “This is an invaluable contribution to the profession and to the public at large because for the first time we have a published document that explains why infants and toddlers need chiropractic care and how the need and/or frequency of care relates to birth trauma, immune system maturity and developmental milestones along with any abnormal, congenital, traumatic or acquired injuries the child may have.”

From the October 31, 2011 issue of the scientific periodical, the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health comes a case study documenting the correction of autistic symptoms of a child receiving chiropractic care.

The authors of the study start off by reporting some sobering statistics by stating, “Autism is a neurobehavioral disorder that has shown an increase in prevalence in the children of this era. It affects more than 400,000 in the United States and ranks as the third most common developmental disorder of the pediatric population.”

In this case a 9-year-old autistic boy was presented to a chiropractic office for care by his mother. She also noted that her son had a history of repeated ear infections and fell frequently due to his hyperactivity. The boy was also suffering from delayed speech at 1-2 years of age and had not spoken by 3-years of age. Finally at the age of 3 and a half, the boy was diagnosed with autism.

A chiropractic examination was performed and it was determined that the boy had subluxations in his pelvis and in the top bone in the neck, the “atlas”. A series of specific chiropractic adjustments was begun for correction of the subluxations found. Dietary changes were also made.

The results of the case were partially determined by the mother filling out an Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), comparing her son’s behavior before care, to his behavior at around the 14th visit. The overall scores of the ATEC showed a 16% improvement by the 14th chiropractic adjustment. This included a 17% improvement in the Health / Physical Behavior score.

In addition the child was able to discontinue one of the medications he was taking and at the time of the study, reduce the remaining one. The mother also reported that her son improved to the point where he had an almost complete absence of stereotypical autistic movements, improvements in his ability in sociable situations and improvements in communication, both verbal and physical.

A case study published in February 2009 in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, documented the case of a woman in the midst of a difficult birth receiving help with chiropractic. This case study showed the successful collaboration of chiropractors and midwives, as the authors describe the care of a woman in labor with problems.

This case study involved a 26 year old first time mother experiencing problems while in labor. She was attempting a home birth delivery with 3 midwives and her chiropractor in attendance. At 23 hours of labor, the woman had lack of cervical dilation, descent but diminished uterine contractions along with decreased fetal heart tones. Due to the variety of problems the midwives discussed the possibility of transferring the patient to the hospital. At that point the decision was made to initiate chiropractic care with the “Webster Technique”.

The Webster Technique, created by famed pediatric Chiropractor, Dr. Larry Webster, is the application of a specific chiropractic adjustment, which reduces interference to the nervous system (subluxation) and helps return balance in the pelvic structures thereby improving the physiological functioning of the pelvic muscles and ligaments. This in turn removes in-utero constraint and allows for the fetus to get into the best possible position for birth.

After the application of chiropractic care, the midwives reported a significant improvement in labor progression. The patient’s contractions became stronger and more frequent, and the fetal heart tones stabilized. The midwives again attempted various patient positioning, more homeopathic remedies and performed a surgical rupture of the patients membranes. As the labor continued, they recommended further chiropractic care.

At 34 hours of labor, the attending chiropractor rendered care again. One-half hour later, the patient finally reached complete cervical dilation. The labor progressed rapidly thereafter, and the patient began pushing. A healthy baby girl was born vaginally at home one hour after receiving her last chiropractic spinal adjustment.

Dr. Jeanne Ohm, Executive Director of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and one of the co-authors of the study stated, “Research is revealing that chiropractic care is extremely beneficial before, during and after the birth process, helping the mother enjoy a healthier pregnancy, a more normal delivery and giving the child a better start in life. Study after study is showing that a chiropractor is an indispensable part of the birthing team.”

In the September 22, 2011 issue of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health a case study was published that documents chiropractic care helping a baby with severe constipation and excessive crying.

In this case an 11 week old boy was brought to the chiropractor by his mother. The boy’s mother related that her baby was fussy since birth and that several times a day, the baby was uncomfortable and would cry and scream as if he was in a great deal of pain. These episodes would last up to 2 hours at a time.

The mother explained that these fits of crying seemed to be associated with her son trying to have a bowel movement as he would seem to be grunting and pushing without any success. Over the previous 8 weeks, it was reported that the child only had 5 bowel movements. Medical attempts to correct this issue included over the counter remedies and leg exercises. His bowel issues were affecting his eating and sleeping habits.

A chiropractic examination was performed where it was noticed that the baby’s color was grey looking, and his abdomen was distended. Additionally, there were several spinal findings that indicated the presence of nerve system irritation from subluxations at the top and bottom of the child’s spine.

Chiropractic care was initiated with a specific set of pediatric spinal adjustments being administered to the baby. The mother brought the baby back in six days for a follow-up visit. Upon her arrival she informed the doctor that after her son’s first adjustment, her baby had his first bowel movement without assistance. By the third chiropractic visit the boy’s mother reported that her son had an increased number of bowel movements as well as an improvement in his overall demeanor, a reduction in crying, and improvement in his ability to sleep.

The study notes that after about 10 weeks of chiropractic care, the child’s bowel habits had returned to a normal level that would be expected in a child unaffected by constipation.

In a series of articles dated July 21 and 22, 2002 from the Chicago Tribune comes a frightening report of needless deaths of thousands of infants due simply to actions of hospitals and their workers. According to an analysis done by the Tribune of records at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pediatric intensive care units experience up to three times the number of infections as other hospital areas, including operating rooms. The article reports that state and federal health-care records show that the rate of lethal pediatric infections acquired in hospitals is rising.

The article highlighted a tragic case from Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit, during a three month period in the spring of 1997, on the same floor, within the same nursery unit, along the same row of bassinets, hospital germs contributed to the deaths of three babies and slipped undetected into 15 more newborns.

Probably the most chilling part of the expose were the statistics gathered by the Tribune that linked the deaths of 2,610 infants in the year 2000 alone to preventable hospital-acquired infections. The Tribune further identified 75,000 preventable deaths where hospital-acquired infections played a major role. Their analysis was based on the most recent national data, and was the most comprehensive of its kind drawing on information from thousands of hospital and government inspection reports.

According to a Tribune inspection and investigation of files at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the majority of cases in pediatric intensive care units where needless deaths occurred, lives might have been saved by such simple acts such as washing hands or isolating patients the moment infections were detected. The Tribune’s analysis found an estimated 103,000 total deaths linked to hospital infections in 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which bases its numbers on extrapolations from 315 hospitals, estimated there were 90,000 that year. The Tribune article estimated that 75,000 of the deadly hospital infections took place in conditions that were preventable.

In an article on the same subject in the July 21, 2002 issue of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution it was also noted that according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, deaths linked to hospital germs now represent the fourth-leading cause of mortality among Americans, behind heart disease, cancer and strokes. To put this in perspective these infections kill more people each year than car accidents, fires and drowning combined.

A study published in the September 13, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) starts off with a chilling statement. “Much of pediatric drug use is off-label because appropriate pediatric studies have not been conducted and the drugs have not been labeled by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children.” In other words, according to the authors in JAMA, most of the drugs being sold for children have not been approved by the FDA for use in children.

The study, also reported on in a September 13, 2006 Associated Press story, notes that very little of the research that is done gets published in scientific journals. This then makes it hard for doctors to know about the medications or the study results. Dr. Danny Benjamin, an associate professor at Duke University who led the study and also works for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration commented, “Ironically, some of the times when drugs do work (in children), they’re still not getting published.”

Dr. Benjamin noted that many of the studies that do get done are never submitted for publication in journals. Dr. Catherine DeAngelis, JAMA editor-in-chief noted in the AP story that few studies submitted to JAMA involve the effects of medication on children.

It is not known if the reason for these lack of submissions is the change in 2004 by many of the scientific journals that now require drug tests be pre-registered before the testing in order to be considered for publication after the tests are complete. The reason the publications did this was because drug companies were running multiple studies on some drugs then only publishing the best results from drug trials while hiding the ones that may not have been so successful. Gregory D. Curfman, executive editor of the New England Journal of Medicine explains the rationale by stating, “When a pharmaceutical company sponsors a clinical trial and the results turn out not to be in the best financial interests of the company, it has been our experience these results are never made public.”

By not submitting the pediatric drug tests for publication in the journals, the drug companies could conceivably bury those tests that were not favorable, while distributing only those that seemed to work. In response, Scott Lassman of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, noted that drug companies often present data at medical conferences and or post them on an online industry database. This type of dissemination does not undergo the same scrutiny as publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal.

A November 7, 2001 report on a study conducted by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association showed that a chiropractic technique known as the “Webster Breech Turning Technique” was statistically very successful in resolving breech pregnancies without medical procedures. A Breech pregnancy is when the baby is not properly positioned in the mother’s womb near the date for delivery. If the baby is not positioned head-first, the delivery may be difficult or even dangerous for both the mother and child.

This chiropractic technique was created by the late Dr. Larry Webster, who was affectionately known as “The grandfather of chiropractic pediatrics.” The study entailed surveying members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Inc (ICPA – www.icpa4kids.com) throughout the United States and Canada. The survey noted that there were a reported 112 cases of breech recorded by the chiropractors. Of these, the results were 102 positive resolutions. This means that in 102 of 112 cases the baby turned properly after the chiropractic procedure was performed. This represents a success rate of almost 92%!

The conclusions of this study clearly stated, “When successful, the Webster Technique avoids the costs and/or risks of either, ECV, cesarean section or vaginal trial of breech. In view of these findings the Webster Technique deserves serious consideration in the health care management of expectant mothers exhibiting adverse fetal presentation.”

An article in the December 6, 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) calls for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take action concerning over the counter pediatric medications targeted at children under 12 years of age. “We believe that it (FDA) should immediately ask companies to remove these products from store shelves and begin legal proceedings to require them to do so.”

The original NEJM article by by Joshua M. Sharfstein, M.D., Marisa North, B.A., and Janet R. Serwint, M.D., highlights some very interesting facts related to over the counter drugs being advertised for children. The article notes that, “Since 1985, all six randomized, placebo-controlled studies of the use of cough and cold preparations in children under 12 years of age have not shown any meaningful differences between the active drugs and placebo.”

The NEJM article noted that as far back as 1997, the American Academy of Pediatrics created a policy statement on cough medications stating “indications for their use in children have not been established.” Additionally, the authors of the article noted that as recently as 2006, the American College of Chest Physicians stated that “literature regarding over-the-counter cough medications does not support the efficacy of such products in the pediatric age group.”

Some additional and chilling statistics brought forth in the article note that since January of 2000 there have been 750,000 calls of concern related to cough and cold products to poison-control centers. Additionally they reported that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2004 and 2005 identified more than 1500 emergency room visits for children under 2 years of age related to cough or cold products.

The article notes that in 1976, the FDA adopted a system for determining children’s medications doses using a crude formula. This formula simply determined the use of pediatric medication by age only. For children between 6 and 11 years of age, the formula said that medications should be dispersed based upon half the adult dose. For children between 2 and 5 years of age, the formula recommended a quarter of the adult dose. The NEJM article notes that this very crude formulation was not based upon any science and has not been changed for over 30 years.

Interestingly, the New England Journal of Medicine article was also reported in several Canadian news outlets but NOT in any major US news publications. In a December 06, 2007 article in the Canadian National Post, Dr. Michael Rieder of the Canadian Pediatric Society commented on the importance of this NEJM article by stating, “Every regulator in the world will pay attention to [the article], and because we share the same unprotected border, Canada will pay more attention than other countries. The pressure has been building to this for over the past 12 to 18 months, and people in the community are saying, ‘Let’s get this done.'”