Chiropractic Care of a Toddler Born Premature & Exposed to Opiates, Amphetamines and Suffering from Ear Infections

Recent research reporting on improvement in a 13 month old boy undergoing chiropractic care reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing children born drug addicted and suffering from ear infections. The research, reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic, includes a review of the literature supporting the role of chiropractic in children suffering from ear infections and calls for more research in this area. 

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE STUDY 

“Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the various problems related to ear infections” stated Dr. Pamela Stone, the lead author of the paper. “These types of structural problems in the upper part of the neck cause a back-up of the lymphatics and problems with the tubes draining the middle ear. By removing the structural imbalance chiropractic helps these fluids drain, and improves nerve supply and range of motion.” 

The unique aspect of this case study is that the adopted child had been exposed to opiates, amphetamines and alcohol during pregnancy. Additionally, there was trauma during the birth process which included the use of vacumn extraction. After birth he was unable to breathe without the assistance of a continuous positive airway pressure machine or feed without feeding tubes. 

In addition to the improvement in ear infections, other aspects of the child’s health also improved including constipation and diarrhea.  After several rounds of antibiotics, the adoptive mother of the child brought him to a chiropractor who checked the child’s spine for vertebral subluxations, found them and then reduced them. 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. 

“With everything we know about the dangers of antibiotic abuse, chiropractic intervention makes perfect sense in the case of childhood ear infections. In fact, chiropractic is the treatment of choice for dealing with the structural and neurological aspects of ear infections.” remarked Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study, “This child was experiencing numerous health challenges as a result of her ear infections, birth trauma and exposure to drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. The medical intervention was not helping. It wasn’t until the chiropractic intervention that the child improved dramatically and in a very short time.”  

The 13-month-old male presented to the chiropractor with a history of premature birth and delivery through cesarean section and vacuum extraction. At birth his blood contained opiates, methamphetamine and other amphetamines. The patient had been experiencing bouts of otitis media since three months of age and had previously been managed by medical doctors with rounds of antibiotics and nasal saline. Chiropractic analysis revealed subluxations located in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacroiliac joint region and were adjusted. 

The mother reported that the child’s otitis media had resolved the following week. The patient continues regular chiropractic treatment and has not been on any antibiotics since 13-months of age. The patient’s mother reported that her child’s overall health and wellness improved while undergoing chiropractic care. 

The authors of the study recommend that the link between subluxation and visceral dysfunction, such as otitis media be investigated further. 

Contact Information:

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic
http://www.chiropracticpediatricresearch.net
matthewmccoy@comcast.net