New Research on Chiropractic & Seizures in Children

Recent research reporting on improvement in a 15 month old boy undergoing chiropractic care reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing brain related neurological disorders such as seizures. The research, reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic, discussed a case of a 15 month old boy who was experiencing seizures several times per week.

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“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the brain” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. “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.” 

Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to adapt to their environment and even to “feel good” are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways. 

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

Researchers studying the connection between chiropractic and neurological disorders believe that these types of functional disorders have their root in abnormal spinal development.    

“There are very important functional relationships between the spine and the brain that if obstructed can result in a host of problems with how the brain functions” remarked Dr. McCoy. According to McCoy “The nervous system needs the constant stimulation of movement in order to develop and function properly. Abnormal structural shifts the spinal vertebra can develop and this can lead to nerve obstruction. It is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.” 

The patient reported on in this case was a 15-month-old boy with a history of traumatic birth including Caesarean section and epidural. His mother had progesterone shots and five ultrasounds during the pregnancy. She experienced morning sickness and back pain and was hospitalized twice for preterm contractions. 

The infant began experiencing seizures several times weekly at 6 months of age. Following a complete medical work up and no cause or solution found, the parents brought him to a chiropractor who examined the infant and found significant structural shifts in his spine. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.   

Following 17 adjustments to reduce subluxations the seizures gradually tapered until they completely resolved. 

Contact Information: 

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic
http://www.chiropracticpediatricresearch.com
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com