New Research on Chiropractic & Reflux in Infants

Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic on an infant with gastroesophageal reflux, GERD, reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing infants with such disorders. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in infants suffering from this health challenge and calls for more research in this area.

“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 health challenges that infants experience” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.

CLICK HERE to review the study 

McCoy added “In the case report presented, the infant was suffering from GERD that resolved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine and gastrointestinal system.” 

According to researchers the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function. 

The infant reported on in the study was a 6-month-old female suffering from GERD since birth. Her mother had to stop breastfeeding due to the reflux.  Her symptoms were exacerbated by milk, soy, and bananas.  Her mother feared she was not getting enough to eat so upon the recommendation of the pediatrician she switched to hypoallergenic formula, which provided temporary relief. 

The chiropractor examined the infant and found structural shifts in her upper neck, midback, and sacrum. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following chiropractic adjustments over a 2-month period, she experienced resolution of GERD symptomatology. 

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in infants with GERD.

Contact Information: 

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