Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic on an infant that had experienced birth trauma reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing these infants. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in infants suffering from the related health challenges 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.

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McCoy added “In the case report presented, the infant was suffering from failure to thrive following a traumatic birth that resolved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine.” 

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 3-month-old female that had spent several days in the neonatal intensive care unit. In the womb, the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and she was delivered via cesarean section, prematurely.  She was suffering from colic, failure to thrive, reflux and GER.  She was given three different medications with no improvements. Her parents had grown frustrated with the worsening of her symptoms.    

The chiropractor examined the infant and found structural shifts in her upper neck and confirmed with additional testing and x-rays. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following chiropractic adjustments, she experienced complete resolution of colic, failure to thrive, and GER symptoms.  Improvements were also noted in her sleep, mood, and weight gain. 

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

Contact Information: 

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research
http://www.uppercervicalsubluxation.com
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com