Research News Staff
New Research on Failure to Thrive & Chiropractic

Chiropractic Shown to Help

Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic on an infant reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing failure to thrive in this population. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in infants suffering from the related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.

CLICK HERE to review the research

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

McCoy added “In the case report presented, the infant was suffering from failure to thrive and several other symptoms 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 2-month-old infant reported on in the study had been diagnosed with failure to thrive.  His mother at her wits end describing the failed course of medical care he had received, which included several medications.  He moved very little throughout pregnancy and was ultimately delivered via c-section, being removed with vacuum extraction and forceps.  He had several symptoms such as lack of weight gain, profuse vomiting, acid reflux, constipation, and irritability.  He only slept for 20 minutes at a time and would often stop breathing.  His hearing and sight were also impaired.  

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck, midback, lower back, and pelvis.  He had very tight muscles, decreased range of motion, decreased reflexes, and posture abnormalities.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following chiropractic adjustments, he took his first nap ever and experienced a bowel movement.  After two weeks of chiropractic care, he experienced complete resolution of all symptoms, stopped all medications and began meeting his developmental milestones. 

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.

Contact Information: 

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