New Research on Oxygen Levels in Newborns & Chiropractic

Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic, described a female newborn suffering from an abnormal oxygen levels immediately after birth.  This report includes a review of the literature supporting the role of chiropractic in children suffering from pulse oximetry abnormalities and calls for more research in this area.

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“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 children suffer from during birth like abnormal oxygen levels” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. “These types of structural shifts in the spine can obstruct the nerves involved in and by removing the structural shifts, chiropractic helps improve nerve supply, range of motion and function.” 

The female newborn reported on in the study was delivered naturally at home.  She was evaluated by a midwife who noticed low oxygenation from pulse oximetry.  Oxygen was administered which improved her oxygen levels only for them to return to abnormal each time the oxygen was removed.  This left the parents facing a possible transport to the nearest emergency room.  

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

Following chiropractic care, she experienced complete resolution of the abnormal pulse oximetry.  Her oxygen levels immediately increased and remained normal throughout the duration of monitoring.  Due to her improvement, the midwife decided a trip to the emergency room was no longer necessary. 

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