New Research on Birth Trauma & Colic in Infants

Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic on an infant with colic following birth trauma reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in co-managing these infants. 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.

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McCoy added “In the case report presented, the infant was suffering from birth trauma, colic, colitis, plagiocephaly, and difficulty breastfeeding 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. 

Following birth trauma, the 2-month-old male infant in this case was suffering from colic, allergic colitis, plagiocephaly, and difficulty latching to breastfeed.  As early as four weeks old he had blood and mucus in his stools, was very irritable most days and this got even worse at night.  During the night he grew more and more inconsolable.  Several medications were prescribed which did not resolve the problems.  His mother noted it was a painful birth, the cord got wrapped around his body and vacuum extraction was used.  Once delivered he was not breathing, had bruising, and a deformed skull.  

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his skull, neck, back, pelvis, and sacrum.  He also had deficits in reflexes.  These findings were confirmed by additional testing.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following chiropractic care he experienced resolution of colic and he was a much happier baby.  There was a dramatic improvement in colitis symptoms, there was no presence of blood in his stools, he was breastfeeding normally, all medications were discontinued and his head began to take on a more normal shape.   

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