Recent research reporting on improvement in a 17-year-old undergoing chiropractic care reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders. The research, reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic, includes a review of the literature supporting the role of chiropractic in adults and children suffering from a number of disorders that share their origin with Autism. 

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“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and brain” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. “Basic science research shows that the proper development of the brain relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age.” 

Research has shown not only that the brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to “feel good” are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways. 

“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated McCoy “We see this shocking increase in the diagnosis of Autism and other neurological disorders both in children and in adults.” 

Researchers believe that the increase in the diagnosis of such disorders as Autism, ASD, ADHD, pervasive developmental disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders, have their root in a “perfect storm” of abnormal, structural spinal shifts and spinal development coupled with cultural changes.    

“Not only does television watching, computer use, computer games and lack of exercise cause an increase in obesity and diabetes in our children” remarked McCoy “These habits spill over into adulthood and affect the development and functioning of our brains.” 

According to McCoy, “People’s nervous systems need the constant stimulation of movement in order to develop and function properly. Abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra can develop from structural shifts. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.” 

The 17-year-old male in this study had been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder  at the age of two.  He experienced altered behavior patterns, language deficits, sleep disturbances, constipation, and earaches.  His vocabulary was severely limited. 

The chiropractor examined him and found posture changes and structural shifts in his neck, mid back, and low back.  Muscle imbalance, spasms, decreased range of motion, and additional testing confirmed these findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following chiropractic adjustments, his symptoms either resolved or dramatically improved.  His speech improved as he began talking more and began learning to read.  

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