New Study Demonstrates the Effectiveness of Chiropractic in Managing Developmental Delays in Young Children

An influential new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic reveals groundbreaking findings on the effectiveness of combining chiropractic care with Melillo Method while managing children with developmental delays. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from the related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.

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“Research indicates that minor shifts in the structure of the spine may impact function, suggesting that these structural shifts may be a factor in a number of disorders. Structural shifts may lead to nerve obstruction and could possibly be involved in a host of health problems” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. Other chiropractic researchers have reported on similar results and reviews of the scientific research reveal numerous other studies that have shown similar connections. McCoy added, “It’s reasonable to suggest that if you obstruct or damage the nerves exiting the spine, the result of the obstruction(s) and/or damage can have far reaching implications on the functioning of the body.

Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system, and the brain. Basic science and clinical research show that the proper development of the brain relies heavily on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age. Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to respond to their environment are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.

“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated Dr. McCoy. “The research highlights how non-invasive chiropractic care can significantly impact children with developmental delays, showcasing a notable improvement in the ability to speak, regulate emotions, move, and interact socially. These results underscore the potential for chiropractic adjustments, along with focused integrated reflex, sensory, and motor skill therapies, to foster brain function improvements, thus contributing to a reduction in symptomatology.”

Born prematurely via C-section due to her mother’s gestational diabetes, the 3-year-old girl in this case faced various developmental delays from birth. With conditions like hypotonia and weak mouth muscles affecting her feeding, speech, basic motor skills, traditional therapies had limited success.

The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts, weak muscles, and decreased muscle tone. Retained primitive reflexes were identified and an eye assessment revealed abnormal eye tracking. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic care integrating reflex, sensory, and motor therapies over a span of four months, she demonstrated remarkable progress in speech, emotional control, and motor skills.

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

Matthew McCoy, DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
Website: [www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com]
Email: drmatthewmccoy@gmail.com
Phone: 404.247.2550