As the wealth of scientific information in the chiropractic field continues to build, we want to keep you up to date with the latest research. This blog focuses on chiropractic and children. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your child’s health.
Do subluxations Cause Asthma and Allergies?
In this study, a seven year old patient was brought to a chiropractor for evaluation of recurring symptoms related to allergies and asthma (he was receiving medication for both). He had frequently suffered from symptoms of these ailments since the age of five months. After 2 weeks of chiropractic care, including full spine adjustments at all levels of vertebral subluxation, he was able to stop his allergy and asthma medications.
Here’s something fascinating to note. This child missed an average of one to two days of school per month. After initiating chiropractic care, the child did not miss a day of school for an entire year.
*Source: Chiropractic Care of a Pediatric Patient With Asthma, Allergies, Chronic Colds & Vertebral Subluxation. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, & Family Health-Chiropractic-2009; 3:1-7.
Can Chiropractic Help Autistic Children?
In a recent review on autism, the authors of the article cited a study of 26 autistic children treated with chiropractic adjustments. Significant positive changes were noted. Some of the children were able to stop medication. Other significant physical and behavioral improvements were achieved. Five of the autistic children were even able to attend regular classes at school for the first time.
Although some case studies have shown dramatic results with chiropractic treatments on autistic children, the review authors cautioned that more controlled studies are needed to draw a conclusion on the effectiveness of chiropractic for this disorder.
*Source: Autism: A Chiropractic Perspective. Clinical Chiropractic 2006; 9 (1): 6-10
Is ADHD a Pain in the Neck?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects approximately 3%-10% of our children under the age of 18. It’s a collection of signs and symptoms that interferes with a child’s ability to remain attentive and control hyperactive behavior.
A five year old diagnosed with ADHD was brought to a chiropractor for assessment and treatment. The child was x-rayed and physically examined. The chiropractor identified multiple areas of spinal restrictions and a reversed curve in the child’s neck.
Chiropractic treatments included spinal adjustments, plus specific exercises and traction according to Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) protocols to return the cervical spine to a normal curvature. Following 35 treatments over 8 weeks, the cervical spine curve changed by over 40 degrees. As well, the patient’s behavior also changed dramatically for the better.
As of the 27th treatment, the medical doctor stated that the child no longer exhibits signs of ADHD and took the patient off all medications.
More studies are required to determine if this treatment can be consistently helpful.
*Source: Cervical Kyphosis is a Possible Link to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2004; 27(8):e14. ADHD ref: www.adhd.ca
