Chiropractic Helps Infant with Multiple Problems

The Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study in their third quarter 2024 edition documenting the improvement under chiropractic care of an infant suffering from multiple physical health and developmental issues.

The authors of this study begin by explaining why infants are taken to chiropractors by their parents. "One of the most common reasons for infants to be brought to a Chiropractor is for difficulty with tummy time, low muscle tone, and torticollis. In recent years a new approach to these cases has emerged, now the focus is not limited to the changes in torticollis and poor muscle tone symptoms but also considers improvements in feeding and digestion, posture, developmental delay, and sleep."

In this case, a 12-week-old infant girl was brought to the chiropractor by her mother. The infant girl had a strong dislike to tummy time and would scream and cry when placed on her stomach. She also had difficulty lifting her head and could not push herself up with her arms. She was also suffering with explosive bowel movements as well as random gagging when placed on her back while sleeping. When awake, the infant preferred to be held upright.

The case history noted that although the birth was not difficult, the pregnancy was. The mother experienced significant sickness and was in bed and vomiting every day until she went into labor. During her pregnancy, the mother was hospitalized for IV infusion several times and was on limited food intake for months.

A chiropractic examination of the infant showed that her range of motion was limited, and her head was mis-shaped with a flattening in the right rear area. The examination also showed abnormal primitive reflexes as well as shoulder function. It was determined that multiple areas of subluxations were present in the infant girl's spine.

Chiropractic care appropriate to the infant's size and age was started at the rate of two visits per week. After eight visits, an evaluation showed that the girl had improved significantly with her tummy time ability and function. The girl's family also commented that she was better able to lift her head and was sleeping and feeding better.

Additional improvements included an increase in her range of motion, as well as an improvement in the infant's gagging during sleep. She was no longer having reflux or vomiting from the gagging and was not crying when placed on her tummy. The infant showed improvement in her reflexes and was overall much more relaxed. Her parents also reported that their daughter had caught up to her peers with her developmental milestones.