Chiropractic Shown to Help Reduce Suffering – Press Release from the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation Research
Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic on an infant with birth trauma impacting the bundle of nerves that supply the shoulder, arm, and hand, reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing infants with such injuries.
“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.
McCoy added “In the research presented, the infant was suffering from a brachial plexus injury 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.
The 5-month-old boy reported on in the study suffered a brachial plexus injury during a traumatic birth. After being born his mother noticed he guarded his left arm and shoulder, he favored his right arm and tummy time was difficult for him.
The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck and sacrum. Abnormal muscle tension was noted in the shoulder, and upper back. Range of motion and reflexes 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 care, he was able to use his left arm, tummy time was now possible and enjoyable. He began pulling himself up to stand and his muscle tension improved.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in infants after birth trauma.