Improvements in Hearing, Speech, Development, and Behavior Following Chiropractic in a 4 Year Old Male
Ryan Pilsner, D.C. & Megan Richardson, D.C.
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2011 ~ Issue 1 ~ Pages 14-22
Abstract
Objective: To review improvement in a child with otitis media, adenoid hypertrophy, nasal congestion, and hearing loss associated with speech difficulties, developmental delay, and behavioral concerns undergoing chiropractic care.
Clinical Features: A 4 year-old male presented with complaints of otitis media with effusion, adenoid hypertrophy, nasal congestion, bilateral hearing loss, speech difficulties, developmental delay, and behavioral concerns. Vertebral subluxations were found at upper cervical and upper thoracic vertebral levels.
Intervention and Outcomes: After 11 chiropractic adjustments including instrument and diversified techniques patient’s re-evaluation with ENT physician revealed resolution of otitis media with effusion, adenoid hypertrophy, nasal congestion, hearing loss and improvement of speech, development, and behavior. Patient had improved intervertebral motion in the upper cervical and upper thoracic spine.
Conclusions: This case report presents supporting evidence that chiropractic adjustments may improve immune system functioning, thus relieving otitis media, adenoid hypertrophy, nasal congestion and their subsequent effects. More research is recommended to support the findings presented in this paper and to examine the role vertebral subluxation has on immune function.
Key Words: Chiropractic, pediatric, otitis media, otitis media with effusion, Eustachian tube dysfunction, Immune function, adenoidectomy, Activator, Diversified technique, Arthrostim, subluxation
