Resolution of GERD in an Infant Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Report & Selective Review of the Literature
Melissa Ferranti, DC, Joel Alcantara, DC and Ann Reilly, DC
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2016 ~ Issue 2 ~ Pages 46-49
Abstract
Objective: This case report describes the chiropractic care of an infant presenting for chiropractic care with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Clinical Features: A 1-month-old female presented for chiropractic care with a medical diagnosis of GERD with symptoms that included gurgling at night, wakeful sleep, and appearance of grimace reported by the patient’s mother. Previous unsuccessful medical care involved a prescription of Zantac. Examination revealed vertebral subluxations and minor asymmetry of the cranium with the left side more protruded and the right slightly depressed.
Intervention and Outcome: The patient attended a total of 15 visits over a period of 3 months receiving fingertip digital pressure adjustments, cranial work, and gastric pull down manual therapy. Notable improvements in symptoms were reported by the mother supported by use of the Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale.
Conclusion: The successful chiropractic care of an infant female with subjective complaints consistent with GERD was described. This study provides supporting evidence that infants with similar complaints may benefit from chiropractic care.
Key Words: Gastroesophageal reflux, GERD, chiropractic, vertebral subluxation, pediatric, infant, regurgitation
