Improvement in a Child with Transient Tachypnea of Newborn Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report
Karen Ferguson, D.C. Bio & Joshua Steinke, D.C. Bio
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2012 ~ Issue 4 ~ Pages 95-98
Abstract
Objective: To report a dramatic improvement in respiratory rate and Apgar score in a newborn suffering from Transient Tachypnea of Newborn (TTN) following a reduction of vertebral subluxation.
Clinical Features: A newborn male presented with a respiratory rate of 93 breaths/min and an Apgar score of 6 at 1 and 5 minutes. Symptoms included inability to cry out loud, nasal flaring, and grunting. He was given the diagnosis of Transient Tachypnea of Newborn.
Interventions and Outcomes: A chiropractic examination of the baby’s upper cervical spine revealed vertebral subluxation at the atlanto-occipital region. An infant toggle recoil adjustment was given to reduce the subluxation. Within minutes of the adjustment the respiratory rate decreased to 80 breaths/min and Apgar score improved to a 9. At 5 hours after birth the respiratory rate was 70 breaths/min and at 12 hours after birth was 60 breaths/min.
Conclusions: The case of a newborn diagnosed with Transient Tachypnea of Newborn is presented. Respiratory rate, Apgar score, and other signs of TTN improved following an upper cervical adjustment to reduce vertebral subluxation. Further research on respiratory disorders in newborns and the efficacy of chiropractic is warranted.
Keywords: Transient Tachypnea of Newborn (TTN,) vertebral subluxation, respiratory distress, atlas, adjustment, chiropractic, pediatrics, newborn
