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Allie Hamstead, DC, ACP, CACCP
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ February 3, 2025 ~ Volume 2025 ~ Pages 1-6
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Abstract
Objective: To describe the care and positive health outcomes of an infant male diagnosed with constipation and cervical range of motion restriction receiving regular chiropractic adjustments.
Clinical Features: A 2-month-old infant male with severe constipation since birth. He was born via forceps delivery with resulting bruising on his face and skull. was monitored for seizures and spent 10 days in the NICU for difficulty breathing. Upon presentation he had not had a bowel movement on his own without an enema and these were done weekly by his parents since his birth. Dietary changes by his mother had only short-term benefits or none. His parents did not wish to medicate him but were open to having a barium enema (Lower GI series) done by their medical provider if conservative care did not improve his symptoms. Vertebral subluxation was found at C1 and Sacrum. Additionally, his cervical spine was held in right rotation malposition and has restriction in left rotation.
Interventions and Outcomes: He was adjusted with an infant adapted diversified adjustment at C1 and Logan Basic Protocol at the right sacrotuberous ligament. After three weeks of care, his mother reported that he had bowel movements on his own every three days and his left sided rotation increased 50%. After 11 weeks of care, his mother reported that he had daily bowel movements with no outside aids and full cervical rotation had been restored.
Conclusion: Previous studies have shown that specific chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial in pediatric conditions such as constipation and result in improvement. Further research is recommended to explore the value of chiropractic care for pediatric patients with constipation.
Keywords: constipation, adjustment, vertebral subluxation, spinal manipulation, pediatric, infant, diversified, logan basic
