Tonsillitis Resolved Under Chiropractic Care

The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research released the results of a case study on February 1, 2024, documenting the resolution of enlarged tonsils on a pediatric patient receiving chiropractic care. According to the National Library of Medicine’s National Center for Biotechnology Information, "Tonsillitis, or inflammation of the tonsils, is a common disease and makes up approximately 1.3% of outpatient visits."

This study begins by referencing a previous study on tonsillitis and chiropractic care. "A study conducted in England in 1991 revealed significant findings regarding the treatment of tonsillitis in children. When twenty-seven children received adjustments, twenty-five experienced complete relief from their symptoms." The study suggests a link between subluxations and the susceptibility of tonsilitis infections.

Additional research cited by the author of this study showed that "Tonsillitis is strongly associated with restricted movement in the craniocervical junction. Among seventy-six children diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis and movement restriction in this area, a striking seventy of them showed spinal dysfunction between the occiput and atlas."

A third previous study on this subject was described by the author when he said, "Further investigation involved thirty-seven children who had not undergone surgery. After receiving adjustments, they were followed up for five years. Impressively, 67.6% of these children were entirely cured of tonsillitis, while the remaining cases experienced relapses and required additional chiropractic -based care. Among twenty-five children who had their tonsils surgically removed, nineteen still suffered from movement restriction even after the surgery, necessitating chiropractic for relief."

In this case, a mother brought her 5-year-old daughter to a chiropractor because her daughter had enlarged tonsils. At that time, her daughter was not having any pain or symptoms from the tonsillitis, but her mother wanted to avoid the possibility of tonsil surgery. Surgery had been suggested by an ENT who examined the little girl.

A chiropractic examination was performed which showed a decrease in motion of the upper neck area along with swelling of the tissues in that area. Thermography and surface EMG tests were also performed. Neck x-rays were taken to rule out pathologies and look for the presence of vertebral subluxations. From these tests, it was determined that subluxations were present in the girl’s spine.

Specific forms of chiropractic care were started to address the subluxations. The results of the adjustments were an overall improvement in the girl’s function and a reduction of the size of the tonsils. The study author summed up the results of chiropractic care in this case in his conclusion when he stated, "This case study exemplifies the effective management of a pediatric patient experiencing tonsillitis, potentially linked to upper cervical vertebral subluxation."