Child with Sickle Cell Disease Gets Symptomatic Relief with Chiropractic

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic published the results of a case study on March 26, 2024, that documented chiropractic creating decreased pain episodes and improvement in the overall quality of life for a child diagnosed with sickle cell disease. According to this study’s author, "Sickle cell anemia, or sickle cell disease (SCD), is the most common genetic blood disorder in the United States. It occurs in 72,000 to 98,000 Americans."

The Mayo Clinics website describes this condition by saying, "Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease. It affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body." The site further notes that this condition can cause pain episodes. "Periodic episodes of extreme pain, called pain crises, are a major symptom of sickle cell anemia. Pain develops when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow through tiny blood vessels to the chest, abdomen and joints."

In this case, and 8-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor by his mother. The boy had been previously diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. His mother brought her son in for chiropractic care because he could not fully extend his right arm, due to trauma during his birth.

Other symptoms the boy was experiencing included sickle cell pain episodes that were severe and occurred about 6-8 times per year. These pain episodes would range from a 5 out of 10 to a severe 10 out of ten. The episodes would last anywhere from 7 to 30 days. It was also reported that the boy would fatigue easily after activity.

A chiropractic examination revealed the presence of multiple subluxations in the boy’s spine. Subluxations cause changes in nerve system function resulting in a decreased ability of the body to respond and adapt to health challenges.

With parental consent, chiropractic care was started on the boy to address the subluxations that were present. As care progressed, one of the first changes the boy reported was higher levels of energy and focus both in school and after school. He was better able to complete his schoolwork and then play with his friends without complaints of low energy. His parents reported that their son had a calmer demeanor and was now, for the first time, able to play in the swimming pool during the change of season from spring to summer without experiencing a pain crisis.

The boy did still experience some pain crisis; however, these were less frequent and of less intensity, and were usually the result of not taking his normal precautions. Over time, his right arm had continued to improve and gain flexibility and motion. The boy also showed improvements in strength, fine motor skills, and dexterity.

In the discussion portion of this study the author explains this case by noting, "The purpose of this case study was to describe and document the effects of chiropractic care and improvements in pain episodes and the quality of life of an 8-year-old male with sickle cell anemia and to suggest chiropractic care to be added to the management of sickle cell disease for the purpose of modulating pain and therefore, increase the quality of life."