Improved Health Outcomes in a Child with Down Syndrome Undergoing Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation

The above headline is from the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic, published on July 22, 2022. The study documented a number of health and quality of life improvements in a baby with Down Syndrome receiving chiropractic care.

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes the condition by stating, "Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small ‘packages’ of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows during pregnancy and after birth." They further explain, "This extra copy changes how the baby’s body and brain develop, which can cause both mental and physical challenges for the baby."

It has been estimated that about 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year. The average lifespan of a baby born with Down syndrome has increased over the years. In 1910, a baby with Down syndrome would be expected to live only to age 9. By 1983 the life expectancy had risen to 25 years, and by 2012, the life expectancy had risen to 60 years and is continuing to increase.

In this case, a 7-week-old baby girl was brought to the chiropractor by her mother. The baby had been diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth as the mother was not aware until delivery that her baby had this condition. The baby girl had trouble breastfeeding and was not gaining appropriate weight. The baby also had issues with sleep and did not establish a normal sleep pattern. Additionally, the parents had to wake the baby every two to three hours and attempt to feed her to prevent further weight loss.

When the baby was brought to the chiropractor, an examination was performed. This examination included inspection, a postural analysis, and spinal palpation. It was determined that the baby had areas of vertebral subluxation that were affecting nerve system function.

Specific age-appropriate adjustments were given to the baby girl to correct the subluxations. The baby was seen weekly for a six-week period. After the initial six weeks, the mother reported that her baby girl was no longer having problems with breastfeeding. The baby was also gaining weight normally and her sleep pattern had returned to normal. As care continued, it was reported that other issues, such as constipation or congestion, would clear up after a chiropractic adjustment.

In the study conclusion, the authors summed up the results of this case by noting, "This case demonstrates a situation in which subluxation-based chiropractic care has successfully helped a patient with Down Syndrome to stimulate normal developmental activities (such as latching and regular sleep patterns) and increased her overall health (by resolving acute symptoms including constipation and respiratory issues)."