Abdominal Migraines and Concentration Resolved by Chiropractic Care

Abdominal migraines are a variant of migraine headaches that occur in the abdomen instead of the head. They are more common in children and usually occur in children who have a family history of migraines. The November 23, 2015, issue of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study of a young girl suffering from abdominal migraines, concentration problems, and learning issues being helped by chiropractic.

The study authors note that long-term, recurrent abdominal pain occurs in approximately 9 to 15% of all children and adolescents. Between 4 to 15% of these cases are considered to be abdominal migraines. The condition is more common in girls than boys, and many of the children diagnosed with this condition eventually get classic head migraines.

In New Zealand, where the case study was conducted, it is estimated that between 15 and 20% of children in the classroom have some form of learning difficulty, and as high as 52% of disabled children have a learning issue. There is no reason to believe the numbers in the U.S. are any better.

In this case, a 6-year-old girl suffering from problems of poor concentration and learning difficulties since beginning school fourteen months earlier was brought to the chiropractor. It was reported that in her first year of school she was "unable to achieve anything" and required home tutoring. The young girl was described as being anxious and withdrawn; however, she was not medically diagnosed and was not on medications for these issues.

Additionally, the girl suffered from a secondary complaint of long-term, recurrent abdominal pain over the prior two months with daily episodes of severe pain and nausea. Her family MD diagnosed abdominal migraines, but no medications were prescribed.

Based on an examination and chiropractic analysis, chiropractic care was initiated. By the third visit, the case study documented changes in the girl's posture and breathing. By the fifth visit, the girl's parents and grandmother reported significant changes in the child's mood and behavior. By the seventh visit, it was reported that the girl had a complete cessation of all abdominal pain and symptoms, and a marked improvement in her concentration and learning.

In their discussion, the authors summed up this case by stating, "In this case report, the child's initial difficulties with concentration and learning began during a period of emotional trauma and prolonged family stress. Twelve months later there was no improvement in the child's ability to focus or learn, and a secondary complaint of chronic, recurrent abdominal pain developed." They continued, "This positive change in mood and behavior was immediately followed by improved concentration and learning, and a cessation of abdominal migraines."