According to a new research article, more than 50,000 babies are born prematurely in the U.S. each year. Of those who survive, many suffer from lung ailments and respiratory distress, with some facing a life-long battle.
These alarming numbers have been published in the “Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research.” The report suggests that chiropractic care may alleviate some associated effects of premature births.
In this particular study, an infant born at 24 weeks gestation, underwent surgery and spent four months in a neonatal intensive care unit. After her discharge from the hospital, she continued to receive antibiotics as well as ventilation and oxygen therapy. Three months after her discharge, she was diagnosed by a chiropractor with spinal subluxations (misalignments of the spine).
The infant weighed only 12 pounds; she was listless, constipated and congested. She was put on a regimen of regular chiropractic evaluations and adjustments, starting with twice daily for two weeks, that were decreased gradually to once every two weeks. According to the case report, the baby increased her range of motion and started breathing on her own as her lung function improved. She was also less congested and colicky and became noticeably more verbal and alert to her surroundings. She sat up and was able to stand on her own.
Four months later, the infant was virtually symptom-free and in no need of further medical attention. In her physical and cognitive development she improved to one month ahead of her age.
This case study shows that more research needs to be done on alternative, non-pharmacological ways of helping people with major health problems. The report gives hope to many parents of premature babies with underdeveloped lungs. There’s proof that even full-term infants as young as a few months can benefit tremendously from regular chiropractic care.
Dr. Scott Glocke is the director of Back Cove Family Chiropractic in Yarmouth. He has been a family wellness chiropractor for the past six years and specializes in wellness for the entire family. Contact him at drscott@backcovechiro.com.