Infant Constipation
Infant Constipation
In the September 22, 2011 issue of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health a case study was published that documents chiropractic care with infant constipation and excessive crying.
In this case an 11 week old boy was brought to the chiropractor by his mother. The boy’s mother related that her baby was fussy since birth and that several times a day, the baby was uncomfortable and would cry and scream as if he was in a great deal of pain. These episodes would last up to 2 hours at a time.
The mother explained that these fits of crying seemed to be associated with her son trying to have a bowel movement as he would seem to be grunting and pushing without any success. Over the previous 8 weeks, it was reported that the child only had 5 bowel movements. Medical attempts to correct this issue included over the counter remedies and leg exercises. The infant constipation issues were affecting his eating and sleeping habits.
A chiropractic examination was performed where it was noticed that the baby’s color was grey looking, and his abdomen was distended. Additionally, there were several spinal findings that indicated the presence of nerve system irritation from subluxations at the top and bottom of the child’s spine.
Chiropractic care was initiated with a specific set of pediatric spinal adjustments being administered to the baby. The mother brought the baby back in six days for a follow-up visit. Upon her arrival she informed the doctor that after her son’s first adjustment, her baby had his first bowel movement without assistance. By the third chiropractic visit the boy’s mother reported that her son had an increased number of bowel movements as well as an improvement in his overall demeanor, a reduction in crying, and improvement in his ability to sleep.
The study notes that after about 10 weeks of chiropractic care, the child’s bowel habits had returned to a normal level that would be expected in a child unaffected by infant constipation.