The Effect of Chiropractic Adjustments on a 7 year old child with Scoliosis.

Eric A. Krebs, DC, DACCP

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Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the effectiveness of chiropractic care on a seven year old boy with scoliosis.

Clinical Features: A seven year old boy complained of intermittent thoracic pain that was not caused by any recent trauma. The boy described the discomfort as a pulling on his rib cage, which alternated between the right and left sides of the body, causing a restriction in his breathing patterns, especially during athletic activities and while he was sleeping. The patient’s parents brought the boy to a chiropractic office for an examination and x-ray analysis, one week after the symptoms began. The doctor diagnosed the child with scoliosis. The patient’s parents decided to obtain a second chiropractic opinion at the author’s office before deciding on treatment options. The author confirmed the diagnosis of scoliosis which contributed to the boy’s thoracic pain and altered breathing patterns. The patient’s parents decided to begin chiropractic care.

Intervention and Outcome: The patient was analyzed and adjusted regularly over a two year time period. After the fourth adjustment, the child reported a reduction in thoracic pain, and an overall improvement in breathing. The spinal adjustments consisted of specific high-velocity, low amplitude thrusts using a combination of manual and Activator adjustments. X-ray analysis was performed at 1 and 2 year intervals. The curve of the scoliosis reduced from 18 degrees to 10 degrees over the 2 year period.

Conclusion: Chiropractic care should be considered for children with scoliosis. Further studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment of scoliosis.

Key indexing terms: scoliosis, chiropractic adjustment, specific spinal manipulative therapy