Chiropractic Care of a Child with Cystic Fibrosis

Authors: Rebekah A. Wittman, DC, CACCP and Sharon A. Vallone, DC, FICCP

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Abstract

Purpose: To present and discuss a case of a child with cystic fibrosis and the observed improvement in growth and development documented subjectively and objectively during the course of his treatment.

Methods: A case study of a 10 month old male who presented to Kentuckiana Children’s Center with failure to thrive, chronic cough, malabsorption, and discontent with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. The child’s treatment plan consisted of full spine Chiropractic adjustments and CranioSacral therapy along with dietary interventions.

Results: Improvements in demeanor, developmental milestones, digestion,
and weight gain were documented by the parents and chiropractor over
the course of six to eight months. He continued to demonstrate improvements over the next eighteen months of care.

Conclusions: It is this author’s opinion that Chiropractic and CranioSacral
therapy may have been contributory to measured gains in multiple areas of development of a young child with CF. Further study is warranted to determine the role of Chiropractic in helping children with CF and how Chiropractic may serve as a part of an integrated early intervention team for children with CF.