Resolution of Infertility in a 30-Year-Old Following Chiropractic

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a study on April 26, 2018, documenting the case of chiropractic care resolving infertility in a 30-year-old woman. As defined by the study, “Infertility is the inability to accomplish a pregnancy within one year of regular sexual intercourse without contraception.”

Resolution of Infertility in a 30-Year-Old Following Chiropractic - Austin TX Chiropractor Fertility Pregnancy Delivery CareThe statistics of infertility show that 20% are due to combined male and female factors, while 35% are due to solely male factors and equally 35% are due to female factors with the remaining 10% being attributed to unknown factors. In the U.S. alone, it was estimated that in 2010, 48.5 million couples were infertile.

According to an April 18, 2018, article in the US News and World Report, about 85,000 women undergo in vitro fertilization each year. The cost of such treatments is high with the article reporting that the average cost of IVF treatment, including cycle costs and medication, is $25,000. In most cases, two cycles are needed, bringing the total bill to near $50,000. With these figures, it is no wonder that more couples are turning to alternative care such as chiropractic for a possible solution.

In this case, a 30-year-old female nurse sought out chiropractic care. Her reason for seeking chiropractic was to see if she could be helped with her infertility issue. However, she was also suffering with headaches, low back pain and middle back pain. She had been diagnosed with infertility a year earlier and was trying a variety of medical approaches including performing temperature monitoring and purchasing ovulation kits for infertility as well as taking Clomid throughout days 5-9 of her cycle.

A chiropractic examination revealed spinal areas of increased sensitivity along with a decreased range of motion. Spinal x-rays showed a loss of normal curvatures and malpositioned vertebrae. Specific forms of chiropractic care were started to address the subluxations that were present.

The report shows that after two months of chiropractic care, she had ovulated for two months in a row for the first time. After three months of care, the woman had reported that she had conceived and was pregnant. Additionally, the other symptoms she initially had of headaches, lower and mid back pain were resolved.

In the discussion section of the study, the authors explain how chiropractic care is effective in cases of infertility. “How does chiropractic care and improvement of posture help resolve infertility? It is presumed that stimulation and relief of tension on the spinal cord and nerves play the key role in enabling a female patient to become fertile following chiropractic care. Structurally speaking this patient had vertebral subluxation and reduced sagittal curves throughout all regions in the spine. This lengthens the spinal canal and therefore exerts increased tension onto the spinal cord even during normal motions of the spine and neck. The resultant ‘pathologic’ neurological tensions are likely the culprit in neurologic compromise in function of the organs, including those related to fertility.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from less interference within their nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Chiropractor in Austin, TX.


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Infertility Resolved Following Chiropractic Care

On March 12, 2018, a case study was published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health reporting on a woman who was unable to conceive for years becoming pregnant due to receiving chiropractic care. The study defines infertility as the failure to achieve a pregnancy within one year of regular unprotected intercourse.

Infertility Resolved Following Chiropractic Care - Austin TX Chiropractor Fertility Pregnancy Labor Delivery Low Back Pelvic Pain Webster's Technique BestThe study begins by reporting that in the United States between 10-15% of couples have difficulty becoming pregnant or carrying the baby to normal term. Becoming pregnant gets progressively more difficult as a woman gets older. Between the ages of ages of 15-29 about 11% of women have difficulty conceiving. The difficulty in becoming pregnant increases in women between the ages of 35 and 39 to where 23% have difficulty becoming pregnant.

In 2002, a study of 700 couples was conducted ranging in age from 19 to 39. That study found that after the age of 27, fertility starts to decline and drops at a higher rate after the age of 35. It is estimated that 9.3 million women have sought fertility treatment with most seeking conventional medical care. The cost of conventional infertility treatments can be quite expensive, especially in the U.S. which is the highest in the world. A successful birth achieved by infertility treatments can cost upward of $50,000.

In this case, a 29-year-old woman presented herself for chiropractic care in the hopes of helping her with her infertility. She had never had chiropractic prior to this initial visit. For the past three years, she had been unsuccessfully attempting to get pregnant. She had previously been taking estrogen modulator, clomiphene citrate (Clomid) for five-months with no result. Additionally, the woman had attempted in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination, all with no success.

The only other relevant health history noted is that the woman had been in a major car accident five years earlier. Since that time, she was suffering with 3-5 headaches per week.

A chiropractic examination, thermography and spinal x-rays were performed. The x-rays did not show any pathology, fracture, or infection. It was noted that the woman’s neck curve was reduced from normal when viewed on a lateral cervical x-ray. Functional leg length tests did show an imbalance.

Based on the results of the examination procedures, it was determined that subluxations were present and specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were given where indicated.

Within two months of starting chiropractic care. the woman reported that her headaches had stopped. She continued to receive the recommended course of chiropractic care for another two months. At that point, she had a visit with her obstetrician where an ultrasound was performed confirming that she was indeed pregnant. The obstetrician was able to back-date the onset of the pregnancy to about two months after she had started chiropractic care. The woman continued to receive chiropractic care for correction of subluxations throughout her pregnancy and was able to deliver a healthy baby vaginally.

In their conclusion, the authors of this study summed up how chiropractic was able to have a positive effect in this case. “This study helps show the clinical application of chiropractic care and infertility. While chiropractic does not treat infertility, studies have shown the vertebral subluxation and their effect on the autonomic nervous system. The ability of the nervous system to work more efficiently can lead to many desired benefits. The evidence of this case being that after multiple failed conventional medical treatments.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from less interference within their nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Chiropractor in Austin, TX.


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Baby with Chronic Constipation Helped with Chiropractic

From the January 2018 issue of the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics comes a documented case study of chiropractic helping a baby who was suffering from chronic constipation. In children, constipation can be expressed as infrequent bowel movements and can have hard and dry stools.

Baby with Chronic Constipation Helped with Chiropractic - Chiropractor Austin Texas Affordable Help Relief Best Respected Results 5 StarsThe study begins by noting that between 5-30% of the child population will suffer with this issue. More than one third of the cases become chronic, lasting for more than 8 weeks. The study reports that many factors can contribute to the issue including dehydration, dietary factors such as cows milk intolerance, or a change in diet. Certain organic issues can also lead to constipation as well as psychological factors including purposefully withholding stools which can become an acquired behavior in some children.

If no known cause can be found for the constipation, it is referred to as idiopathic constipation. The study describes how this problem can be detected by noting, “Signs and symptoms of childhood constipation include excessive flatulence associated with a foul smell, infrequent passing of stools, abdominal pain and withholding or straining to stop the passage of stools.

In this case, a mother brought her 2-year-old son in to see the chiropractor. The boy’s problems primarily included three weeks of right shoulder and arm pain which was affecting his daily activities as well as his sleep. His mother additionally reported that her son was suffering with chronic constipation for over a year and was taking what she described as a “significant” amount of medication for the issue. The boy’s bowel movements were extremely foul smelling and very painful to pass. The child was eating a very nutritious and healthy diet which would rule out dietary concerns for causing the constipation.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included inspection, range of motion, and palpation of the spine and pelvic bones. With the findings, age-specific chiropractic care was started on the boy. After only one visit, the child was completely free of the initial pain of right shoulder and arm pain. Within ten days, the boy’s mother reported that her son was having more frequent bowel movements associated with looser stools and less straining. As a result, the boy’s mother was able to reduce his medication.

The study records that after four visits “…the mother reported that for the first time in his life, the child was sleeping throughout the night without waking and routinely passing a stool with no complaint.” After two additional visits the boy was having regular bowl movements without any straining.

In the abstract of this study, the authors give and overview of the case and the results by stating, “After four treatments, the frequency of bowel movements increased from once every other day to twice a day and use of medication decreased. Sleep quality also improved. As a result of the improvements noted with this intervention, a musculoskeletal mechanism for the development and persistence of constipation in children has been proposed.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from less interference within their nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Chiropractor in Austin, TX.


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Chiropractic Helps Excessive Crying in Baby According to Study

The Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics published a case study and review in their January 2018 issue showing how chiropractic helped a baby who was suffering from excessive crying. This study points out that although crying is a normal way that infants communicate their needs, excessive crying can indicate a health issue, and can create parental stress or even depression.

Chiropractic Helps Excessive Crying in Baby According to Study - Chiropractor Austin Best Baby Pediatric Chiro Care Infants Babies Mom BlogThe study reports that an incessant crying baby is one of the most common reasons infants are brought to healthcare professionals in the first sixteen weeks of life. In many cases, infants are brought to the chiropractor after a visit to the pediatrician has failed to significantly remedy the issue of incessant crying.

In this case, a five-month-old boy was brought by his parents to the chiropractor. The parents reported that their baby was exhibiting excessive and uncontrollable crying, a short attention span, and difficulties with sleeping. They reported that the excessive crying started immediately after birth and would continue for at least five hours each day. The baby boy would start inconsolable crying in the late afternoon and it would last until around 10 p.m. at night.

The birth history revealed a difficult and exhausting birth process, lasting over 30 hours and requiring vacuum extraction intervention. Additionally, immediately after birth, tube feeding of the infant was required due to low blood sugar levels. The tube feeding made breast feeding difficult as the baby showed defensive reactions around his mouth. Due to breast feeding problems, the baby was given formula which created issues of irritability and bowel problems. The child was finally diagnosed with colic.

At five months of age, the baby was brought to the chiropractor where a chiropractic examination was performed. After reviewing the information with the parents, they agreed to have chiropractic care started for their baby. The study recorded positive results by reporting, “After five treatments over five weeks, both parents reported that their child was a lot more relaxed, he could settle to entertain himself, was less irritable, and his crying had reduced to the normal unit of less than two hours a day.”

The author of the study was cautious in her conclusion as to not overstate the results of this single case study. She wrote, “It can be concluded that there are different etiologies of excessive crying, each related to different underlying concerns. Even though the research isn’t unanimous about whether chiropractic care does have a positive effect on excessive crying, there is evidence to suggest that chiropractic care is safe for the infant and that taking an excessively crying infant to a chiropractic will result in fewer hours of crying.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from less interference within their nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Chiropractor in Austin, TX.


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Infants Have Good Outcomes Under Chiropractic According to Study

A study was published in the January 2018 issue of the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics showing that, according to parents assessments, chiropractic was beneficial for their infants. The study also showed that chiropractic for the infants was beneficial to the parents’ overall self-health assessment.

Infants Have Good Outcomes Under Chiropractic According to Study - Austin Chiropractor Pediatric Care Infants Babies Children Boys Girls TeensThe study begins by noting that children and infants are commonly brought to chiropractors. Over one-third (37.5 %) of children seek healthcare that falls into the category of complimentary or alternative medicine (CAM). Common in the CAM services is chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation. Some of the more common reasons that infants are brought to the chiropractor include excessive crying, feeding difficulties, infant colic and abnormal motor development.

This study is unique in that it investigated the parents’ report of their infants’ care, rather than a clinical review of the results of care such as in most case reports. This study reports on parent satisfaction with care for their baby or infant, along with the parent’s report of the outcome of the care rendered.

Four questionnaires were used in this study to assess that parent’s judgment of their child’s health and the outcome of care. Two of the questionnaires were given at the onset of care and two were given later toward the conclusion. The questionnaires included demographic information along with rating the clinical experience provided.

The study parameters were very specific. “The mothers were asked to give a rating on a scale of 1 to 10 with regards to the daily amount of irritable behavior in their child, level of distress the mother feels with her child’s behavior, restfulness of infant sleep during the last week and difficulty to console the child when crying.”

This study looked at the survey results from 413 mothers, all with infants under the age of one who received chiropractic care. All 413 filled out the initial questionnaires and 197 filled out the second set of questionnaires at the conclusion of initial care. On the initial questionnaire, it was noted that 182, representing 50.3%, of the infant patients were four weeks of age or less. The breakdown showed that 30.2% of the infants were brought in for colic or crying, 22.9% for a feeding related complaint, 19.5% for a checkup, and 27.4% for a variety of other reasons.

The results of the study showed that in each of the categories, the infants had improved significantly according to their parents’ reports. Improvement was seen in the areas of amount of irritability, restfulness of sleep, and the ease of consoling an infant who was crying. Additionally, the parents reported that their own stress levels dropped by 48% as a result of their infant receiving chiropractic care.

In their conclusion, the authors noted why infants are brought to the chiropractors by saying, “The demographic profile of infant patients presented to a chiropractic practice setting showed the two leading complaints were feeding problems and excessive crying. The complaints were often present from birth and accompanied by potential anxiety/depression levels in the mother.”

As a result of the improvement in both the infants and the mothers, the researchers were able to report that the “Parents were highly satisfied with care and their expectations were met.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from less interference within their nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Chiropractor in Austin, TX.


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US Child Mortality Ranks Worst Among Wealthy Nations

A study published in Health Affairs in January 2018 reports that the U.S. ranks last among 20 wealthy nations in child mortality. The report was covered by multiple news outlets including a January 8, 2018, CNN news story titled, “Among 20 wealthy nations, US child mortality ranks worst, study finds.”

US Child Mortality Ranks Worst Among Wealthy Nations - Chiropractor Austin TX Pediatric Chiropractic Healthcare Kids Babies Infants Asthma Colic Ear InfectionsThe Health Affairs report begins by stating, “The United States has poorer child health outcomes than other wealthy nations despite greater per capita spending on health care for children.” The study looked at child mortality rates between 1961 and 2010 in the U.S. and compared this data to 35 other similar wealthy nations.

Some of the other countries included in this study were Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Dr. Ashish Thakrar, lead author of the study and an internal medicine resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System in Baltimore noted, “This study should alarm everyone. The U.S. is the most dangerous of wealthy, democratic countries in the world for children.” Dr. Thakrar continued, “We were surprised by how far the U.S. has fallen behind other wealthy countries. Across all ages and in both sexes, children have been dying more often in the U.S. than in similar countries since the 1980s.”

The study noted that childhood mortality had improved in all countries, but that the rate of improvement for the U.S. was slower than the other countries. The study also showed that the rate of child mortality for the U.S. and New Zealand were disproportionably higher than the rate for the other countries in the study. It should be noted that the United States and New Zealand are the only two countries where direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drugs is legal.

The study showed just how bad the numbers are for children in the U.S., reporting that from 2001 to 2010, the risk of death for infants in the U.S. was 76 percent greater than for infants in other countries. Additionally, the death rate for children ages 1–19 was 57 percent greater in the U.S. One of the more disturbing findings was that U.S. children between the ages 15–19 were eighty-two times more likely to die from gun violence than children in the other nations. When projecting over a 50 year period of the study, the researchers determined that the U.S. suffered about 600,000 excess deaths of children from all causes.

In the CNN story, Dr. Thakrar further explained, “Existing research has shown that infants die more frequently in the U.S., but this was the first time we were able to see that this trend started decades ago. We were also surprised by how much more often US adolescents, in particular boys, are dying from injuries,” he said. “The most disturbing new finding of this study was that a 15- to 19-year-old in the U.S. is 82 times more likely to die from gun violence in the U.S. than in any other wealthy, democratic nation.”

“In as much as health policies will have an effect on infant and child mortality, it should be noted that the U.S. also has the highest rate of intervention in all processes of birth, and medical procedures and in the rate of citizens taking prescription medications.” said Dr. George Curry, President of the International Chiropractors Association. He continued, “Perhaps, as a society, we should step back and ask the very pertinent question. Is this very system that is suppose to be protecting our health, contributing to these excess deaths?”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from less interference within their nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Chiropractor in Austin, TX.


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Double Footling Breech Presentation Resolved with Chiropractic

On December 11, 2017, the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study documenting the resolution of a pregnant mother’s footling breech presentation under chiropractic care. A footling breech presentation is when one or both of the baby’s feet are in the downward position and are therefore more likely to be born first instead of the normal head first position.

Double Footling Breech Presentation Resolved with Chiropractic - Best Chiropractor Austin Texas Personal Injury PI Car accident MVA Truck collision pain managementThe study begins by noting that about 3-4% of pregnancies result in a breech presentation. Current medical thinking is that a breech birth represents a significant medical threat and therefore a Cesarean birth is normally recommended in these cases. Since, for many reasons, a normal head-first vaginal birth is preferable to a cesarean birth, any reasonable process that can correct the breech should be explored.

In this case, a 38-year-old pregnant woman sought a chiropractic consultation and evaluation. The woman was in her 30th week of a pregnancy with twins that were in the footling breech position. She had previously had three individual pregnancies and delivered each child without complication. The woman had never experienced chiropractic care before. She was physically active by playing volleyball and swimming.

A chiropractic examination included palpation and a postural analysis. This showed a forward position of her head, as well as an uneven pelvis. There was also an abnormal motion of the pelvic bones when put through a range of motion test. Based on the findings, chiropractic adjustments were given.

Over the next 11 days, the patient was seen 5 times. In that time, both of the fetuses turned from the footling breech position down to a normal vertex, head-down position. This correction of the position of her fetuses allowed her to deliver her twins vaginally, without complication or medication.

The study also reviewed several previous studies showing chiropractic helping correct breech presentations and allowing for normal vaginal delivery. In one of those documented cases, a breech presentation self corrected after four chiropractic adjustments. In another case, the breech corrected after one week of chiropractic.

The overall body of evidence for breech presentations being resolved under chiropractic continues to grow. The authors of this study reviewed several other studies showing that chiropractic helped in those cases. In this particular case, the results were especially important because of the woman being pregnant with twins. In their conclusion the authors wrote, “This case report provides supporting evidence on the benefits of chiropractic care for the pregnant woman with fetal malpresentation.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from less interference within their nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Chiropractor in Austin, TX.


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Quality of Life Improves for Pregnant Women Under Chiropractic According to Study

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study on December 20, 2017, showing that pregnant women who were under chiropractic care experienced an improvement in their quality of life as measured by specific scientific tests.

Quality of Life Improves for Pregnant Women Under Chiropractic According to Study - Chiropractor Austin TX Pregnancy Labor Delivery Baby Infant CareThe authors of the study begin by pointing out that, “During pregnancy, the expectant mother is faced with many physiologic and biomechanical changes that affect her emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular for women of childbearing age with prior use as the most significant independent associated factor for CAM use during pregnancy.”

Even though chiropractic is a separate and primary portal of entry form of non-medical care, it is often classified as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) according to governmental authorities and the medical community at large. Other forms of healthcare are also included as CAM, including natural products or supplements, breathing exercises, meditation, acupuncture, massage, yoga, and homeopathy.

Pregnant women seek CAM procedures for a number of reasons including musculoskeletal problems, nausea, labor issues, lactating disorders, and delivery issues, to name a few. The authors note that, “Of the various practitioner-based CAM therapies, chiropractic has been shown to be popular among women before, during, and after their pregnancy.”

The study was conducted by reviewing information from a scientifically designed questionnaire given to patients of participating doctors of chiropractic. The criteria for patient participation was that the patient was at least 18 years of age, had agreed to informed consent to participate in the study, and the patient was pregnant during the course of the study.

The study results were determined from 343 participating pregnant women who met the criteria for this study. The average age of the women was 30.96 years. The educational level of the women showed a high level of education in the group with 31% having completed two years of college, 44% obtained a four year baccalaureate degree, and 20% had a master’s degree. On average, the women presented themselves for chiropractic care in their 25th week of their pregnancy, with the breakdown being that 13.1% were in their 1st trimester, 32.9% were in their 2nd trimester, and 53.9% were in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

When asked who was their primary provider for their pregnancy, 57% indicated that it was an OBGYN, 9% said it was a nurse midwife, 27% said a midwife, 3% said a medical doctor, and 3% said other. The results of the study showed a significant improvement in quality of life issues for the pregnant women for physical functioning, sleep disturbance, satisfaction with participation in social roles, pain interference, and fatigue.

In their discussion, the study authors gave an overview of the study when they stated, “The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics and reasons why women seek chiropractic care and to test whether the changes in QoL (quality of life) observed after starting chiropractic care were greater than the changes they would expect based on chance alone.” In reporting the results of the survey, the authors concluded that the women were highly satisfied with their chiropractic care, and reported that their quality of life measures had statistically improved.

If you or anyone you know could benefit from less interference within their nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Chiropractor in Austin, TX.


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Resolution of Breech Presentation Confirmed by Ultrasound Following Chiropractic

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case on June 8, 2017, showing the correction of a breech presentation pregnancy after the application of the chiropractic procedure known as the Webster Technique.

Resolution of Breech Presentation Confirmed by Ultrasound Following Chiropractic-Austin-Texas-Chiropractor-Pregnant-Back-Pain-Delivery-OBGYNThe head down position, known as the vertex position, is the correct position for delivery as it provides the safest passage through the birth canal. A breech presentation is when either the feet or the buttocks are downward. According to this study, about 3.2% off all pregnancies are in a breech presentation during the last stages of pregnancy.

Initially, about 25% to 30% of pregnancies are in breech prior to 28 weeks of gestation. Most, however, will turn by the 34th week. It is those that fail to turn that are of concern and can lead to problems with delivery. Since the advent of cesarean birth, most breech presentations are not allowed to deliver, and the surgical alternative is used.

There are certain health factors which seem to be associated with an increased possibility of breech presentation. These include the mother’s age, maternal diabetes, smoking, congenital malformations and placental implantation issues.

In this case, a 26-year-old woman in her 27th week of pregnancy with her second child was having bilateral sacroiliac pain. At 28 weeks, it was determined by ultrasound that her baby was in a breech presentation. Her first pregnancy resulted in a natural birth with no complications.

A chiropractic examination revealed muscles spasm in the lower back as well as restricted ranges of motion of the lumbar vertebrae and pelvis. Based upon the examination, it was determined that subluxations in her spine and at the base bone, the sacrum, were present and that the Webster technique could be helpful.

Dr. Larry Webster, a chiropractor and founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, discovered this adjustment as a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function. On the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association website, this procedure is described. “The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.”

A second ultrasound was done at 39 weeks after a series of chiropractic adjustments and the Webster technique had been applied. The second ultrasound showed that the baby had turned into a normal vertex position. One day after the ultrasound, the woman had a normal natural vaginal delivery with no complications.

In their conclusion the study authors wrote, “Traditional medical procedures when pertaining to a breech birth are effective, yet can come with serious risks that must be considered. The results of this study contributes to evidence based practice that women with breech pregnancies may benefit from the Webster Technique along with the side posture adjustment in relieving sacral subluxation and its relationship to a healthy pregnancy.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Austin chiropractor located in north central Austin, TX.


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Resolution of Breech Presentation and Successful Vaginal Birth After Cesarean with Chiropractic

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on April 13, 2017, describing the successful chiropractic resolution of a frank breech presentation in a pregnant woman. The woman had previously had a cesarean birth, but was able to deliver this baby vaginally.

Resolution of Breech Presentation and Successful Vaginal Birth After Cesarean with Chiropractic - Chiropractor Austin Texas Pregnancy Webster Sciatica Back PainAccording to the study, the incidence of breech presentation occurs in 3%-4% of all labors and in 7% of all pregnancies at 32 weeks. The most common breech presentation is what is known as a  frank breech presentation  and occurs in 64% of all breech pregnancies. A frank breech presentation is when the fetus’s head is up, the legs are flexed at the hip with both knees extended, and the buttocks is down toward the birth canal.

Medically, very few breech presentations spontaneously turn after 34 weeks, thus leading to a caesarean delivery rate of between 80% to 100% of these cases. The study noted that, overall, the rate of caesarean births has increased over the years in the United States to where, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 32.2% of all deliveries in the U.S. were delivered by cesarean in 2014.

The medical approach for correction of a breech presentation is external cephalic version (ECV). This involves the baby being pushed or manipulated by pressure through the mother’s abdominal wall in an attempt to move the baby into a head down position. This ECV procedure is only successful 50% of the time in selective cases.

In this case, a 35-year-old woman in her 34th week of pregnancy came to the chiropractor. An ultrasound by her obstetrician confirmed that her pregnancy was a frank breech presentation. This was her third child. The previous 2 pregnancies both went to full term with the first resulting in a cesarean section and the second resulting in a vaginal birth.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included postural analysis, thermography, and palpation. From the examination, chiropractic care was started including the specific application of a procedure known as the Webster technique. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association defines the Webster technique as “…a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of subluxation and/or sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. In so doing, neurobiomechanical function in the sacral/pelvic region is improved.” This technique has long been recognized to have a positive result on breech pregnancies with the result being a spontaneous turn into a vertex position.

The woman was adjusted 4 times over the next two weeks. On her fifth visit, the woman reported that the fetus had turned and was now in the normal vertex position. This was confirmed by an ultrasound performed after her fourth chiropractic visit. The woman was able to go on to have a normal vaginal birth with no complications.

In explaining how chiropractic could help this woman with her breech pregnancy, the authors described the process in their discussion section. “Chiropractic adjustments, often for the purpose of correcting vertebral subluxation, confer measurable health benefits to people regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms. These health benefits are unique for each individual person and involve many physiological and/or biomechanical changes. The Webster Technique specifically addresses the subluxation complex of the sacrum and the pelvic articulations with the round ligament.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Austin chiropractor located in north central Austin, TX.


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