Growing Number of Parents are Turning to Chiropractors to Treat Their Kids

Do Chiropractors See Kids? How Does Chiropractic Care Help Children?

The headline above comes from a June 22, 2015, feature article in the Minnesota Star Tribune. The article looks at several children who have had their lives improved by going to a chiropractor. The article begins by saying, “Concerned about the frequent use of antibiotics, some parents are seeking chiropractic care for everything from stomachaches to runny noses.”

Growing Number of Parents are Turning to Chiropractors to Treat Their Kids - Austin TX ChiropracticThe discussion about children needing chiropractic is a polarizing one. Many people believe very strongly that chiropractic care is essential for young spines while others do not. Kimberly is the mother of Tobias, an active one-year-old boy featured in the article who is a new chiropractic patient. “We knew that as our children were growing that we would seek chiropractic care as they had growing pains and accidents,” she explains. Noting how active her son is, she added, “And Tobias, he’s a mover and a shaker.”

Tobias’s chiropractor, Dr. Anne, explained that for many babies, the only way they can communicate something is wrong to their parents is by crying. “For an infant, their only way to tell a parent they don’t feel good is by crying.” She points out that this may not be just the result of being hungry or tired or wet, but may well be the result of a health issue that stems from a spinal misalignment, known as a subluxation.

Dr. Anne also explained the uniqueness of the process of adjusting a baby or small child. “With a 2-year-old, you’ve got about 20 seconds to get it done because they’re either yelling at you or want to be done. It’s hard to describe to a young kid what they’re going to feel,” she said. “So I always have them near Mom and Dad so that they’re not afraid.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that in 2012, about 3.1 percent of children in the U.S. were seen by chiropractors. Dr. Elise Hewitt, president of the pediatrics council for the American Chiropractic Association added, “That’s a total of almost 2 million children in 2012 that received chiropractic and osteopathic care.”

In explaining the typical scenario of why a parent brings their child to see a chiropractor, Dr. Anne said, “So parents get frustrated. They’ve been at the pediatrician for two or three months and their kid has been on three or four antibiotics,” she said. “More often than not, it’s a structural thing that’s causing the ear infections. So they end up here.”

To explain her reasons for bringing her kids to the chiropractor, Kimberly stated, “I think we’ve always understood that there’s such rapid growth when a child is growing, and the birthing process — I don’t ever say traumatic, but it can be dramatic,” she said. “So it has always sat right with us to have someone who understands the vertebrae be able to take a look at little guys early on.”

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.


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Paroxysmal Tonic Upgaze Syndrome and Congenital Torticollis Helped with Chiropractic

What Is Paroxysmal Tonic Upgaze (PTU)? Can Chiropractic Care Help Neurological Dysfunction?

On June 29, 2015, a study was published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research documenting the case of chiropractic helping a baby boy who was suffering with Paroxysmal Tonic Upgaze (PTU) Syndrome, torticollis, and other neurological problems. These issues seemed to be related to the birth trauma the infant received during delivery.

Paroxysmal Tonic Upgaze Syndrome and Congenital Torticollis Helped with Chiropractic - Austin TX Pedatric ChiropractorParoxysmal Tonic Upgaze (PTU) is when a child usually has his or her eyes fixed in a upward position. The child may even tilt their head downward to gaze forward. This may make the child look angry when they are not. Babies affected by this problem can display jerky side to side moment of their head, and may also have sleep issues, developmental delays, and vertigo.

The study reports that the word “torticollis” means twisted neck in Latin. Generally, congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) involves a deformity of the neck where one side of certain neck muscles are shorter than the other. Many factors are proposed to be the cause of this including trauma during the birth process. This problem is often painful and causes a restricted range of motion.

This case involved a 13-month-old boy who was brought to the chiropractor by his mother for a chiropractic evaluation to see if her son could be helped with PTU, congenital torticollis, and infantile spasm/tremors. The infant had already undergone a number of neurological tests and an MRI which did not give any definitive answers. This frustration led to the boy’s parents bringing him to the chiropractor.

The history of the infant birth revealed that the pregnancy and delivery were difficult. The mother was in labor for 2 weeks. During delivery, the baby was laying on his back and presented ‘face’ first, causing the breaking of his mother’s coccyx during the delivery. At one month of age, the child was vaccinated. Shortly thereafter, the mother noticed the muscle spasms and a tilted head. Three weeks later, the child began to hit the back of his head aggressively.

A chiropractic examination was performed including palpation, range of motion, and postural analysis. Based on the findings of the examination, it was determined that the goal of the care should be to correct the subluxations detected in the infant’s spine. Specific chiropractic adjustments were started and continued over a period of four months.

The study reported that during the first re-examination, the mother reported that her son was sleeping better and his neck spasms had reduced. She also reported that his upward gaze had decreased thus showing improvement in his diagnosed PTU condition. As care continued, the boy crawled better and his coordination improved. The boy was under care at the time of the writing of this report and continued to show improvement in all his health issues.

In their discussion, the authors of the study explained the mechanism of how correction of subluxation could help this boy by stating, “When a subluxation is present it blocks communication and sensory input between the brain and the body and can lead to neurological dysfunction. This dysfunction without any correction leads to further damage. When a subluxation is present and left uncorrected it will lead to sensory input dysfunction.”

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.


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Seizures Gone, Behavior, and Cognitive Development Improved with Chiropractic

Does Chiropractic Care Help Seizures? Can Children See A Chiropractor?

On May 14, 2015, a study was published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research documenting the case of a toddler suffering from seizures, behavioral disturbances, and developmental delay, being helped by chiropractic.

Seizures Gone, Behavior, and Cognitive Development Improved with Chiropractic - Austin TX ChiropractorIn this case, a 2-year-old boy suffering from seizures was brought to the chiropractor. The history noted that 1 year and 4 months prior, the boy fell about three feet hitting the back of his head on a wooden deck. The boy immediately started having a seizure and his parents took him to the emergency room. His head was treated for the laceration with 4 staples. X-rays were taken and no fracture was found. No neurological tests were performed at that time and the child was prescribed pain medication for his pain.

After a few days, the child’s seizures got worse. Because of this, his parents brought him in for a further medical evaluation where electroencephalogram (EEG) studies were performed both while he was sleeping and awake. The boy’s sleeping EEG did not show any problems but the one done while he was awake showed activity consistent with seizures. Next, an MRI and CT scan were performed, but neither of these found any medically detectable abnormality.

The boy was prescribed anti-seizure medication, which was ineffective. The child’s seizures continued to worsen over time. He worsened to the point where he was experiencing an average of 3 seizures per week and occasionally up to 3 seizures per day. As a result of his problems, his parents noticed that their son became overly aggressive, combative, angry and generally uncooperative. They also noticed developmental delays in their son’s language, including his ability to form sentences.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included palpation, thermal scans of the neck, and specific spinal x-rays. The authors stated that the purpose of the chiropractic examination was to see if a subluxation was present at the level of the first cervical vertebrae. Based on the examination, it was determined that a subluxation was present at the top of the boy’s neck and specific chiropractic adjustments were begun.

After the first adjustment, the boy’s parents reported an increase in their son’s seizures. However, after subsequent visits, the seizures began to decrease in frequency. The number of seizures continued to decrease until they were completely gone by 51 days after the initial chiropractic adjustment. At approximately 2.5 months after the beginning of care, the boy was taken off all anti-seizure medication.

The boy had one minor seizure three months later, but with continued chiropractic check-ups, the child remained seizure free thereafter. His parents also reported that his behavioral issues and other problems were also resolved.

In their conclusion, the authors wrote, “This case is one example of how chiropractic care may be helpful in bringing balance back to a child’s nervous system. Though this is only one example, it adds to the ever growing number of case studies that have shown chiropractic care to be effective in helping to control seizures in children and in other non-musculoskeletal conditions.”

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.

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Daily Headaches Gone Under Chiropractic Care

Does Chiropractic Care Help Chronic Headaches? Can Children See A Chiropractor?

From the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health comes a study published on May 25, 2015, documenting the case of a young boy with daily headaches being helped by chiropractic. The study begins by noting that between 10-20% of school age children suffer with headaches. This number increases to 27-32% at the age of 13-14 years for a headache within a given month.

Daily Headaches Gone Under Chiropractic Care - Austin TX ChiropractorThe authors report that chronic daily headaches affect 2-4% of adolescent females and 0.8-2% of adolescent males. A diagnosis of chronic daily headaches is made when headaches occur more than 4 hours per day, 15 headache days per month or more, over a period of 3 consecutive months, without an underlying (medical) pathology.

In this case, a 13-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor by his parents for a consultation and possible care. It was reported that the boy was suffering from headaches every day for several years. There was no history of trauma or any physical injury prior to the onset of the boy’s headaches. The boy’s mother did report her son’s headaches to his MD, who said that they were probably sinus related. However, he did not recommend any treatment or further tests.

A chiropractic examination of the boy was conducted which included a postural inspection, palpation, and range of motion. Based on the examination findings, it was determined that the boy had multiple vertebral subluxations and chiropractic care was initiated.

The boy was initially seen two times per week for the first two weeks. Care was reduced thereafter as improvement was seen. The study reports that the boy’s response was immediate as his headaches stopped as soon as chiropractic care was started. This improvement made an immediate and profound impact on the boy’s quality of life and ability to function.

In their conclusion, the authors wrote, “This case report provides supporting evidence on the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments characterized as high-velocity, low amplitude thrust to sites of vertebral subluxations. We encourage further research on the use of this type of care in children suffering from CH, (chronic headaches).”

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.

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Cross-Eyes Helped with Chiropractic

What Is Strabismus? How Can Chiropractic Help Crossed Eyes?

A study published on March 12, 2015 in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health documents a case of a Down’s Syndrome boy with crossed eyes being helped with chiropractic.

The authors of the study begin by explaining, “Chiropractic is often mistakenly regarded as having a very limited scope of practice in general, i.e. neck pain, back pain and headaches. Yet, chiropractors and their patients experience a multitude of positive results beyond these musculoskeletal complaints, especially in children.”

Cross-Eyes Helped with Chiropractic - Austin TX ChiropractorThe authors report that chiropractic care is the most common type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for children. Studies show that usage of chiropractic nearly doubled in a few short years, rising from 11% in the early nineties to 20% by the late nineties. They note that children represent between 8% and 11% of chiropractic care received.

The authors further explain, “Some of the common pediatric conditions addressed by chiropractors include scoliosis, infantile colic, nocturnal enuresis, constipation, otitis media, seizures, autism, ADHD, asthma, cerebral palsy and strabismus. However, one study revealed that wellness care was the highest ranking reasoning for pediatric chiropractic care.”

In this case, a 4-year-old Down’s Syndrome boy was brought into the chiropractor’s office along with his family for correction of any subluxations. The boy’s right eye was crossed inward. The mother  reported that both the boy’s eyes were originally crossed and that surgery had been performed on the left eye in an attempt to return it to a more normal position.

After a chiropractic analysis, adjustments were initiated to correct the boy’s subluxations. After 12 visits, the boy’s parents reported to the chiropractor that their son’s right eye had completely returned to center. Additionally, his left eye, which had been surgically corrected, started to also correct and was therefore slightly  divergent from center. This indicated that the surgery may not have been needed, as the eye may have attempted to correct itself with chiropractic.

In their conclusion the authors wrote. “The results of the reduction of vertebral subluxation in this case suggest that chiropractic care may be beneficial in the correction of strabismus. Had the patient not undergone the operation to repair the left eye, we propose that both eyes would have been centered in the neutral position.”

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.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders Helped with Chiropractic According to Report

Can Chiropractic Improve Neurodevelopment Disorders? How Does Chiropractic Help the Nervous System?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a report on March 20, 2015, reviewing a large volume of prior research on the effects of chiropractic care on patients diagnosed with a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. The journal report describes neurodevelopmental disorders as disabilities associated primarily with the functioning of the neurological system and brain.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders Helped with Chiropractic According to Report - Austin TX ChiropractorNeurodevelopmental disorders represent a variety of problems including Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, sensory processing disorders, developmental delays, Cerebral Palsy (CP), mental retardation, epilepsy & seizure, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD).  The authors report that the majority of cases seen in the chiropractic studies were children who had been diagnosed with ADHD, ADD or ASD.

The authors of this report reviewed 51 previous articles and studies which included chiropractic care for patients with the diagnosis of one of the forms of neurodevelopmental disorders. They noted that three studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT), which are the highest form of research.  The remaining studies that were reviewed represented seven reviews of literature, three case series, 34 case studies, and three surveys.

An overwhelming majority of the case studies showed positive results for the patients under chiropractic care. The main focus of the care in almost all of the studies was correction of the subluxations found in the individuals. Subluxation correction removes interference to the function of the nervous system and creates an avenue toward better overall function.

Among the many case studies showing improvement were several notable case studies including a 23-year-old male patient who developed bipolar disorder, sleep disorder, seizures, back pain, and migraine headaches. He developed all of these symptoms after an injury at age 17 during a high school track meet, when he landed on his head while attempting to pole vault. The study recorded that after one month of chiropractic care, the patient no longer suffered from seizures and manic episodes. After 18 months of care, the patient was asymptomatic.

One other interesting case involved a 19-year-old girl who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with pervasive language delay. It was noted that she was unable to speak prior to 11 years of age. By age 19, when she was brought in for chiropractic care, she could speak coherently, but only with her neck in flexion and her eyes looking downward. The study reports that after her first visit for chiropractic care she was able to hold her head upright and said, “Thank you very much, goodbye.”

In their discussion the researchers noted, “The subluxation is very much established within the realm of chiropractic treatment and removal, or treatment of the VSC (vertebral subluxation complex) may very well improve those persons suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders.”

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.

Infant Twins with Breastfeeding and Gastrointestinal Problems Helped with Chiropractic

Do Chiropractors See Infants and Newborns? Does Chiropractic Help with Acid Reflux, Irritability, Colic and Excessive Crying? What About Difficulties Breastfeeding?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on February 10, 2015, documenting the improvement of infant twins with a variety of health issues being helped by chiropractic. The study showed that the infants had been suffering with chronic reflux, breastfeeding difficulties, irritability, excessive crying, plagiocephaly, and scaphocephaly.

Plagiocephaly and scaphocephaly are conditions in infants where the head is misshaped in various ways. This usually happens from complications during the birth process or from force during the delivery process. The study authors report that recent estimates say that, “…2.6% of births are complicated by some type of birth trauma. The resulting injuries are comprehensive (i.e. injuries to the nervous system, organs, etc) and of interest in this case report, injuries to the craniofacial region and spine resulting in plagiocephaly, facial asymmetry and altered functionality.”

Infant Twins with Breastfeeding and Gastrointestinal Problems Helped with Chiropractic | Austin TX ChiropractorThis case study reports on seven-month-old fraternal twin boys who were brought to the chiropractor by their mother. The baby boys were suffering from chronic acid reflux and difficulty feeding since birth. The history noted that at 33 weeks into the woman’s pregnancy, the amnionic membrane of one twin ruptured which resulted in an emergency Caesarean section. This premature birth resulted in both twins being in a special care unit for three weeks after birth.

The mother attempted to breastfeed the infants for the first three months but problems led to a change to formula by the fourth month. The infants reflux and irritability continued and medical attempts to help these problems were unsuccessful.

A chiropractic examination including a spinal analysis was performed on the infants to determine the need for chiropractic care. Based on the examination and the finding of subluxations, chiropractic care was begun with the approval of the twin’s mother.

After eight weeks of care, the mother reported that her twin’s reflux had decreased in severity and that her sons were much more settled and would feed much easier. After 16 weeks, the infants’ problems had resolved and it was noted that their head shapes had returned to near normal.

The authors commented in their summary, “Complaints associated with birth trauma including deformational plagiocephaly, breastfeeding difficulties and general irritability improved in seven month old twin boys while they were receiving chiropractic care.”

If you know of a child that could benefit from seeing a chiropractor, please call 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Helped with Chiropractic: Case Study

Can Chiropractic Help Trigeminal Neuralgia? What About Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia?

A study in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published on February 23, 2015, documents the case of a boy suffering trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia being helped with chiropractic care. The Mayo Clinic website defines this condition by writting, “Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain.”

Trigeminal Neuralgia Helped with Chiropractic | Austin TX ChiropractorThe study reports that both  trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia are characterized by episodes of sharp and sometimes extreme pain in the face. They also note that approximately 4-5 per 100,000 people suffer with this condition per year. That number increases with age, rising to 20 per 100,000 people per year after the age of 60.  Trigeminal neuralgia is the more common of the two conditions and can be triggered by a very slight stimulus. Attacks can be started by such normal activities as swallowing, chewing, coughing, sneezing, speaking, yawning, touching the neck or ear, and certain tastes, as well.

In this case, a 10-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor with a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia. He had been suffering with spontaneous episodes of extreme facial, ear, neck, and chest pain which began 4 months prior to his chiropractic visit. In addition, the boy was also suffering from headaches, constipation, ear, neck, and chest pain, and a specific learning disability that affected his ability to write. It was reported that things as slight as wind or changes in elevation could trigger his pain. Under medical care, he had been prescribed a number of different medications, all of which did not offer any relief.

A chiropractic examination was conducted which included palpation of the spine, a leg length analysis, postural analysis, surface electromyography, and specific neck spinal x-rays. The results showed postural abnormalities consistent with spinal subluxations. Additionally, tender areas were found in the boy’s neck on palpation, and the x-rays were positive for malpositioning of the upper bones in the neck.

Based on the findings, a specific chiropractic adjustment was given to the boy. A post-adjustment x-ray was performed and confirmed an immediate positive change in the positioning of the upper neck bones. Chiropractic care was continued to address the boy’s subluxations.

The results were dramatic. The study noted that five days after the initial chiropractic adjustment, the boy was pain free and no longer experienced any of his previous symptoms. The boy’s mother was so pleased that she started and published a blog documenting her son’s recovery. Additionally, the objective analytical exam procedures verified the boy’s improvement from correction of his subluxations. The boy remained symptom-free for several years which continued through the writing of this case report.

In their conclusion, the study authors summed up the results by saying, “This was a case where the patient, who was diagnosed with both trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia, reported initial relief of symptoms associated with the disease, and soon after, complete remission.”

If you or someone you know is suffering with trigeminal and/or glossopharyngeal neuralgia, please call 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.

Bedwetting Helped with Chiropractic – A Case Report

Can Chiropractic Help With Bedwetting? What Is Nocturnal Enuresis?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on January 8, 2015, documenting the case of a young girl with chronic bedwetting being helped by chiropractic. Nocturnal enuresis, more commonly known as bedwetting, is diagnosed when a child wets the bed three times or more per week.

Nocturnal enuresis is common in younger children, occurring in about 10% of children up to age seven. Bedwetting affects about 5 to 7 million children in the US, and 200,000 in Canada. Some sources believe that the underlying cause is related to the central nervous system.  Common medical treatment is a drug called Desmopressin, which can carry certain side effects including headache, belly pain, nausea, slight rise in blood pressure, vomiting, hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Bedwetting Helped with Chiropractic | Austin TX ChiropractorIn this case, a 10-year-old girl was brought to the chiropractor after recurrent right ankle sprains and primary nocturnal enuresis. The young girl started having the bedwetting issue after a number of urinary tract infections that she had at age four. She had received several rounds of antibiotic treatments at that time. Her mother noted that the bedwetting started immediately after her daughter started taking antibiotics.  At the time of her initial visit to the chiropractor, the young girl was wetting her bed about 5 times per week.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included postural observation, range of motion tests, static palpation, paraspinal surface electromyography (sEMG) and rolling paraspinal thermography scans. Based on the findings, and with the mother’s consent, chiropractic care was begun.

Following the girl’s first adjustment, her mother reported that her daughter only experienced one night of bedwetting. Her mother also reported that her daughter felt the urgent need to urinate on the car ride home from the chiropractor to the point where the mother had to make a quick stop for her daughter to find a restroom.

Following the girl’s second visit, her mother reported that her daughter did not have any more wet nights and no more increased urgency to urinate. The study records that after her second chiropractic adjustment, the girl had all dry nights. Given the success of chiropractic in addressing their daughter’s bedwetting issues, her parents decided to continue their daughter on a wellness chiropractic care program.

Citing the results of this study, the authors make the point in their discussion that chiropractic should be included in cases of bedwetting. “When left unresolved in childhood, adolescents may continue night time bedwetting and can be very difficult to manage,” state the study authors. “Given the effect of compromising the quality of life and risk for psychological and physical abuse in these children, there is a need for an integrative approach [chiropractic] to their care.”

To see if chiropractic care can help with your child’s bedwetting, call 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson today.

Resolution of Chronic Cervicogenic Headaches with Chiropractic

Can Chiropractic Care Help Children With Chronic Headaches?

In the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health is a study published on December 12, 2014, describing the case of a boy who was suffering with chronic headaches being helped by chiropractic care. The authors begin by clarifying that in order for headaches to be classified as chronic they must occur for a duration of more than 15 days per month, and for 3 months or greater than 180 days in a year. They note that approximately 3 to 4% of the general population suffer from chronic headaches.

Resolution of Chronic Cervicogenic Headaches with Chiropractic | Austin TX ChiropractorIn this case, a 6-year-old boy was brought by his mother to the chiropractor for consultation and possible care for the boy’s chronic headaches.  According to his mother, the boy went to the MD two years prior complaining of headaches that were occurring either daily or every other day. The MD told the boy’s mother to give him ibuprofen for his headaches.  This was ineffective and subsequently the boy was sent to a Children’s Hospital for further medical work-up.

MRIs and computer tomography were performed on the boy but failed to show any medical reason for the child’s chronic headaches.  The boy was also seen by a concussion specialist and a neurologist without any help.  The patient and his mother returned to his pediatrician who made the suggestion of chiropractic care.

A chiropractic examination was performed and revealed areas of spinal irregularity on palpation. X-rays also confirmed malpositioning in the boy’s neck. From the examination, it was determined that the boy had subluxations in his cervical spine. Chiropractic care was begun with the boy being seen two times per week.

On the third visit to the chiropractor, the boy reported that he had not had any headaches since his prior visit. On the fourth visit, he did report having another headache.  However, from the fifth visit forward, the boy did not suffer any additional headaches.

For more information about how chiropractic care can help with headaches, please read this very informative Health Research Reports – Children, Headaches and Chiropractic.

If you know of a child suffering with chronic headaches, call 512-452-2525 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Swanson today.