Tag Archives: migraines

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Credited to Chiropractic Care

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Can Chiropractic Help Make Childbirth Easier? Do Chiropractors Help Pregnancy Issues?

The February 18, 2016, issue of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a documented case study of a pregnant woman who was suffering from migraines, neck pain and back pain being helped with chiropractic.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Credited to Chiropractic Care - Austin TX Chiropractor for Pediatric Infants Babies Kids Children TeensThe study begins by reporting that, “The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for women and particularly for women of childbearing years and during pregnancy is substantial.” Chiropractic is one of the most widely utilized forms of CAM. The authors note that about a third of all pregnant woman use some form of CAM, but only half of them disclose this information to their medical practitioner.

In this case, a 28-year-old woman presented herself for chiropractic evaluation and possible care. At that time, she was 29 weeks pregnant with her second pregnancy. She was suffering from chronic migraines associated with neck and back pain.

She reported that her first pregnancy resulted in an emergency C-section and she was hoping to be able to have a vaginal birth for this current pregnancy. However, complicating this pregnancy was that a recent ultrasound showed that the baby’s placenta was partially blocking the mother’s cervix. This condition is known placenta previa.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included postural analysis, spinal palpation, spinal motion, surface electromyogram, and paraspinal thermography. With consent, chiropractic care began for correction of subluxations that were determined from the examination.

By the third visit, the patient reported that her migraines were gone. By the fourth visit her placenta previa was resolved as confirmed on imaging. The patient was successfully able to have a vaginal birth even after her first pregnancy resulted in a c-section. She reported no complications to her birth, and her labor was fast and without the need for any medications.

In their conclusions the authors wrote, “We described the successful care of a pregnant patient presenting with a chief complaint of chronic migraines and pregnancy-related neck and back pain. This case report highlights benefits of chiropractic care beyond symptom care with resolution of placenta previa and successful VBAC, (vaginal birth after cesarean).”

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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Neck Curve and Quality of Life Improved Under Chiropractic Care

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On December 7, 2015, the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a study documenting the case of a patient with an arthritic reversed neck curve being helped with chiropractic.

Neck Curve and Quality of Life Improved Under Chiropractic Care - Austin TX Chiropractor Swanson CelebrityThe authors of the study begin by noting the importance of proper curvatures in the spine. As viewed from the side, the spine should have a forward curve, known as lordosis in the neck; a rearward curve, known as kyphosis, in the middle back; and another lordosis curve in the lower back. These normal curvatures are essential to properly distribute forces through the body.

Without a proper curvature in the neck, forces of daily activity can create multiple structural and functional problems in the neck including subluxations. According to research, a number of conditions and symptoms have been linked to the loss of neck curvature. These include mechanical neck pain, cervical-brachial neuralgia, vascular headaches, migraine headaches, cervicogenic headache, numbness, vertigo, nausea, airway obstruction, suboccipital pain, occipital neuralgia, numbness or tingling, muscle spasms, and decreased neck range of motion.

In this case, a 31-year-old man went to the chiropractor seeking relief. His complaints included arthritis in his neck, stabbing pain in ribs, and numbness/tingling in both hands. He reported that his neck problems had started 8 years earlier and caused a sharp stabbing pain. He reported that rotating and popping his neck gave him some temporary relief. He was also suffering from sleep issues and fatigue as well as shortness of breath, heartburn, and depression.

A chiropractic examination was performed that included palpation, range of motion, heart rate variability testing, surface electromyography, thermal scans and spinal x-rays. The tests were performed to detect the presence of subluxation as well as to monitor the body’s response to care.

Specific chiropractic care was started at the rate of three visits per week for the first month. After 7 weeks of care, the patient reported improvement in his symptoms with an overall decrease in his symptoms. He felt his posture had improved and he was holding his head higher, slouching less, and he found it easier to keep straight up.

Follow up testing showed improvement in all the objective tests that were performed. Neck x-rays showed a return to normal of the man’s neck curvature, demonstrating that his spinal and neural integrity had improved.

In their discussion, the authors of this study note the importance of a proper neck curvature by stating, “Improvement in cervical lordosis or restoration of the cervical curve has been associated with various outcomes in the literature. It has been suggested that restoration of normal spinal curves leads to improved health outcomes, pain reduction, increased function, and improved quality of life.”

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

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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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Pregnant Woman with Migraines, Hypothyroidism, and Tachycardia Helped with Chiropractic

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Can Chiropractic Help Pregnancy Related Issues? Can Chiropractic Care Help Delivery?

From  the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, a case study published on March 25, 2015, reports on the case of a pregnant woman suffering from migraine headaches, hypothyroidism, and tachycardia being helped with chiropractic.

Pregnant Woman with Migraines, Hypothyroidism, and Tachycardia Helped with Chiropractic - Austin TX ChiropractorThe study authors begin by pointing out that the use of chiropractic by pregnant women is fairly common. A survey of women between the ages of 18 and 49 years who were pregnant or had children less than 1 year old found that 37% of pregnant women and 28% of postpartum women reported using some form of CAM (complementary or alternative medicine) in the last 12 months. Of the practitioner-based CAM therapies, chiropractic remains the popular choice for care.

In this case, a 28-year-old woman, who was in the 14th week of her pregnancy, presented herself for chiropractic care. A previous pregnancy resulted in a cesarean delivery. She sought chiropractic care in the hopes that it would help improve her chances of an easier labor and a vaginal delivery. From her medical physician, she had received a diagnosis of hypothyroidism with mild tachycardia, and occasional migraine-type headaches.

A chiropractic analysis was performed consisting of a spinal postural analysis, and spinal  range of motion, as well as static and dynamic palpation. From this, it was determined that subluxations were present in the upper cervical, pelvic, and upper thoracic spine.  Chiropractic adjustments were begun and continued throughout her pregnancy.

On several occasions during her chiropractic care the woman would experience a variety of symptoms such as headaches, pelvic pain, and dizziness.  These problems were quickly corrected after her chiropractic adjustment.

During the 30th week of her pregnancy, the woman fell at home and her obstetrician’s discovered that her fetus had moved from the proper vertex position to a transverse lie.  She received two chiropractic appointments, and performed a set of recommended inversion exercises at home. Shortly thereafter, she reported that she felt her baby had shifted back into the normal vertex position.  This was confirmed by her medical physician.

The study reports that the woman was able to successfully carry her fetus through a normal labor, and at 40 weeks plus 4 days, she delivered a baby girl vaginally weighing 8 lbs., 9 oz., and measuring 21 inches long.

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.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Helped with Chiropractic: Case Study

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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.

Resolution of Chronic Cervicogenic Headaches with Chiropractic

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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.

Improvement in Quality of Life with Multiple Sclerosis from Chiropractic Care

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Can Chiropractic Care Help Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

From the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on December 11, 2014, comes a research case study documenting the improvement in the quality of life of a woman with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study reported on both the functional and symptomatic improvement noticed by this MS patient.

Improvement in Quality of Life with Multiple Sclerosis from Chiropractic Care | Austin TX ChiropractorThe study authors begin by explaining that, “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder that affects the white matter of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.”  They note that MS affects 250,000 to 350,000 people in the United States with a total of 2.5 million people worldwide.

Most cases of MS appear between the ages of 20 to 40, with those in their 30s being the most common decade for the problem to occur. Women are twice as likely to have MS, and many people relapse over time.

For the study rational the authors commented, “Because MS is a neurologically-based disease and chiropractic deals with the function of the nervous system as it relates to the brain-body connection, investigation into the effects of chiropractic care on MS patients is appropriate.”

In this case, a 36-year-old woman went to the chiropractor with a diagnosis of MS by her medical physician. She was suffering with a large variety of symptoms related to her MS including fatigue, difficulty sleeping, low back pain, mid back pain, neck pain, lack of mobility of the cervical spine, headaches, dizziness, loss of concentration, nervousness, tenseness, numbness in arms and feet, burning sensation in feet, irritability, and mood swings.

A chiropractic examination was conducted which included palpation, range of motion, thermal scans, surface EMG scans, and spinal x-rays. It was determined that spinal subluxations were present and chiropractic care was begun.

After the first visit, the woman reported immediate improvement in a number of her symptoms. At the one-month mark, she reported that she had a “… 60% improvement in neck pain, clearer thinking, more alertness, more energy, a feeling of being more relaxed, better ease with standing, lifting, bending and driving, improvements in balance, more confidence and strength during gait, more ease in falling asleep and improved quality of sleep, and more mobility and increased cervical ROM (range of motion).”

The researchers noted that one case study does not mean that all cases will respond with the same improvement. However, this case does add to the body of evidence provided by a prior larger study performed in 2004 showing the link between chiropractic and the improvement of MS.  “A retrospective analysis of 44 patients with multiple sclerosis showed that 90% of these patients reported improvement of their symptoms while undergoing a five year course of IUCCA (a specific type of chiropractic adjustment), upper cervical care. Twenty-eight of these patients (70%) showed improvement with or absence of the majority of their symptoms. No further progression of the disease was reported by any of the 44 patients during the care period.”

For more information about how chiropractic care can help manage MS, please read this very informative Health Research Reports – Interference and Your Nervous System.

If you are, or someone you know is, suffering with Multiple Sclerosis related issues, call (512) 452-2525 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Swanson today.

ADHD and Migraines Helped with Chiropractic

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Can Chiropractic Care Help Improve Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study on December 5, 2014, discussing chiropractic care helping a patient with both ADHD and migraines. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was first described by Sir George Still in 1902.

According to the CDC, the rate of ADHD has increased an average of 3% per year from 1997 to 2006, and increased to 5% from the years 2007 to 2011. The rate of ADHD diagnosis varies greatly per state with it estimated that currently 6.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 have been diagnosed nationally. As of 2011, 6.1% of all children between the ages of 4 and 17 were taking ADHD medications. This is up from 4.8% on these meds in 2008.

ADHD and Migraines Helped with ChiropracticIn this case study, a 21-year-old man went to the chiropractor suffering from symptoms of ADHD, migraines, anxiety, depression, insomnia, neck pain, and back stiffness.  He was taking a number of medications for his problems including  paracetamol, codeine, ibuprofen, and valium.  The history noted that the man had been suffering from migraine headaches since age 4 that were accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision.

 

A standardized test known as the ADHD Symptom Regularity and Severity Questionnaire was given to the man before the onset of care, and later during care, to monitor the changes to his ADHD condition from the chiropractic care. In addition, the man was also given a standardized headache questionnaire to measure the changes he may experience with his headaches.

After a chiropractic examination, care was initiated to correct subluxations. Each of the questionnaires was then repeated and documented improvements in both his ADHD scores and his migraine headache rating.

In their conclusion the authors wrote, “This case study illustrates the positive outcomes of a twenty one year old male with signs and symptoms of ADHD and migraine headaches….” The authors continued by explaining, “Subjective decreases in the regularity and severity of symptoms of ADHD and migraine headaches were reached. Objective results in functional improvement were seen with tonal indicators of subluxation, heart rate variability, posture and ranges of motion.”

To see if chiropractic can help your ADHD or to be checked for the presence of nervous system interference, call (512) 452-2525 to schedule today with Dr. Swanson.

Resolution of Trigeminal Neuralgia Following Chiropractic Care

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What Is The Suicide Disease? Can Chiropractic Care Help Trigeminal Neuralgia?

A study published on November 6, 2014, in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research documented the case of a patient with trigeminal neuralgia being helped by chiropractic care.  According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also called tic douloureux, is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal or 5th cranial nerve, one of the most widely distributed nerves in the head.” They further explain that, “The typical or classic form of the disorder causes extreme, sporadic, sudden burning or shock-like facial pain that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to as long as two minutes per episode.”

 Resolution of Trigeminal Neuralgia Following Chiropractic CareThe authors of the study reported that the pain associated with TN is commonly triggered by activities of daily living including shaving, washing the face, applying makeup, brushing teeth, chewing food, drinking, talking, or being exposed to different elements of weather, in particular wind. Due to the severity of the pain and the uncertainty of when it might occur, this problem has been known as “The Suicide Disease.”

In this case, a 77-year-old woman went to the chiropractor and reported suffering with severe TN for the past seven years. She was taking medication to try and help the problem, but the pain was made worse by chewing, talking, and smiling. When her TN was flaring, she was unable to eat or talk well. She entered the chiropractor’s office crying in agony. She rated the pain as a 10 out of 10 in severity.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included spinal palpation, range of motion, thermography, and spinal x-rays. The results of the examination revealed that the woman had subluxations specifically in the top of her neck. Specific chiropractic adjustments were begun at the rate of three visits per week.

The study results recorded that after just three visits, the patient reported that the twitches related to her TN had stopped and she started to recover quicker from her attacks. After six visits, the woman reported that her pain had decreased from a 10 out of 10, down to just 3 out of 10. As her care continued, she continued to improve to the point where she no longer needed her medication. After 6 months of chiropractic care with 31 visits, the woman declared that she was 100% pain free.

In their conclusion the authors reported, “The patient continues to be pain free at the time this paper was published. She reports that her quality of life continues to improve and admittedly, chiropractic drastically improved her health.”

To understand more of how chiropractic helps your nervous system, please read this informative health research report entitled Interference and Your Nervous System.

If you or someone you know is suffering with trigeminal neuralgia, please call 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. We can help you!

Chronic Ear Infections, Neck Pain, and Headaches Helped with Chiropractic: Case Study

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Can Chiropractic Care Help Ear Infections (Otitis Media)? How Does Chiropractic Help Children With Headaches?

A case study published on July 17, 2014, in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health documented chiropractic care helping a 9-year-old girl who was suffering from chronic ear infections, neck pain, and headaches. Ear infections, clinically known as otitis media (OM), are an inflammation of the middle ear, and are currently the most common reasons for children under the age of 15 to visit a medical physician.

The study begins by noting that otitis media costs between 2 and 5.3 billion dollars annually in the US. The highest prevalence of cases is in children between the ages of six to fifteen months. The authors also report that “…approximately two-thirds of all children will be affected by the age of two.”

Chronic Ear Infections, Neck Pain, and Headaches Helped with Chiropractic | Austin Ear Infection Chiropractor DoctorIn this case, a 9-year-old girl was brought to the chiropractor with primary problems of chronic ear infections and headaches. The medical care the girl had been receiving was ineffective. The case study reported that the little girl was scheduled to have tympanostomy tubes placed in her ears in three weeks. Her problem had left her with approximately 60% hearing loss in her left ear and 30% hearing loss in her right ear.

In the four months prior to being brought to the chiropractor, the girl was treated with antibiotics for her ear infections five times. In three of those episodes, her tympanic membranes had burst. In addition to the ear problems, she was suffering from neck pain and occasional but severe headaches.  Her mother had even brought her daughter to a neurologist to no avail.

It was reported that the girl’s severe headaches were interfering with her daily activity including her personal hygiene and her school work.  During, and for a few days after each of her ear infections, her ability to hear was reduced to the point where she had difficulty participating in conversations.

A chiropractic examination was performed that included neck range of motion, manual and digital palpation, and a spinal postural analysis. From the examination, it was determined that the girl had subluxations in her neck and lower back, and a specific course of chiropractic adjustments was begun.

The results of the chiropractic care were immediate and profound. The study records that over the first three weeks of chiropractic care, the girl did not experience a single headache. The girl reported that her daily activities were a lot easier, especially when it came to blow-drying her hair.

After three weeks of chiropractic care, the girl was brought to an otolaryngologist for a re-evaluation where it was found that the girl’s hearing level had returned to 95% of normal. As a result of these profound improvements, the tympanostomy tubes surgery was considered unnecessary, and the procedure was cancelled. During the next 5 years of chiropractic wellness care, it was reported that the girl only experienced three headaches.

“Numerous studies have identified positive outcomes in otitis media with chiropractic care based on the detection and removal of spinal subluxations,” the authors wrote in their conclusion. “This case study demonstrated a total remission of chronic ear infections in a girl under chiropractic care.” They also commented, “The use of antibiotics and tympanostomy tubes are rendered regularly despite significant risk of serious side effects and sequelae. Complementary and alternative medicine, including chiropractic, provides a justifiable alternative care approach.”

To see if chiropractic care can help with your child’s ear infections, neck pain, or headaches, call (512) 452-2525 to schedule today.