A new study has been published in the Journal of Pediatric Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic detailing the successful chiropractic care of a pediatric patient suffering from developmental coordination disorder. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from the related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is characterized by significant impairment in the gaining and execution of motor skills. Children with DCD often struggle with tasks requiring both fine and gross motor coordination, such as handwriting, cutting with scissors, catching a ball, or riding a bicycle. These challenges can negatively affect their social, emotional, and academic well-being, leading to frustration and low self-esteem.
Research has shown that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement helping humans to respond to their environment and that this is tied into spinal biomechanics and related neurological pathways.
“This case underscores the importance of further investigating chiropractic interventions for DCD, as early evidence from this approach suggests that restoring nerve supply and function may improve academic performance and quality of life in affected children. stated Matthew McCoy DC, MPH, Editor of the journal that published the study..
This case involves a five-year-old boy displaying developmental delays, learning difficulties, exaggerated blinking, bedwetting, and frequent “meltdowns.” Initial professional evaluations revealed delayed speech requiring therapy (which parents declined), and vision issues including convergence and accommodation insufficiencies.
A chiropractic examination noted significant postural imbalances, structural shifts, restricted cervical range of motion, and upper trapezius hypertonicity. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
The child made significant progress under chiropractic. He developed interest in academic tasks, began counting to 100, and improved both fine and gross motor skills. Speech issues diminished, emotional outbursts decreased, and nighttime routines normalized. By six months, the child had advanced academically, no longer wet the bed, and avoided seasonal croup for the first time in four years. Overall, consistent chiropractic care correlated with meaningful gains in cognitive, behavioral, and motor function.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
To learn more about this study and chiropractic research visit, Vertebral Subluxation Research.