Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic on a child reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing eczema in this population. The literature included in the study supports the role of chiropractic in children suffering from the related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.

“Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the various health challenges that infants may experience” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.

McCoy added “In the case report presented, the child was suffering from eczema and several other symptoms that resolved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine.”

According to researchers the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function.

The 4-year-old child reported on in the study was suffering from eczema, allergies, and insomnia.  His eczema covered his entire body and had gone on for over a year and a half.  His allergy flare ups would leave him with itchy skin and difficulty sleeping.  He used steroid cream and medication to help alleviate his symptoms for short periods of time.

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck, midback, low back, and sacrum.  He had tight muscles, decreased range of motion, and posture abnormalities.  Additional testing confirmed these findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic adjustments, his symptoms improved, his eczema cleared and his flare up episodes were less frequent and less severe.  He became more interested in playing and began sleeping better.

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.

To learn more about this study, chiropractic research, and family health visit Vertebral Subluxation Research.