New Study Shows Chiropractic Benefit in Pediatric Constipation
Chiropractic May Play Important Role for Suffering Children
ATLANTA, Georgia – 2025
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 constipation. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.
Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system, and the brain. Basic science and clinical research show that the proper development of the brain relies heavily on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age. Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to respond to their environment are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.
Constipation affects up to 30% of children worldwide, often leading parents to seek medical solutions. In this case, traditional interventions—including dietary changes, enemas, and bowel-eliciting tools—proved ineffective.
“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated Dr. McCoy. “The brain constantly needs and wants to know where our body is in space. If there is interference with the neurological communication between the spine and the brain all sorts of malfunctions can occur. This case adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of chiropractic care in treating neurological and gastrointestinal disorders.”
A 2-month-old baby boy was brought to a chiropractic clinic by his parents due to severe constipation that had persisted since birth. Born via forceps delivery, the baby had never had a bowel movement on his own and required weekly enemas to relieve symptoms. Dietary changes had little to no effect, and his parents sought a non-invasive alternative before resorting to a medical procedure.
Upon examination, the chiropractor identified structural shifts at the sacrum and C1 vertebra and noted restricted neck movement. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Over 11 weeks, the baby received gentle, infant-adapted spinal adjustments, including diversified adjustments to the cervical spine and Logan Basic Protocol at the sacrotuberous ligament. By week three, he began having bowel movements every three days, and his neck rotation improved by 50%. By week eleven, he had daily bowel movements without assistance, and full cervical range of motion was restored.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that chiropractic care may positively impact pediatric conditions beyond musculoskeletal complaints. While larger studies are needed, this case exemplifies a non-invasive option for parents seeking conservative care. 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.
