Children with Cerebral Palsy Improve with Chiropractic Treatment
There is growing evidence that something positive can be done for the victims of cerebral palsy. Four case studies of children whose lives were improved through Chiropractic treatment were recently reported in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research.
Cerebral Palsy gets its name from the complete or partial muscle paralysis experienced by victims of the condition, often resulting in uncontrollable body movements. Generally, it is associated with some degree of brain damage that can, but does not always occur, prior to or during birth.
For this study, four children whose cerebral palsy condition was considered secondary to birth trauma were evaluated and treated by a Chiropractor. In each case, examination evidence of vertebral subluxations (partial dislocations of the vertebrae) was present.
The first was the case of an 8-year-old girl whose condition included seizures as well. She suffered from leg and arm tremors, visual problems and poor posture. Over a 9-week period she received 22 Chiropractic adjustments with very positive results. First off, her parents reported that she could walk without anyone’s help and sit better. She had improved left arm and hand movements especially when feeding herself. Her walk was steadier and she gained the ability to walk up stairs on her own. Finally, her parents reported she had increased energy and an improved emotional state.
The changes in a 7-year-old boy were equally striking. His parents reported that he had little energy as an infant, did not crawl until he was 11 months old and did not walk until he was nearly 5 years old. At 7 years old he had numerous additional problems that included seizures, pain in the extremities, and difficulty concentrating in school.
After the initiation of Chiropractic care, his parents reported that he became more stable while standing and walking, had greater mobility and better balance of the upper part of his body. Additionally, he was able to walk longer distances before he got tired. His abilities in school improved and his sleeping problems resolved. The parents also reported improvements in his appetite, communication skills, and emotional state.
The other two children in the study also showed similar improvements. They experienced positive changes in their coordination and their gait; had better sleeping patterns; and improved appetite. Changes in their posture and mental attitude were also noted.
The study authors noted that these improvements were in direct correlation with the reduction of subluxations during their Chiropractic care. “These reports are consistent with widespread anecdotal reports of similar types of improvements and are consistent with other cases reported in the literature,” they said. Given these results they urged additional investigations into the effects of subluxation analysis and correction in children suffering from cerebral palsy.