A recent issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) tells the story of an 8-year-old boy who was troubled with bowel movement problems since birth. Before he paid a visit to a chiropractor, his condition was such that he’d only have a bowel movement at 7 to 10 day intervals. In fact, at times this even approached 2 weeks and these movements were reportedly quite painful for the boy.

The boy was by all other indications quite healthy. Medical treatment, in an attempt to solve the problem, had included laxatives, high fluid intake and a high fiber diet. All of these produced no positive or desired effect on his condition.

Chiropractic examination revealed that the boy had a subluxation (a partial dislocation) in the sacral region (lowest portion) of the back. Care began immediately with adjustments given to correct the subluxation. This continued with 2 visits per week for 4 weeks.

The result of just 1 visit to the chiropractor was a dramatic improvement in the boy’s con­dition. His mother was very pleased to report that the boy had a bowel movement on the first day of his visit and again just 2 days later. She also reported over the course of the 4 weeks of ensuing treatment that the condition continued to improve.

Interesting statistics pointed out by the study show that 3 percent of childhood doctor vis­its are for constipation issues. The figure rises to nearly 30 percent of all visits to pediatric gastroenterologists. Treatments generally include dietary management, biofeedback and laxa­tives. Statistically, according to the study, between 30 percent and as high as 50 percent of children do not respond to these treatments and continue to have long-term problems.

The results of Chiropractic treatment with this boy and improvements in his life were immediate, continuing and long term. Follow up 1 month after treatment revealed consistent normal bowel functions. Several months later, another follow up revealed the same positive results. Finally, a phone call to the boy, now 13 years after treatment, reported normal bowel function. In fact, he said that his bowel function was nearly “clock-like” with daily move­ments.

How’s that for producing life-changing improvements? Short-term Chiropractic interven­tion brought about very positive, long-term results.

Source: Chiropractic Research. January 2007. http://www.chiropracticresearch.org/NEWS_Chronic_childhood_constipation_helped_with_chiropractic.htm