Local Doctor Calls for Further Research

Chiropractic Care Helps Pre-Term Infant Thrive

(July 3, 2008, St. Louis). A case report authored by Kelly A. Miller credits chiropractic care with the successful management of a pre-term infant who had suffered severe lung ailments, gastrointestinal complications and developmental delays, both physical and mental.

More than 50,000 babies are born prematurely in the United States each year, according to St. Louis-based Dr. Tom Gargiula, D.C.   Of those who survive, many suffer from lung ailments and respiratory distress, with some facing a life-long battle.

These alarming numbers have Dr. Gargiula pointing to the case report published this year in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research.  The report suggests that chiropractic care may alleviate some associated effects of premature births.

In this particular study, an infant born at 24 weeks gestation, underwent surgery and spent four months in a neonatal intensive care unit. After her discharge from the hospital, she continued to receive antibiotics as well as ventilation and oxygen therapy. Three months after her discharge, she was diagnosed by a chiropractor with spinal subluxations. The infant weighed only 12 pounds; she was listless, constipated and congested. She was put on a regimen of regular chiropractic evaluations and adjustments, starting with twice daily for two weeks, that were decreased gradually to once every two weeks. During the course of chiropractic care, according to the case report, the baby increased her range of motion and started breathing on her own as her lung function improved; she was less congested and colicky and became noticeably more verbal and alert to her surroundings. She sat up and was able to stand on her own. Four months later, the infant was virtually symptom-free and in no need of further medical attention. In her physical and cognitive development she was now one month ahead of her age.

"This case study, where chiropractic care improved health challenges associated with premature birth, is promising," said Dr. Gargiula, "but more studies of this kind are needed.  Nevertheless, this report gives hope to many parents of premature babies with underdeveloped lungs.  Even full-term infants as young as a few months can benefit tremendously from regular chiropractic care."

Editor's note:

Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Thomas Gargiula, of Windmill Family Wellness Center, located at 9717 Landmark Parkway, Suite 216; St. Louis, Missouri 63127 (telephone 314-849-4120).

Reference:

"Chiropractic Care of a Pre-Term Infant with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia & Vertebral Subluxation" by Kelly A. Miller, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, February 19, 2008.