Tag Archives: down syndrom

Researching Chiropractic: Piglets, Down Syndrome, Low Back Pain

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?

Probably most of them.

Piglets and chiropractic.

Chiropractic for piglets?  Why not? Every creature with a spinal column can have subluxations and can benefit from chiropractic care. There are many chiropractors who regularly work on dogs, cats, horses, and other creatures. 

In this study, researchers measured the rate of weight gain in baby pigs. 109 piglets that were weaned on the same day were captured and randomly assigned into a control (CON) or an adjusted (ADJ) group. 

It was found that on average the adjusted group reached the ideal weight 6 days sooner than the control (non-adjusted) group. Feed costs for the adjusted group were thus reduced. (1) 

P.S. An earlier study with chickens showed chiropractic adjustments improved palatability, overall health, and rate of weight gain. Again, something that could cut costs and increase profits. (2)

These studies show the positive effects of animal chiropractic in livestock production settings. 

Down Syndrome in a 7-week-old infant. 

A seven-week-old girl with Down Syndrome was brought in for chiropractic care because of nursing and sleeping issues. Typically, the infant was brought to the clinic when she was having cough, congestion, tactile fremitus (a vibration transmitted through the body), and wheezing problems.

A chiropractic examination revealed that she had upper cervical, thoracic and sacrum subluxations. Her subluxations were adjusted using various chiropractic techniques. 

After the adjustment, the mother reported that the infant was getting stronger, had less congestion, was breathing with fewer wheezes, and her chest was cleaner. The parents reported feeling less fremitus on her chest than before.

The patient had constipation for three days when she was brought in for care. The infant defecated right after the adjustment. 

After 3 visits the baby’s feeding and sleeping issues were resolved. The child continued chiropractic care. After 2 years and 7 months of care, her muscle tone, breathing, and immune function were enhanced. 

The mother reported that chiropractic care helped to increase the infant’s daily function and overall health such as latching and regular sleep patterns. (3)

Low Back pain in a 9-year-old with tethered cord syndrome.

A 9-year-old boy entered the office complaining of a dull, achy low back pain that occurred during football practicing and playing. He had a decreased range of motion and vertebral subluxations. X-rays revealed he had an extra lumbar vertebra (6 instead of 5).

The child had an MRI that revealed a condition known as spinal cord tethering. His spinal abnormalities included lower spinal cord and malformations.

The boy received chiropractic adjustments twice a week for 3 weeks and then once per week for 6 weeks. He was also given stretching and exercises to be done at home.  At the one-year follow-up, the patient was able to play several high school sports without any complications. (4)

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547


1 . Arbuckle A, Fechter W, Hendricks R, et. al. Chiropractic Directed at Subluxation Reduction Improves Speed of Harvest Rate, Reduces Feed Costs and Increases Feed Efficiency in Piglets: A Controlled Field Study of Rate of Gain in 109 Piglets. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Volume 2022Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~  Volume 2022 ~ June 28 ~ Pages 79-81 Vol. 2022

2. Hayek A; Ormston W, Nolen J. Growth and Quality Enhancement in Broiler Chickens, Midwest Veterinary Conference 2020 

3.6. Amlinger P, Colcombet C. Improved Health Outcomes in a Child with Down Syndrome Undergoing Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of the Literature Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ July 13, 2022, ~ Pages 57-65

4. Carter S, Floyd R, Richardson M et al. Resolution of Low Back Pain in a 9-Year-Old Male with Low Back Pain, Tethered Cord Syndrome, Spina Bifida Occulta and Lumbarization of the S1 Vertebra Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Study & Selective Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2015 ~ Issue 3 ~ Pages 121-130