colic
Chiropractic Management of an Infant Patient Experiencing
Colic and Difficulty Breastfeeding: A Case Report
By Janet M. Cuhel, D.C., D.I.C.C.P. and Mike Powell, D.C.
Objective: The purpose of this case study
is to discuss the essential spinal and nutritional considerations
in the management of infant who is experiencing colic and
difficulty breastfeeding. This report also emphasizes the
importance of communication between all health care providers
attending to a patient.
Clinical Features: A
twelve-day-old male was presented for chiropractic examination
and treatment by his mother. The mother related difficulty
in feeding on the right breast. She also stated that he seemed "fussy" and
had been producing excess bowel gas. Twenty-four hours after
delivery, a Depo-Provera injection was administered to the
mother. Initial chiropractic examination of this infant included
palpation and motion studies which revealed decreased movement
at the right atlanto-occipital joint, and as prominent transverse
process on the right side of the atlas.
Intervention and Outcome: Following history
and examination, a chiropractic adjustment was performed
to the atlas. Over the course of this patient's care, additional
chiropractic adjustments were performed. This course of treatment
was met with limited success. The patient history was reviewed
for a second time. This prompted the mother to add that an
injection of Depo-Provera had been administered 24 hours
after the delivery. The parent was advised that this injection
may have been a contributor to the infant's problem. Acting
on this advice the mother did not receive the next injection
as scheduled. Nutritional supplementation was utilized, and
adjustments were continued. The infant's pattern of breastfeeding
and bowel function normalized.
Conclusion: This case involves the chiropractic
management of an infant experiencing colic and difficulty
breastfeeding. This case demonstrates the possible effectiveness
of chiropractic intervention with this patient. It also demonstrates
the importance of a thorough history and communication with
other health care providers. The use of the injectable contraceptive,
Depo-Provera, may have contributed to the difficulties this
infant was experiencing. More research in this products'
use in breastfeeding mothers; as well as more effective communication
between the manufacturer and prescribing doctor are needed.
(JCCP, Volume 2, Number 2, October 1997)
Key Terms: adjustment, breastfeeding,
chiropractic, coli, Depo-Provera, infant, nutrition