Appearing in the January 28, 2011 issue of the scientific periodical, the Journal Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health is a case study documenting improvement in a child with gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, and head deformation undergoing chiropractic care.

The authors of the study explain that the American Academy of Pediatrics defines gastroesophageal reflux (GER) as the passage of gastric contents into the esophagus while GER disease (GERD) is the presence of symptoms or complications from GER.

In this case, a 5-month-old girl was brought in for chiropractic care with gastroesophageal reflux, constipation and a deformed head known as "plagiocephaly". The girl had been suffering with GERD since birth and was experiencing approximately 8-10 regurgitations per day consisting of 2-4 tablespoons of gastric content. The history noted that the reflux was exacerbated by movement of the baby or sitting up on her own for over 5 minutes. The infant girl was breast-fed since birth and her diet was supplemented with small amounts of baby oatmeal.

A chiropractic examination was performed and showed multiple areas of muscle tightness, reduction in joint movement and macular asymmetry.  Palpation of the spine also showed areas of spinal fixation and muscular changes.  It was determined that vertebral subluxations were present in multiple areas of the infant's spine.

According to the authors, "The goal of chiropractic care is to detect and correct vertebral subluxations to allow proper neurological and physiological functioning and ultimately improve a patient's quality of life."  They also added, "Location and correction of vertebral subluxation is the unique cornerstone which historically, legally, and politically defines chiropractic practice".

Chiropractic care was initiated on this infant girl to correct the subluxations and correct the subsequent nerve system interference. As a result of care, the child's medication for the reflux disease was reduced and eventually eliminated. The study also notes that her constipation was resolved, her muscle tone had returned to normal and her head asymmetry was significantly reduced.