In the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health is a study published on December 12, 2014, describing the case of a boy who was suffering with chronic headaches being helped by chiropractic care. The authors begin by clarifying that in order for headaches to be classified as chronic they must occur for a duration of more than 15 days per month, and for 3 months or greater than 180 days in a year. They note that approximately 3 to 4% of the general population suffer from chronic headaches.
In this case, a 6-year-old boy was brought by his mother to the chiropractor for consultation and possible care for the boy’s chronic headaches. According to his mother, the boy went to the MD two years prior complaining of headaches that were occurring either daily or every other day. The MD told the boy’s mother to give him ibuprofen for his headaches. This was ineffective and subsequently the boy was sent to a Children’s Hospital for further medical work-up.
MRIs and computer tomography were performed on the boy but failed to show any medical reason for the child’s chronic headaches. The boy was also seen by a concussion specialist and a neurologist without any help. The patient and his mother returned to his pediatrician who made the suggestion of chiropractic care.
A chiropractic examination was performed and revealed areas of spinal irregularity on palpation. X-rays also confirmed malpositioning in the boy’s neck. From the examination, it was determined that the boy had subluxations in his cervical spine. Chiropractic care was begun with the boy being seen two times per week.
On the third visit to the chiropractor, the boy reported that he had not had any headaches since his prior visit. On the fourth visit, he did report having another headache. However, from the fifth visit forward, the boy did not suffer any additional headaches.