Reflux in Infants

Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), happens when the contents of the stomach ascend up the esophagus which causes heartburn and irritation.  Often infants will have persistent "spit ups."  There has been a dramatic increase in the use of medications to treat GERD in pediatric patients, even though safety measures have not been set or tested on this age group.  However, instead of using medications with unknown side effects on infants, there is a natural, more effective remedy for reflux in the pediatric population.

A 2016 report described how a young child less than 3 months old was experiencing GERD daily, worsening at nighttime.  Initially, the girl saw improvements that lasted for a 24 hour period.  Over the first 3 months of chiropractic care, the patient continually improved and she only experienced GERD after missing an appointment after those first 3 months!  Chiropractic adjustments corrected the nerve interference that control the stomach. Even though 3 months seems like a long time in a pediatric patient, it's important to remember that healing takes time and repetition.  Eventually the child will hold their adjustments and will need only maintenance care.

Ferranti M, Alcantara J, Reilly A. Resolution of GERD in an Infant Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Report & Selective Review of the Literature. J Pediatric Maternal & Family Health.  2016(2):46-49.

Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson

Owner/Doctor

MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC

10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101 

Charlotte, NC 28214

Tel (704) 394-8556

Fax (704) 395-8556

mtnislandchiro.com

"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV