Although constipation is a symptom that just about everyone experiences at some point in time, most people are uncomfortable talking to a doctor about their bowel problems. However, serious health conditions can occur if constipation is left untreated. While most cases of constipation stem from not eating enough fiber, lack of exercise or not drinking enough liquids, some constipation problems are linked to the nerve system.
This is the case study of an infant who developed constipation at age six months at the time when solid foods were introduced. The mother related that in order for the child to have a bowel movement she had to place the infant in a warm bath where she placed the legs of the child up and massaged her abdomen.
Emergency care was required at one point when the baby developed an impacted bowel. It was not uncommon for the child to go a week to ten days between bowel movements.
Following the second chiropractic adjustment the child had a bowel movement without any help from the mother. Within two weeks she began having regular bowel movements by herself every two or three days.
The patient’s status improved to where she was having one normal bowel movement every day.
This case report discusses the improvements to a child’s chronic constipation as a result of chiropractic care.
