Chiropractic and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

We explore how chiropractic care can positively influence children’s health, focusing on the prevention of sudden death syndrome with vertebral adjustments.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Chiropractic

In any chiropractic consultation, all studies conducted on important topics for children’s health are usually available, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other important topics for the prevention of our children.

• How the spine is compromised before and during birth
• Chiropractic care and its impact on children’s health
• History and update on sudden infant death syndrome. Detailed discussion of the upper cervical subluxation and its correction in children.

There are several studies

that link instability in the atlanto-occipital joint (Atlas) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):

The study by Drs. Gilles, Bina, and Sotrel investigated infant deaths from SIDS and concluded that in 10 of 17 cases, the infant’s death was caused by an inversion in the first cervical vertebra or Atlas. They also found the relationship between a poor position of the atlas and subsequent problems in the infant’s mobility learning.

The study by doctors Wehrenberg and Mulhall-Wehrenbergh also led to the knowledge that during birth, the first cervical vertebra (atlas) is displaced anteriorly due to the obstetrician’s manipulation when extracting the baby, leading to various disease states affecting the nervous system. The study showed that with the correction of the baby’s Atlas, not only was there an improvement in the baby’s health and prevention of SIDS, but also in infant apnea, colic, paralysis, seizure disorders, hypertension, and hyperactivity.

Dr. Towbin, in his study, addressed the clinical importance of the spinal cord and brainstem injury at birth. He stated, “Fetal death may occur during delivery or, with suppressed respiratory function, a short period after birth. Babies who survive the initial effects may be left with severe nervous system defects. In some cases, the neurological sequelae are directly attributable to the primary injury to the umbilical cord or brainstem.

Dr. Chesire describes the classic mechanism of trauma as hyperextension of the cervical spine in a difficult breech delivery. While tetraplegia may occur, although the X-rays are described as ‘generally normal’

Dr. Byers published an excellent article reviewing research on spinal cord damage during the birth process. Traction and rotational efforts applied to the spinal axis were listed as causes of spinal cord injury during delivery.

Dr. Sachis concluded in his study that the vagus nerve is involved in mechanisms associated with tidal volume control, respiratory rate, and respiratory reflexes. They conducted histological examinations of the vagus nerve in babies who died of SIDS and those who died of other conditions. Significant differences were observed between the two groups. They attributed the damage to the vagus nerve, which caused a developmental delay to the displacement that occurred in the first vertebra.

Dr. Gutman described birth trauma as the “relational alteration” between the occipital and the atlas, which can lead to a “blocked atlantal nerve syndrome” in children and adults. In his study, he concluded that for those affected, “manual treatment” by a qualified professional is appropriate.

McMullen in his research stated: Severe subluxation resulting in nerve damage may be clinically obvious at birth (e.g., Bell’s palsy, Erb’s and Klumpke’s palsies), however, more often, the trauma remains unnoticed and symptoms arise later. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, irritability, colic, developmental delay syndromes, and those syndromes associated with reduced immune responses.

The Wellness ICPA journal, from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association says:

sources:

• Schneier M, Burns RE: “Atlanto-occipital hypermobility in sudden infant death syndrome.” The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation. 1991;7(2):33
• Doctor Craig Wehrenberg and Doctor Tracey Mulhall-Wehrenberg at http://www.StopSIDS.org.
• Gilles FH, Bina M, Sotrel A: “Infantile atlanto-occipital instability.” Am J Dis Child 1979;133:30.<