Resolution of Birth Induced Facial Asymmetry Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Report

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this case study as I have observed facial asymmetry as well as asymmetry of the skull following birth many times in my 15 years in family practice.  Ususally the parents come in extremely concerned and fighting the option of putting a sort of "molding helmet" on the childs head for long periods of time during the day. Another aspect with facial asymmetry is to make sure the jaw is aligned.  A symptom of this would be difficulty in nursing.  Similarly, misalignments in the upper cervicals may make it difficult for the child to nurse from both sides of the body, as in a limitation of turning its head both right and left.   It is important to have these asymmetrys checked of course, as well as the size of the head.  But I myself have never had a case not clear up with adjustments of the spine and cranium ,   As well as manipulation of the musculature.  Enjoy the case study below.
Yours in health,  Dr. Kimberly Maziarz Carlucci

Case Study

  Catherine Généreux DC Bio & Joel Alcantara DC Bio    

  
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic ~ Volume 2011 ~ Issue 1 ~ Pages 35-39    Abstract

Introduction: To present the chiropractic care of a patient with facial asymmetry concomitant with vertebral subluxations.

Clinical Features:  A four day old male presented with a facial asymmetry sustained at birth.  Additional complaints included constipation, hypersalivation, and intestinal gas.  Objective indicators of vertebral subluxation were identified via motion palpation and cranial examination.  Infant reflexes were unremarkable.  

Intervention & Outcomes: Logan Basic, Diversified, and Active Release were the techniques utilized over the course of care to reduce vertebral subluxations.   The parents were given instructions on how to provide daily muscular treatments at home.  The home regimen included soft-tissue massage, cranial massage, and inversion therapy.

Conclusion: The case of a four day old male with a history of facial asymmetry, constipation, hypersalivation, and intestinal gas is presented. Dramatic improvement in facial asymmetry is noted following the introduction of chiropractic care concomitant with a reduction in vertebral subluxation. Improvements were also observed with the patient's additional complaints.  Further research is warranted to determine the benefits of chiropractic intervention.