Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 2/6/2008

Question
I have a 9-mo. old baby who has a physical condition concerning his throwing back of his head to his right. He has been doing this when he was 2 mos old. When he is playing, he pauses and throw back his head to his right. When he is crawling, he raise his right arm and throw his head back to his right. When he is going to sleep, he throws his head back and forth which is at his right direction always. When he is lying down at his back, his head is restless and hyperactive causing his arms to stretch out and his legs to move a lot. I have been asking this to his 4 doctors but then until now there is no answer to his condition why he is doing like that. I mean he does it anytime even when he is lying down.
Please help me cause I am desperate already seeking for an answer.

Sincerely yours,
Joan of Indiana

Answer
Dear Joan,

It sounds like your son may have cranio-vertebral dysfunction which is actually very common due to birth trauma - Traumatic Birth Syndrome. Traumatic Birth Syndrome (TBS) is defined as the spinal damage that happens to an infant as a result of the medically assisted delivery process. Cases of TBS are going unreported and as a result, under-treated says a literature review in the October, 1993 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

Articles from the United States, Britain, Denmark and Germany were reviewed to show that the problem is not limited to the practices of any one country.  The review concluded that not only is TBS under-publicized and under-treated, but also that manual treatment (such as Chiropractic care) would be beneficial to patients suffering from TBS related injuries.  Traumatic Birth Syndrome is a serious situation that every child needs to be checked for as soon after birth as possible. Chiropractors are uniquely qualified to detect and correct the spinal damage that occurs in TBS.  This damage can last a lifetime and cause many health problems later in life.

Unfortunately, most Obstetricians and pediatricians are not trained in the observation and diagnosis of this syndrome.  Most research on this subject has been performed by Osteopaths and Chiropractic Physicians.  Some authors refer to this as subluxation or fixation of the vertebral segments, and the relationship with the skull.  The actual process of birth is a traumatic event even with an uncomplicated vaginal birth delivery.  Throw in a hard or prolonged labor, induction, forceps, suction, fetal complication or cesarean, and it becomes even more traumatic.

Dr. Gutmann found that many of the physical problems in more than 1000 infants he studied were caused by blocked nerve impulses at the level of the atlas, or the first vertebra in the neck. The physical problems he noted were central motor impairment and lowered resistance to infections, particularly those of the ear, nose and throat.  Dr. Gutmann states “Chiropractic and radiological examinations are of decisive importance for diagnosis of the syndrome.”  

Dr. Gutmann reached two important conclusions:
"Observations of motor development and manual control of the [atlas-skull] joint complex should be obligatory after every difficult birth."
"With any developmental impairment this joint complex should be examined and, if required, specifically adjusted."  

Dr. Gutmann reports that he has been, "constantly amazed how, even with the lightest adjustment with the index finger, the clinical picture normalizes, sometimes gradually, but often immediately."  He goes on to say, "The success of adjustment overshadows every other type of treatment."

According to a study by Dr. V. Frymann, Even infants can be affected by the life and health damaging effects of vertebral subluxation. A study, published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, says that out of 1250 infants chosen at random, 211 of them suffered from nervousness, vomiting, muscular abnormalities, tremors and insomnia. 95% (200) of those children had abnormal cervical (neck) muscle strain indicating Vertebral Subluxation.

In the September, 1996 issue of Chiropractic Pediatrics, pediatric chiropractor Jennifer Peet, D.C. reports research indicates as many as 80% of children’s autonomic nervous systems are out of balance.

As you can see Joan, this is a very plausible explanation for the symptoms your son has exhibited fro months, and simple spinal adjustments to the neck and spine can have profound effects in a short period of time.  For example we have had infants in their first week of life adjusted in out clinic...usually 3-6 treatments are all that is needed to reduce symptoms and regain function.  I adjusted both of my children in the first hours after their birth, and 3-4 times their first week of life.  

A special case I remember is of a 4 month old boy with chronic seizures...4 or 5 daily, for two months, had been to three pediatric specialists, and had numerous examinations, MRI and brain CT scans without any diagnosis or change. Dr. Sarah in our office handled this case, and with his first spinal adjustments, the mother reported no seizures that day. They came back but with reduced frequency. After four more adjustments, he has been seizure free for 9 months, and the pediatricians were shocked at the results Dr. Sarah was able to obtain in such a short period of time.

I would highly recommend that you seek out the care of a chiropractic physical to evaluate your son on this issue.  From what you have described it seems to be a musculoskeletal issue such as TBS.  I would further encourage you to check out the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association for additional information, resources, and a listing of physicians certified or working toward certification in their programs (those doctors will have increased pediatric knowledge). Links below:

www.icpa4kids.org
www.icapediatrics.com
www.icapediatrics.com/reference-articles.php
www.icpa4kids.org/research/chiropractic.htm

Hope all this helps Joan and good luck with your son.  Please feel free to follow-up if you feel the need.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net