Introduction: Constipation is a frequent childhood complaint. 90% to 95% of the time it is characterized as a functional type. Chiropractic is a natural alternative frequently chosen for children with constipation. The purpose of this case report is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the chiropractic adjustment vs the use of laxatives in the treatment of functional constipation.
Case report: A 21- month female infant presented at the clinic with chronic constipation for the past 15 months. She had been on laxatives for the last 14 months. After the first chiropractic adjustment, the bowel movement improved to once every day or second day.
Methods: The search was done on Medline via Ovid and on Pubmed.
Discussion: The evidence point to the conclusion that laxatives are insufficiently tested for childhood constipation for safety, efficacy and side effects. The majority of patients treated in chiropractic showed improvement immediately after the first visit.
Conclusion: Chiropractic experience-based practice showed positive results in functional constipation. Children and infants with constipation as with other conditions should be treated regarding all aspects of their health.
Author keywords: evidence based case report, chiropractic; manual therapy, constipation, children, laxative, safety, effective
Author affiliations: Private practice, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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