PEDIATRIC CASE STUDIES

Please note: Case studies summarizing patients’ responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.

Female twins, 14 months, Chronic Ear Infections

These twin infants suffered from chronic ear infections starting at 6 months. Both twins had undergone numerous courses of antibiotics. At twelve months, one of the twins came down with an ear infection that would not go away, even after 4 courses of antibiotics and several shots. The second infant also had an infection, but it was not quite as severe.

During their initial evaluations, it was discovered that both infants had upper neck injuries, perhaps stemming from birth (one was born breech). After the initial upper cervical corrections were performed on the infants, both recovered from their ear infections without any additional medical treatment. In addition, no further infections occurred.

Female, Age 2, Chronic Sinus / Ear Infections

This 2-year-old female suffered from chronic sinus and ear infections for the previous year. Her mother described her as having an ear infection every other month, each time requiring 2-3 courses of antibiotics. She also presented with a chronic, green sinus discharge that never went away. Most of the time, her nose was completely blocked.

During her initial evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered. Her mother recalled that during her daughter's birth, vacuum suction was used to extract her and it fracture her collar bone. Her mother surmised this must have also caused her child's neck injury. After care was administered, her nose drained until all of the green discharge was absent and no additional sinus or ear infections occurred.

Female, Age 13, Chronic Cough, Allergies, Ear Infections, Headaches

This 13-year-old female was chronically sick since birth. Her mother described her as getting a sinus/upper respiratory infection 5-6 times per year, each time also having an ear infection. By age 5, she had her tonsils and adenoids removed and had also had several sets of tubes for ear infections. By age 12, she began suffering from a chronic cough, daily headaches, and pain at the base of her skull/upper neck region.

During her initial evaluation, it was discovered that she had sustained an injury to her upper neck. Her mother described several possible traumas including using suction at her birth, a skate boarding accident, and a concussion after falling off the monkey bars. During the first week of care, her cough, headaches, and neck pain were markedly reduced. She also described having a lot of drainage out of her nose. Within a month, her nasal congestion, cough, headaches, and pain were all absent. Six months later, she had no experienced any infections during that time.

Female, Age 14, Headaches, Weight Loss, Fevers, Backaches

This 14-year-old female was involved in two different accidents seven years prior and had suffered with numerous health problems since. At age 7, during the spring skiing season, she ran into a tree (without wearing a helmet) and sustained a concussion. During the fall of that same year, she fell off of the monkey bars and sustained another concussion. Following the second concussion, she began experiencing frequent headches. Eventually they worsened until they occurred constantly on a daily basis. Shortly thereafter, she experienced sudden unexplained weight loss where she lost 15 pounds. She also suffered from a constant fever for 40 straight days, which eventually lessened into occassional, unexplained fevers. In addition, she began having frequent back and hip pain, which prevented her from participating in sports she enjoyed. She also noticed her school work began to suffer where she previously had been an "A" student.

During her initial evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered, which was likely caused by one or both of the accidents that had also caused concussions. After the first upper cervical adjustment, she reported noticing her head and neck pain and her fever easing. After several weeks of care, she reported that her back and hip pain and her cognitive abilities were also improving. Within a few months, all symptoms were absent and she was able to participate fully in sports and school.

Female Infant, 2 Months, Reflux/Colic

This 2-month-old baby was brought in for an upper cervical evaluation because of gastrointestinal problems since birth. Five weeks after she was born, she was prescribed zantec for reflux. She had trouble with spitting up, colic, unconsolable crying, irritability, and fussiness. Both parents were exhausted and frustrated because their daughter was in constant pain and wasn't sleeping.

During this baby's initial evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered through digital infrared imaging and laser-aligned radiographs. While her mother described her daughter's birth as seemingly normal, she had noticed that she only liked to lay on her stomach if her head was turned to the right.

After the baby's initial neck correction, her mother described her as doing better right away in that she didn't cry at all the first day. Two weeks later, all symptoms were resolved; she slept through the night, was able to feed properly, she was no longer in pain, and was a normal, happy baby.

Male Infant, 2 Months, Reflux/Colic

This 8-week-old baby was brought in for an upper cervical evaluation because of trouble with reflux for the previous four weeks. His mother described her son as suffering in pain because he would cry, arch his back, and then vomit after feedings.

During this baby's initial evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered through digital infrared imaging and laser-aligned radiographs. His mother reported that suction was required to pull her son out of her pelvis so she surmised this must have been the source of her son's neck injury.

After the baby's initial neck correction, his mother reported that he stopped crying, arching, and vomiting after feedings and appeared to be a normal, healthy baby.

Male, Age 13, Migraine Headaches

This 13-year-old male suffered from severe migraine headaches for the past two years. His first migraine lasted seven straight weeks. Many of his migraines lasted days or weeks at a time without reprieve. Each time, he was taken to the emergency room but he didn't respond well to pain medications and was forced to suffer through the pain. At each migraine, he typically experienced visual changes, pain at the base of his skull causing him to be unable to turn his head, plus the migraine pain, and he would never know how many days or weeks the migraine might last.

During his initial examination, an upper neck injury was discovered. It was revealed that this boy was very active with a variety of sports including BMX biking, rollerblading, and skateboarding, and that he had suffered numerous falls on his head and neck, too many to count. After receiving upper cervical care, he never had another migraine.

Female, Age 8, Bipolar Disorder

This 8-year-old female was diagnosed with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder at age 3. She had been prescribed numerous medications including mood stabilizers and anti-psychotics. She had also tried a number of alternative therapies including ayurveda, massage, nutrition, acupuncture, general chiropractic, etc. Because nothing was helping, her parents had her discontinue all therapies and medications and began looking for other options. She began a supplement program with a special combination of vitamins and minerals that seemed to help her condition. Her parents also decided to have her undergo and upper cervical chiropractic evaluation.

At her evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered. Her parents recalled that she fell out of her bed at age 2 and surmised that perhaps that fall was the source of their child's neck injury. After undergoing the first upper cervical adjustment, no further adjustments were necessary as her neck healed and stabilized. In the first month, her parents reported some improvement in her condition but that her mood still fluctuated quite extensively. By the third month, her parents reported a substantial improvement in her mood in that she could easily handle situations that previously had set off episodes of mania, such as birthday parties, sleepovers, etc. In addition, they reported that she had also experienced improvement in her motor developement in that balance and coordination had also dramatically improved.

Female, Age 11, Headaches

This 11-year-old female complained of chronic, daily headaches and neck pain for the past six months. She described her headaches as occurring mostly in the afternoon, although sometimes they occurred throughout the day. She took advil or tylenol daily.

When examined, an upper neck injury was discovered. She reported experiencing multiple falls on her head due to her practice of gymnastics for the previous 18 months, any one of which could have caused her upper neck injury. Within one month of upper cervical care, all headaches and neck pain were absent.

Male, Age 6, Chronic Sinus / Ear Infections, Bedwetting, Headaches, Growing Pains

This 6-year-old male was described by his mother as "always sick." Due to chronic ear infections, he had already undergone three sets of tubes, the first at age 3. He was continuously medicated with allergy medications, sinus medications, and antibiotics for infections and had surgery to remove his adenoids. His mother described him as requiring antibiotics almost every month during the winter. She reported that his lymph nodes throughout his body were always swollen. In addition to his chronic infections, he also suffered from neck pain, headaches, and "growing pains" in his knees and ankles. He also wet his bed every night.

During his initial evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered. When questioned, his mother recalled two falls her son had suffered that preceded all of his health problems and could have caused his neck injury. At ten months, he fell down the stairs and at twelve months, he fell headfirst on hard tile. Within the first weeks of care, the boy did not report any headaches, growing pains, or neck pain and his nose, ears, and sinuses began clearing up. Several weeks later, his mother was amazed that he was not suffering from any infections and was not requiring any medications. Months later, he still had not had any infections and the bedwetting cleared up. All symptoms remained absent.

Male, Age 4, Constipation, Allergies

This 4-year-old male was involved in auto accident with his mother at age 2. During the accident, he was seated in his car seat in the back seat. While he had been completely health prior to the accident, following the accident he developed allergies, frequent colds, and constipation. Seasonal allergies began the spring following the accident and worsened ever since. His mother also reported that he came down frequently with colds, almost constantly throughout the winter. Constipation had also become a problem following the accident. At his worst, he would not have a bowel movement more than once per week. Even though his mother had changed his diet tremendously to help his elimination, at his best, he still only had three bowel movements per week.

During his initial upper cervical chiropractic evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered, which most likely stemmed from the accident two years prior. After a single adjustment, his neck injury healed and stabilized and no further adjustments were necessary. Within ten days of the adjustment, his mother reported that his allergies and constipation were both better. By the third week, no allergies were reported and he was having normal bowel movements once per day. Several months later, all symptoms remained absent.

Male Infant, 3 Weeks, Reflux/Colic

This 3-week old infant was diagnosed with reflux at 1 week and had been taking zantac for the past 11 days. His mother stated that after each feeding, within 5 to 10 minutes, he started screaming and would cry for anywhere between 5 to 60 minutes. Because the zantac has been ineffective, his mother decided to discontinue it.

A misalignment was discovered in this infant's upper neck during his initial evaluation. While his mother reported that his birth appeared to be normal, it was surmised that his birth was the only possible cause for the neck injury. After his neck was corrected, his mother reported a dramatic improvement in his symptoms the following two days until all symptoms were absent. He began feeding and sleeping normally without any screaming episodes.

Male, Age 7, Severe Leg Pains

This 7-year-old male suffered from severe, unexplained leg pains since he could verbalize around age 2. He had undergone many evaluations but a specific diagnosis was never rendered. The pains typically occurred at night, were severe, and caused the boy to experience extreme fits of screaming and crying. After undergoing allergy testing to elimate certain foods that caused reactions as well as taking homeopathic remedies, the legs pains decreased in frequency to approximately two episodes per month.

During the boy's initial evaluation, an injury in his upper cervical spine was discovered. When questioned as to possible causes of the injury, his mother recalled a fall at age 2 in which he hit his head hard against the floor as well as a difficult birth in which the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck.

After upper cervical care was administered, no further leg pains occurred.

Male, Age 7, Allergies

This 7-year-old male suffered with allergies for the past 4 years. His symptoms included eye irritation (swollen, red, itchy eyes) and nasal congestion. His worst time of year was during June and July. He had tried numerous allergy medications and homeopathic remedies, some of which helped but the problems persisted.

During his initial evaluation, an upper cervical misalignment was discovered. When questioned as to possible causes of the upper neck injury, his mother recalled his birth, which required suction and vacuum, and caused at misshapen head.

He underwent treatment at the beginning of June and survived his typically worst months without any eye irritation or congestion. In fact, after the first adjustment was administered, his allergy symptoms subsided and never returned.

Female, Age 6, Allergies & Asthma

This 6-year-old female first began suffering from asthma and allergies at age 3. She experienced chronic congestion in her nose and lungs, especially at night, and when exposed to animal dander, chemicals, and dust. Her medication use included regular use of asthma inhalers and claritin. Her parents were frightened by her frequent asthma attacks and breathing trouble and also complained of her nasal voice due to chronic nasal congestion.

During her evaluation, an upper cervical injury was discovered. The source of the injury was unknown. After her first upper cervical adjustment, she maintained her alignment for close to two months and experienced a marked decrease in her asthma/allergy attacks and medication use. Several months later, all symptoms were absent, so her medication use was discontinued.

Male Infant, 5 Months, Reflux/Colic

This 5-month-old baby was brought in for an upper cervical evaluation because of gastrointestinal problems since birth. Four weeks after he was born, he was prescribed zantec for reflux. By 6 weeks, he was hospitalized due to blood in his stool. It was determined that he was allergic to his mother's milk and should no longer be breastfed. However, the reflux continued, even on formula. Eventually, he was also prescribed prilosec. In addition, the baby cried constantly with a high-pitched type of scream, which his mother interpreted as pain. Both parents were exhausted and frustrated because their son was in constant pain, screaming, and he hardly slept.

During this baby's initial evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered through digital infrared imaging and laser-aligned radiographs. While the mother described her son's birth as normal, she had noticed that his head seemed to tilt upon his neck and that he only liked to lay on his stomach with his head to the left.

After the baby's initial neck correction, his squealing/screaming was markedly decreased according to his mother. In addtion, the amount of spitting up decreased and he seemed happier. Two weeks later, he began sleeping through the night except for awakening 1-2 times to feed. All high-pitched screaming had stopped. He fed normally and didn't spit up. His mother described her child as a "happy, normal baby" now compared to the child she had known before.

Male, Age 6, Traumatic Head Injury

This 6-year-old boy suffered a traumatic head injury when a television fell off of a cabinet and landed on his head while he was lying on the floor. The T.V. fell on top of his face causing multiple fractures around his eye. He required multiple surgeries to reconstruct his eye socket and his sinuses. Post-surgery, after the fractures had healed, his mother began to notice that her son's personality and behavior had changed. He also had constant double vision and suffered continuous headaches as a result. They consulted with numerous physicians and neurologists who surmised these symptoms were permanent from the head injury and stated there was nothing they could do.

Upon recommendation from a friend, this mother brought her son in for an upper cervical chiropractic evaluation. An upper neck injury was discovered, most likely stemming from the head trauma. Within a few weeks of care, all double vision and headaches were absent and his mother described his personality as returning to normal.

Male, Age 8, Spinal Cord Injury, Loss of Bowel Control

This 8-year-old male fell hard on the school playground hitting his head. He had moments of tingling in his arms and legs when he fell and was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury by his physicians. He also began suffering from loss of bowel control and urgency and found himself rushing to the bathroom multiple times per day to avoid an accident. When the bowel problems continued 6 months later, his mother brought her son in for an upper cervical evaluation upon recommendation by a friend.

During this boy's intial evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered during digital infrared imaging and radiographic diagnostics. Most likely, the severe blow to his head caused the displacement of his skull slightly from his upper neck, injuring his spinal cord and causing the bowel malfunction. After his initial neck correction, normal bowel activity was restored quickly.

Male Infant, 6 Months, Feeding Difficulty, Excessive Spitting Up

This 6-month-old baby was brought in for an upper cervical evaluation because of feeding difficulty and excessive spitting up. His mother had compared her child to others and found that her baby was exceeding what was considered a "normal" amount of spitting up. She also reported that she seemed unable to produce an ample supply of milk for him because of the spitting up and had to supplement his diet with formula. The spitting up occurred so regularly that her son's shirt had to be changed multiple times per day and frequently involved a larger, more "projectile" amount of fluid that his mom said resembled vomiting. She also described her son's difficulty with sleep-- that he awakened frequently for feeding and continued to excessively spit up throughout the night as well.

During this baby's initial evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered through digital infrared imaging and laser-aligned radiographs. While the mother described her son's birth as normal, she surmised the injury must have occurred then since the spitting up started right away and since her son had not experienced any other accidents or falls. After two weeks of upper cervical care, all spitting up had stopped and the baby began to sleep through the night.

Male, Age 2, Slow Development, Possible Brain Damage

This 2-year-old male was referred in for an evaluation because of extremely slow development compared to his twin brother. The mother described the birth and pregnancy as difficult with the twins because she went into premature labor at 24 weeks. While the labor was stopped by her physicians, she remained bedridden for the rest of her pregnancy and gave birth to the 2 boys at 33 weeks. She recalled that the ultrasound showed her son's head extended backward in the uterus and wondered if that had caused his developmental problems. His mother described both cognitive and motor developmental problems compared to her other son. At age 2, the boy seemed unable to focus or engage when his mother talked to him; he did not walk on his own, could not balance, and could not sit without falling over. The boy was examined by several physicians who performed MRI's but no abnormal findings were found. He had shown small, temporary improvements from acupuncture and chiropractic.

During his initial upper cervical chiropractic evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered through digital infrared imaging and upper cervical radiographs. Whether the injury was caused in utero, during the birth, or through some other trauma, was unknown. After the boy's first upper cervical adjustment, his mother reported noticing that her son began walking with assistance. She also reported that he showed better stability and body control and could sit without falling over. Two weeks later, she began reporting that she noticed cognitive changes in her son. He seemed to understand language more, could focus, could follow instructions, and could perform sign language she had been teaching him. One month later, she stated he was gaining more and more walking confidence and was showing reflexes to catch himself before falling. She also reported that he was better understanding and tracking conversation. Six weeks later, she stated that he seemed so much more energetic, that he no longer sat back and watched but engaged in activities with his family and his walking and balance continued to improve towards a normal level.

Male, Age 12, Headaches

This 12-year-old male experienced his first headache at age 6. At that time, headaches occurred approximately twice per month. His mother took him to many doctors and tried different pain medications and therapies but nothing worked. By age 10, a severe episode of chronic headaches ensued-- he had a constant headache for three straight months causing him to withdraw from attending school. Instead he was home-schooled for 1 1/2 years due to headache pain. While the opinions of numerous headache specialists were sought, none had any answers for this patient. Eventually he was referred by a family friend for an upper cervical chiropractic evaluation.

At this boy's evaluation, it was reported that he had experienced headaches every other day for the past eighteen months. During his evaluation, an upper cervical injury was discovered. While his mother was questioned about any spinal traumas her son may have experienced in his past, she could not recall any, although he participated in numerous sports. The boy had recently been sent back to his regular school although he frequently stayed home due to headache pain.

During the first two weeks of care, the boy still missed 3 to 4 days of school each week because of headaches. By the third week of care, he was able to go to school everyday due to lessening of his headache pain. By the second month of care, headaches occurred only occassionally causing him to miss just a couple of days of school. By the third month of care, headaches rarely occurred so he was able to attend school regularly.

Female, Age 8, Sensory Integrative Dysfunction, Fatigue, Trouble Sleeping, Headaches

This 8-year-old female was diagnosed with sensory integrative dysfunction at age 7. Her mother described her sensitivity to noises (especially outside noise) and lights since birth. Her mother also remarked her slowness to develop normal muscle tone as an infant. She had been undergoing occupational therapy for the past year prior to seeking help from upper cervical care. This child also suffered from headaches and severe fatigue. The fatigue was attributed to her inability to sleep. Almost every night, she awakened in the middle of the night and went to her parents' room (which was also exhausting for her parents). This child's health history also included chronic ear infections (8 per year for her first 3 years of life, which were eventually lessened through homeopathic treatment). Because of the sensory integration issues and fatigue, this child had difficulty making friends or participating in social situations and preferred to be home alone in her room. Her mother described her as "being unhappy" most of the time.

During this child's initial upper cervical evaluation, an upper neck injury was found. When questioned as to past traumatic events, her mother described the birth itself as seemingly normal, except it occurred 5 weeks premature. She also remember that her daughter fell off of a counter at 6 month's old and had several falls while learning to walk.

Within the first month of upper cervical care, this child began to sleep through the night without awakening. Her mother reported a gradual improvement in her energy level and mood. By the second month, all headaches were absent and her mother stated that her daughter's behavior was improving, along with her energy and mood. Six months later, her mother reported that her daughter was consistently happy and energetic, which was the first time in 8 years. One year later, during a reexamination by her occupational therapist, her therapist no longer found evidence of sensory integration issues and released her from occupational therapy.

Male, Age 4, Chronic Cough, Bedwetting

This 4-year-old boy's mother described her son's struggle with a chronic "barking" cough for the past two years. He underwent numerous tests and his lungs were clear and no allergies or infections were discovered. Nonetheless the cough continued relentlessly and often kept him (and, as a result, his parents) awake at night. He had tried cough medicines and homeopathic remedies but the cough continued.

During his examination, an upper neck injury was discovered. His mother recalled a fall several years prior off of playground equipment that caused a concussion and most likely caused the unknown neck injury. Within one month of care, all coughing had stopped. In addition, his mother reported delightfully that he had also stopped wetting the bed (he had been frequently wetting the bed for the past year).

Male, Age 11, Fibromyalgia, Fatigue, ADHD, Headaches

This 11-year-old male suffered with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Headaches for many years. He experienced constant muscular pain throughout his body and had trouble participating in sports or exercise due to pain and muscle spasms. He couldn't even wear a watch due to pain around his wrists. He frequently took hot baths or used a heating pad to relax his muscles. In addition, he was home-schooled due to frustration and difficulty in school. Headaches occurred twice per week, sometimes severe. His sleep was extremely irregular-- he usually awakened every few hours. Frequently he would be in bed for 13 hours and still wake up fatigued.

During this 11-year-old's upper cervical chiropractic exam, an upper neck injury was found. When questioning his mother about the boy's medical history, she recalled that he fell out of a grocery cart at age 3 months. After only 1 month of upper cervical care, all symptoms were greatly improved. He was able to participate in sports without pain; he no longer had muscle spasms; all headaches were gone; school work improved in that he had less frustration and better attention span; he slept through the night and had energy upon awakening; and all fatigue was gone.

Male, Age 9, Chronic Ear Infections, Headaches, Muscle Aches

This 9-year-old male suffered with health problems since he was born (he had a difficult forceps birth.) He had 3 sets of tubes in his ears and a tonsillectomy by age 5. At age 9, his ears were again filled with fluid and his hearing was greatly diminished. In addition, he suffered with daily headaches and nightly muscle aches. During his chiropractic examination, an upper cervical injury was discovered.

After upper cervical care, the fluid drained from his ears and his hearing was restored. Also, the muscle and headaches disappeared. Years later, his problems had not returned.

*** TESTIMONIAL ***

"My son, Max, was plagued by ear infections almost from the time he came home from the hospital (after a forceps birth.) After many rounds of antibiotics, he eventually had 3 sets of tubes, a tonsillectomy and an adenoidectomy by the time he was 5 years old. This past fall, at age 9, he had 2 very poor hearing test scores at school. His ears were full of fluid, there was absolutely no movement of the eardrum and his hearing was bordering on the point where he would require a hearing aide. The ear doctor told me that Max would need another set of tubes and the audiologist was pushing me to do something quickly because the hearing loss was so severe. This was all very upsetting to me because I did not want to do another set of tubes-- I felt intuitively that they could cause hearing damage and the operation was too invasive.

A friend recommended that I see Dr. Erin Elster. Dr. Elster saw Max for a few months in the fall. Then we went back to the ear doctor who had still been recommending that we do the ear tubes immediately. The doctor let me look in the ear scope with him and I saw instantly that Max's eardrums were clear and pink with perfect movement. The doctor could almost not believe it and he said we would have to wait and see how the hearing test came out. The audiologist tested his hearing on the spot and burst out of the room with a huge smile on her face and said that his hearing was great. The change was miraculous-- I never expected such an incredible turnaround and amazing results. I have to say it feels like a miracle to me-- thank you God and thank you Dr. Elster." Nancy, about her son, Max, age 9, January '98

Female, Age 5, Asthma, Neck Pain, Headaches, Sinus Congestion

This 5-year-old female frequently complained of neck pain and headaches. She also suffered with severe asthma attacks for 3 years and frequently required emergency room visits. In addition, she explained that her nose was constantly plugged and that she had difficulty smelling. This child's neck injury most likely stemmed from the birth process, as her mother reported that her daughter's birth was difficult and premature.

One week after this child's first upper cervical adjustment, her mother stated that she began to sleep through the night without wheezing or coughing. The 5-year-old said she had not noticed any trouble with her neck or headaches and she demonstrated that she could now breathe through her nose. She was also able to discontinue asthma medications.

Male, Age 9, Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, Depression, Insomnia, Headaches, Asthma

This 9-year-old boy began having health problems soon after his birth (a forceps birth). He also fell down the stairs at age 1. He had many infections including ear infections and pneumonia every year for the first several years of his life. He was diagnosed with asthma at age 2 and prescribed inhalers. The asthma attacks occurred during weather changes, humidity, and physical activity. By age 7, he was diagnosed with ADHD and Tourette Syndrome. The Tourette's tics occurred head to toe and involved his eyes, neck, voice, rolling of his toes, flinching of his side, and lifting of his arms overhead. He was not prescribed Ritalin for ADHD due to an increased risk of tics. In addition, he was diagnosed with insomnia and depression at age 8 and was prescribed 2 different anti-depressant medications. He also experienced neck pain and headaches 3 times per week since age 8.

During this boy's upper cervical exam, a neck injury was found, which possibly stemmed from either his birth or fall down the stairs.

After his first upper cervical adjustment, his mother reported only 2 days later: 1) his attitude and personality were happier, 2) no headaches, 3) no neck pain, 4) no wheezing, 5) tics were cut in half, 6) slept through the night. One month later, no headaches or neck pain occurred over the month; no asthma or wheezing occurred over the month and no asthma medications were used; all motor tics were completely gone and only an occasional verbal tic occurred; sleeping had been consistently improved; personality and behavior had been consistently improved and anti-depressants had been cut in half; attention in school to school work and interaction with other kids in school was also greatly improved.

Six weeks after the first adjustment, all symptoms were absent. All family members remarked that by having his neck injury corrected, the boy had become a completely different, happy, and healthy child.

Female, Age 16, Chronic Sinus Congestion, Sinus Headaches

This 16-year-old female suffered with chronic sinus trouble since approximately third grade. She always had a stuffy nose and clogged sinuses and had frequent colds, causing her to feel sinus pressure and headaches. One year ago she had surgery for a deviated septum in an attempt to improve the problem but it had little effect. She frequently felt sinus headaches and vertigo during altitude, pressure, or weather changes.

During her initial chiropractic examination, an upper cervical injury was found. After upper cervical care, her sinuses drained, her nose cleared, she breathed freely through her nose, and she no longer had headaches, pressure, or vertigo.

Female, Age 8, Attention Deficit Disorder, Bedwetting, Headaches, Neck Pain

This 8-year-old female sustained a head injury by falling off of her bike. After the fall, she began suffering from neck pain, headaches, and bedwetting. Her behavior also became irritable and hyper (she had difficulty concentrating in school and sitting still) and was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder.

After upper cervical care, her headaches and neck pain went absent; her behavior returned to an agreeable and relaxed state; and the bedwetting decreased in frequency.

Female, Age 11, Headaches

This 11-year-old female experienced neck pain and headaches for approximately one year. The headaches occurred almost everyday and she took Advil 3-5 times per week for the past year. She saw many specialists who prescribed pain and sinus medications but the headaches continued.

During the first month of care, the headaches immediately dropped to only once per week, so she discontinued prescribed medications. Several months later, she was headache-free and no longer used Advil or other pain medications. She is currently being checked once per month to maintain good health.

Female, Age 15, Allergies

This 15-year-old female had allergies since a fall on her head as a young child in which she suffered a concussion. She used nasal sprays such as Flonase daily to help her breathe. She also complained of low back pain for several years.

After treatment of her upper cervical injury (from the concussion), her allergies were gone (her mother had not had to reorder flonase) and the low back pain was gone as well.

Male Infant, 10 Months, Pain, Infections, Sleeping Trouble

This 10-month-old baby was sick since birth-- a difficult birth requiring forceps. Since his birth, his mother reported that he did not sleep longer than 45 minutes in a row. He frequently cried-- with a high-pitched scream. He also suffered 5 ear and sinus infections since birth, 2 accompanied by skin rashes, and took five prescriptions of antibiotics. His parents also noticed that he did not like to be left on his stomach, and he appeared to be in pain if he tried to lift his head up. They also noticed that he held his head tilted off to the left.

During his upper cervical exam at 10 months, a neck injury was found, most likely stemming from the birth process. At the time of the exam, he also had a sinus infection.

After the first adjustment, his mother reported that his mood was much improved. He seemed happier, smiled more, and began to sleep through the night. She also reported that his sinus congestion decreased and that he began to get up on all fours to start crawling. Both parents noticed that his head tilt appeared to be less. One week later, his mother said his sinuses and ears were completely clear and that all signs of infection were gone. She reported continued progress in his mood and sleeping habits. Two weeks later, he was still doing fine. No further adjustments were necessary after the initial adjustment.

Male, Age 2, Ear Infections, Hearing Loss

This 27-month-old was not speaking as he should at his age so his mother took him in for an exam with an ENT specialist. Upon exam, the ENT found that his ears were full of fluid, and that the tympanic membrane was immobile. In addition, his hearing test was below normal, suggesting that the hearing difficulty was preventing normal speech.

During his examination, an upper cervical injury was discovered. His mother could not recall any falls or accidents that could have caused his neck injury and presumed it must have happened during his birth. The boy was adjusted one time and the adjustment held in place immediately.

Two weeks after the adjustment, the boy was brought back to the ENT by his mother to be re-tested. Upon exam, the ENT found that the fluid had drained from both ears and that the tympanic membrane moved well. The hearing test had also returned to normal. Because he could hear normally, he worked with a speech therapist to bring his speech up to normal.

Female, Age 5, Asthma, Neck Pain, Headaches, Sinus Congestion

This 5-year-old female frequently complained of neck pain and headaches. She also suffered with severe asthma attacks for the past 3 years in which she was frequently taken to the emergency room. In addition, she explained that her nose was constantly plugged and that she had difficulty smelling. This child's neck injury most likely stemmed from the birth process, as her birth was difficult and premature.

One week after her first upper cervical adjustment, her mother reported that she began to sleep through the night without wheezing or coughing. The 5-year-old said she had not noticed any trouble with her neck or headaches and she demonstrated that she could now breathe through her nose. She was also able to discontinue asthma medications.

Female, Age 14, Asthma

This 14-year-old female suffered from asthma since approximately age 7. She and her family recalled several falls and car accidents prior to the onset of asthma. The asthma was aggravated by exercise, cold weather, sicknesses, and pollens/grasses. Her medications included use of Tilade inhaler 1 time per day and Proventil inhaler 2 times per day. She could not run more than a 1/2-mile without wheezing. During her chiropractic examination, an upper cervical injury was found.

She was adjusted one time and one month later she was completely off Tilade inhaler and was down to using Proventil inhaler 1 time per month at the most. In addition, because her goal was to become a marine biologist, she was able to take diving lessons which she was previously unable to do due to the asthma.

Male, Age 14, Asthma, Attention Deficit Disorder

This 14-year-old male suffered from severe asthma since he was a small child. By age 14, the asthma was severe enough to require 4 different daily asthma medications (2 different inhalers and 2 oral medications). At age 8, he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and was prescribed Dexedrine.

After 6 weeks of upper cervical care, his breathing improved to the point that he was able to substantially reduce his asthma medications. His reported that he required only 1/2 the number of inhaler puffs that he needed originally. His oral medications were also reduced to 1/4 of their original dose. In addition, his attention span and concentration improved to the point that he noticed in himself an improved ability to pay attention in school and concentrate on homework and reading assignments.

Female, Age 8, Chronic Runny Nose, Ear Infections, Headaches, Neck Pain

This 8-year-old was chronically affected with daily headaches, daily neck pain, daily runny nose, and frequent ear infections. Her allergy / sinus symptoms had been present since birth. She also suffered with colic as a baby. During her initial exam, her neck and spine was extremely sore to the touch. Her mother described her behavior since birth as "irritable."

After the first adjustment, her headaches and neck pain were absent. After the second adjustment, the sinus and ear infections also disappeared. She did not require any adjustments since and had no return of symptoms. Her mother reported her being "the healthiest she has ever been."

Female, Age 16, Post Auto-Accident Spinal Pain, Headaches

This 16-year-old female was a high school track star until an auto accident last spring. Following the accident, she experienced neck pain, low back pain, and headaches. The pain hindered her performance in track. In addition, her performance in school was affected-- her grades dropped and she had trouble concentrating in school.

Within a week of care, her pain disappeared and she began running track better, winning races, and eventually won her team's most improved award. Her ability to concentrate in school also came back up and so did her grades.