Cerebral Palsy and Chiropractic Care

Fact Checked

Chiropractic care for cerebral palsy can improve mobility, stiff muscles, posture, pain, and more. Chiropractic is a holistic type of healthcare focusing on manipulating the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Risks associated with this type of care are low, but talk to your doctors before working with a licensed chiropractor.

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care, sometimes called chiropractic intervention, is a natural type of healthcare in which licensed chiropractors perform different techniques to help reduce pain and spasms and help restore proper nervous system function.

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders.[1]

Misalignment (subluxations) or other dysfunctions of the spinal cord and other areas of the body can result in poor health and improper nervous system functioning.

Treatment includes focusing on various parts of the body, including the back, neck, shoulders, hands, and joints in the arms and legs.

Chiropractic care can also center on therapeutic exercises and individualized diet plans. Treatment is typically done without any medications, although some chiropractors can prescribe certain medications if needed.

Does Chiropractic Care Help Cerebral Palsy?

Several studies show that children with cerebral palsy who received chiropractic care showed neuromuscular and mobility improvement.

One study included four children who underwent spinal chiropractic manipulation. All of the children had improvements in muscle tone and activities of daily living.[2]

Another study involved 29 children with wrist muscle spasticity. They underwent daily spinal manipulation and two weeks of other types of therapy. The children showed significant reductions in spasticity in their wrists.[3]

Other areas of improvement reported after children with cerebral palsy had chiropractic care include a decrease in:

• Pain and muscle stiffness
• Breathing problems
• Drooling
• Muscle contractions
• Neck pain
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Gait issues
• Spine issues
• Anxiety and stress
• Headaches and chest pain
• Leg/arm problems
• Speech problems due to respiratory issues
• Spasticity
• Urinary incontinence

What to Expect with Chiropractic Treatment

During the first chiropractic session, a complete medical history should be provided so the chiropractor can become familiar with the child’s medical history. Afterward, the chiropractor will likely ask you and your child specific questions about pain and any activities that make the pain worse and perform a physical exam.[4]

This is then followed by an exam (which could include diagnostic tests such as X-rays or an MRI test) to look at: 

• Neurological integrity
• Range of motion (in the affected area)
• Muscle tone and strength
• Abnormalities
• Misalignment
• Flexion-Distraction therapy

Treatment will depend upon the child’s medical history and physical exam results. However, common forms of treatment include:

• Spine adjustments, which can consist of low spine adjustments, complete spine adjustments, the “Activator” technique, or the “Gonstead” technique
• Adjustment to joint dysfunctions
• Massaging
• Electrical stimulation
• Traction
• Heat/cold applications
• Myofascial release

Treatment will consist of several sessions over time. Each session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the chiropractor’s techniques and the child or family’s concerns or medical issues. For example, treatment for lower back pain may require 1 to 3 visits a week for up to 2 to 3 months.

Chiropractic care occurs in several settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or a private provider’s office. Most chiropractors operate their business from a private office.

What to Know Before Getting Chiropractic Care for Your Child

Always check with your child’s doctors before trying any new treatment or therapy. There may be reasons your child is not a good candidate for chiropractic care.

Sometimes, young children and even parents may get scared of a few things in a chiropractor’s office. For instance, when a chiropractor is in the process of making an adjustment, you’ll likely hear a popping sound.

This does not mean that any bones are broken. It simply means the chiropractor released gas from fluids surrounding the joints.

Your child may experience mild discomfort, but typically, visiting a chiropractor shouldn’t be painful. If your child cries (due to pain) or complains the procedures are too painful, do not hesitate to discuss it with the chiropractor, and if needed, seek out a different one.

How to Choose a Chiropractor

When selecting a chiropractor for your child, especially children with cerebral palsy, find someone with experience treating children and treating people with cerebral palsy. Other factors to consider when choosing a chiropractor include:

• Education
• Training
• Licensing
• Experience working with other healthcare providers and coordinating care

If you have any questions or need suggestions on which chiropractor to choose, start with your child’s primary healthcare provider. You’ll also need to contact your child’s insurance provider to ensure they cover chiropractic care.

While some insurance plans cover it, others may not cover what is considered “complementary” care. Some insurances may cover the costs of a chiropractor only after your child’s primary doctor grants a medical referral to a chiropractor. Talk to your child’s medical team before beginning chiropractic care.