Chronic constipation is a common condition in the very young and the very old. So much so that approximately $800 million is spent on laxatives in the United States each year. Constipation is such a common problem in the pediatric population that it is the second most referred problem to the pediatric gastroenterologist and accounts for 25% of all visits.

A study in The Journal of Clinical Chiropractic (Clinical Chiropractic (2008) 11, 138-147) describes a case series presentation of the successful outcome of chiropractic care in pediatric patients with chronic constipation. All three patients were under 2 years of age with bowel movements ranging from once per week to every 3-4 days. Previous unsuccessful care involved dietary changes and the use of cod liver oil or mineral oil under the auspices of medical care.

Following a trial of full-spine chiropractic adjustments the patients responded to care immediately with improved bowel movements. Spanning a period of chiropractic care between 3 weeks to 3 months in all three patients, there was an increase in frequency of bowel movements to once every 1-2 days. Furthermore, the bowel movements were described as soft without the accompanying straining, pain and rectal bleeding.

Dr. Daniel Weber owns The Joint, a Chiropractic Place located at 3016 Lake Washington Rd in Melbourne. Each visit is only $20 and no appointment is necessary. For more information call 321-254-2828, or visit www.thejoint.com.