Danita Thomas-Heagy D.C. & Anne Canty, Ph.D
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2009 ~ Issue 3 ~ Pages 1-4 – September 14, 2009
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this case study is to report evidence of improved sinus function and return of olfaction in a patient with chronic sinusitis after receiving chiropractic care and, thus, add to the body of evidence supporting the beneficial effects of chiropractic in somatovisceral conditions.
Clinical Features: The subject of this case was an 11-year-old female who had suffered from chronic sinusitis for many years and reported a loss of her sense of smell for the past year. After one week of care (three visits), the patient’s olfaction returned temporarily and sinus function was reported by the patient to have improved. After 3 months of care, complete restoration of olfaction was evident and sinus function was normal. All medications were discontinued. More than four years later, the patient continues chiropractic care once per quarter and remains mostly symptom free.
Interventions and Outcomes: Specific chiropractic adjustments were delivered after clinical necessity was ascertained by physical exam. Chiropractic exam included postural evaluation, static and motion palpation. The presence of subluxation was noted along with a concomitant loss of olfaction. The reduction of the subluxation(s) when indicated was temporally associated with a return of her sense of smell.
Conclusion: In this case, when vertebral subluxation was found and corrected, the patient experienced a return in her ability to smell and resolution of sinusitis. She experienced subjective and objective improvement from the delivery of specific chiropractic care. Further research is recommended.
Key Words: chiropractic, subluxation, adjustment, sinusitis, olfaction
