In Columbus, Ohio, a 2-month-old baby named Lily Freeman has shown a dramatic change in her behavior following chiropractic treatment, according to her parents.
Lily, who was born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck twice, experienced significant discomfort and fussiness shortly after birth. Her father, Joseph Freeman, reported to Fox News Digital that Lily exhibited extreme crying, clenched fists, and stiff limbs. Despite efforts from her mother, Stephanie Murdock, who adjusted her diet by eliminating dairy and eggs while breastfeeding, Lily’s condition did not improve.
The Freemans sought help from four different doctors, who attributed Lily’s distress to colic—a condition they suggested would resolve in a few months. Dissatisfied with this diagnosis, the parents turned to social media for advice and received numerous recommendations to consult a chiropractor.
Initially skeptical due to Lily’s young age, the Freemans took their daughter to Dr. Josh Russell at Ability Chiropractic in Hillard, Ohio. Dr. Russell, along with his colleague Dr. Tyler Morman, explained that the birthing process could be traumatic and impact a baby’s well-being. They perform comprehensive exams and focus on the nervous system, aiming to alleviate issues caused by spinal misalignment and muscular tightness.
Dr. Russell described their approach as using gentle pressure, akin to checking the ripeness of fruit. According to him, this method helps in reducing nervous system interference, leading to noticeable improvements.
Following two chiropractic sessions, Lily’s parents reported a significant change. Lily began smiling and slept more soundly, which they found remarkable.
Dr. Russell maintains that chiropractic care is “overwhelmingly safe” for all ages, citing a protocol of thorough examinations and light adjustments. He advises parents to research and consult with chiropractors to ensure the best care for their children.
Dr. Lora Tanis, a chiropractor and president of the Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics, supports the practice. She believes early chiropractic evaluation can prevent future issues and that many parents observe improvements in their children’s comfort and sleep.
However, not all experts agree. An observational study published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), raised concerns about potential serious adverse events associated with pediatric spinal manipulation. Dr. Beth C. Natt, a pediatrician at Atlantic Health System, does not recommend chiropractic care for infants. She cites a lack of rigorous scientific support for claims that chiropractic care can treat conditions like colic and warns of potential risks, including fractures and spinal cord injuries.
Dr. Natt advises parents to consult pediatricians before considering chiropractic care. She emphasizes that while the goal is to ensure infants’ health and safety, pediatricians can offer safer alternatives based on individual assessments.
Fox News Digital reached out to the AAP for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
