Reference: Heart Rate Changes in Response to Mild Mechanical Irritation of the High Cervical Spinal Cord Region in Infants Forensic Science International Volume 128, Issue 3, August 28, 2002, Pages 168-176 L. E. Koch, H. Koch, S. Graumann- Brunt, D. Stoll, J. M. Ramirez and K. S. Saternus Key Points from Dan Murphy, D.C. • Sudden infant death (SID) is the most common cause of death in the first 12 months of life in developed countries. • SID may be caused by bradycardia and apnea. • Bradycardia and apnea can be caused by mechanical irritations to the upper cervical spine. • Mechanical irritations of the upper cervical spine present as asymmetries of posture and/or spinal motion, and can be diagnosed radiographically. • Mechanical irritations of the upper cervical spine can be corrected by a chiropractic spinal adjustment. • Chiropractic upper cervical adjustments inhibit the sympathetic nervous system. [IMPORTANT] • Pcdiatric chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective for newborns, infants and older children with neuro-musculo-skcletal and other problems. • Minor mechanical irritation of the cervical region may be related to the events that lead to SID. • Children with a disturbed symmetry of the atlanto-occipital region [chiropractic subluxation complex] could be of higher risk for SID. A I'978 graduate ofWestern States Chiropractic College. Dr. Dan Murphy is on the faculty of Life Chiropractic College West, ami is the Vice President of the International Chiropractic Association. For more information, visit http://www.ilanmurplmlc.com
