Question:
Dear Doctor, I am a mother of an 8 month old boy who has (left),erbs
palsy, Your web-page was just posted by someone
on the message board that MANY erb's/BPI moms post on...Is there anything
specific you can think of to tell a fellow DC in RE:erb's/brachial plexus
injury? Also, when the nerve has been totally avulsed, is there still hope
that chiropractic can relieve the symptoms? thankyou in advance for your
time...also I see that you are Fort Lauderdale...I am FortPierce,FL(55
miles N of WPB)...blessings,
Reply:
To the best of my knowledge, unfortunately, without some type of exploratory
surgery, you can not even know if there is an avulsed root. MRI won't
show it. Nerve testing can only show absence of conduction.
Absence of conduction can be caused by avulsion, nerve being pinched, and
examiner error. (and I am not recommending an exploratory surgery).
If a nerve root (or several roots) has been totally avulsed, the prognosis is poor. With chiropractic care, however, the prognosis improves. Pray and have faith.
Your child must have had a significant injury to show Erb's palsy after 8 months. I encourage you to take your son to a chiropractor that does pediatric adjusting. A pediatric chiropractor will probably advertise specializing in pediatrics and/or family care. Your chiropractor should have his/her mission to correct subluxations (spinal injuries with nerve damage). I would avoid chiropractors that advertise pain relief or auto accident care as their main selling points. I would avoid chiropractors whose primary focus is therapy rather than vertebral adjustments.
I do not believe a fellow D.C. would need advice on treating Erb's palsy,
however. The reason - Chiropractors only correct
subluxations. In the case of Ashleigh, when the subluxation (nerve
interference) was corrected, the syndrome (symptoms) left.
I did not even have to know what Erb's palsy was for chiropractic to
work!
Please write back if you have further questions, or call (954) 969-8800.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Michael Haley, D.C.