Sinus and Respiratory Infections/Sinusitis


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Peer Reviewed Journals:

Blocked atlantal nerve syndrome in babies and infants.   Gutman G.   Manuelle Medizin (1987) 25:5-10.

  • From the author's abstract:   Three case reports are reviewed to illustrate a syndrome that has so far received far too little attention, which is caused and perpetuated in babies and infants by blocked nerve impulses at the atlas. The clinical picture ranges from central motor impairment and development through idencephalic impairments of vegetative regulatory systems to lowered resistance to infections, especially to ear-,nose, and throat infections.....Chiropractic can often bring about amazingly successful results, because the therapy is a causal one."



Case Studies:

Sinus Infections Case report # 1589.   ICPA Newsletter May/June 1998. Paul Zell, D.C., F.I.C.P.A.

  • History:   A 12 year old boy, since the age of three, has had "non-stop sinus infections every 2-3 months." Antibiotics were used to control the infections and previous surgeries included removal of the tonsils and adenoids at age 3.

  • Examination:   Among the findings were: decreased cervical range of motion, motion palpation found C-2, C-7, T-3, T-5, T-8 and right ilium fixations.

  • Patient Progress:   By the second adjustment, antibiotics were stopped and sinus infection was gone. By the third week of care child was able to carry his head in an upright position. "Both patient and parents are aware of the quality of life that is returning as an apparent result of chiropractic care."


Male Child - age 4 - Diagnosis:   retardation, asthma, Down's syndrome, immune dysfunction.   International Chiropractic Pediatric Association Newsletter, November 1996.

  • Patient had been evaluated at several clinics with the above disorders. Patient was on 11 medications on initial visit. After 4 months of care, all medications were withdrawn and the above diagnoses are being changed. Patient still under chiropractic care and very difficult to adjust - child does not want to lay or be on adjusting table - the patient is adjusted either in the mother's arms or on her back using the mother as a "table." Adjustment: Atlas ASR, with a toggle type thrust.


Not vocalizing well. Absence of T-cells, immune dysfunction, has colds all the time.   International Chiropractic Pediatric Association newsletter. November 1996

  • Male child - age 5 - Prior diagnosis:   malformation of cervical spine, severe scoliosis, occiput position severely anterior to cervical spine. Not vocalizing well. Absence of T-cells, immune dysfunction, has colds all the time. Surgery had been considered to correct skull positioning. In the first series of adjustments, we adjusted the lad in a sitting position utilizing the infant toggle headpiece. The Atlas was adjusted ASL. Child was reevaluated in native country and medical staff stated that everything was now normal. Child returned to U.S. for care 6 months later. Vocabulary was now normal. Head position -normal. No colds evident during these months. Scoliosis was greatly reduced 


Orbital Sinusitis A Case Study.    McCarthy, Richard   ICPA Newsletter May/June 1997

  • A four year old boy with headaches, vomiting, nasal drip and decreased appetite was diagnosed with orbital sinusitis.  He was being treated with large doses of  antibiotics.  Past history reveals a fall on his head at the age of two from a height of 4 feet. Chiropractic analysis revealed a left cervical rotation with retrolysthesis and rotation of C2.   He also had fixation at the level of C2.  He was seen 2 times per week for six months.  The results were excellent.  No more headaches, vomiting or nasal drip.  In addition, his attitude and appetite are dramatically improved. 



Additional Publications:

Upper respiratory infections in children.   Fysh PN.   ICA Review March/April, 1990.

"Patients frequently attest to the rapid improvement in upper respiratory symptoms following adjustment of vertebral subluxations....Children who are afflicted with frequent bouts of any of the upper respiratory disorders should be carefully checked for evidence of cervical subluxations."



References from Koren Publications' brochure: Relief from Sinus Trouble:

  •  Murphy, P. Upper respiratory tract infections. In A. M. Harvey et al. (Eds.), The principles and practice of medicine (22nd ed.). East Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1988, p. 588.

  • Ivker, R. Sinus survival. Littleton, CO: Whole Health Press, 1989.

  • Lebo, C. P. Sinusitis self-defense. Bottom Line Personal, Jan. 15, 1994, pp. 13-14.

  • Shapiro, G.G. et al. Immunologic defects in patients with refractory sinusitis. Pediatrics, 1991, 87, pp. 311-316.

  • Vora, G.S., & Bates, H.A. The effects of spinal manipulation on the immune system: A preliminary report. Journal of Chiropractic, 1980, 14, p. S103.

  • Fidelibus, J. An overview of neuroimmunomodulation and a possible correlation with musculoskeletal system function. JMPT, August 1989.

  • Brennan, P. & Hondras , M. Priming of neutrophils for enhanced respiratory burst by manipulation of the thoracic spine. Proceedings of the 1989 International Conference on Spinal Manipulation, 1989, 10 , pp. 160-163. Arlington, VA: FCER.

  • Nansel, D., Jansen , R. et al. Effects of cervical adjustments on lateral-flexion passive end-range asymmetry and on blood pressure, heart rate and plasma catecholamine levels. JMPT, 1991, 14 (8), p. 450.

  • Brennan, P., Kokjohn , K. et al. Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory burst induced by spinal manipulation.. JMPT, 1991, 14 (7), pp. 399-408.

  • Speransky , A.D. Experimental & lobar pneumonia. Am Rev Soviet Med , 1944, 2, pp. 22-27.

  • Schmidt, I.C. Osteopathic manipulative therapy as a primary factor in the management of upper, middle and pararespiratory infections. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, February, 1982, p. 2388.