ATLANTA, Georgia – 2026

A newly published case study in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic documents clinically meaningful improvements in a pediatric patient diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome (TS), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and nocturnal enuresis following subluxation-based chiropractic care.

The study, titled “Improvement in Tourette’s Syndrome and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a Pediatric Patient Following Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Study,” was authored by Sarah Hock, DC, CACCP, and Hannah Layden, DC, from Sherman College of Chiropractic.

This case study contributes to the growing body of peer-reviewed literature exploring chiropractic’s role in pediatric neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral conditions, particularly those involving nervous system dysregulation.

The authors report that chiropractic care may support nervous system adaptability in children with complex neurobehavioral presentations. Vertebral subluxations are described as neurobiomechanical disruptions that may interfere with normal nerve communication between the brain and body. Because the nervous system controls and coordinates all bodily functions, interference at this level may compromise a child’s ability to regulate motor control, behavior, stress responses, and autonomic function.

Chiropractic care focuses on identifying and correcting vertebral subluxations through specific adjustments designed to reduce neurological interference and support optimal nervous system function. By improving neural communication and balance, chiropractic care may serve as a supportive component of care for children diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome and OCD.

The case involved a 10-year-old male with diagnosed Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and nocturnal enuresis who presented for chiropractic evaluation after limited improvement with previous interventions, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and neurosensorimotor integration approaches.

At presentation, the patient exhibited persistent motor and vocal tics, anxiety, behavioral rigidity, sensory sensitivities, and separation anxiety. Initial chiropractic assessment revealed indicators of autonomic nervous system dysregulation, including abnormal paraspinal thermography, surface electromyography (sEMG), and heart rate variability (HRV), along with associated structural and functional findings.

The patient received subluxation-based chiropractic care focused on correcting identified vertebral subluxations. Neurological assessments including thermography, sEMG, and HRV were used throughout the care period to monitor changes in nervous system function. Supportive neurological strategies were introduced after improvements in adaptability and regulation were observed.

Over the course of care, the patient demonstrated measurable reductions in tic frequency and severity, decreased anxiety and behavioral rigidity, and improved bladder control. Parent-reported outcomes also included enhanced focus, increased participation in daily activities, and improved overall behavioral flexibility. Continued chiropractic care at a reduced frequency was associated with maintenance of these improvements.

The authors note that while results from a single case cannot be generalized, the findings warrant further investigation and call for additional research into the role of chiropractic care in pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral conditions.

Matthew McCoy, DC, MPH
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic