Chiropractic Treatment for Primary Nocturnal Enuresis: A Case Series of 33 Consecutive Patients

Abstract 

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a specific type of chiropractic treatment on the wet night frequency of patients between the ages of 3 and 18 years who were treated for primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) in the chiropractic setting.

Clinical Features

Thirty-three consecutive patient records, dating over a 3-year period, of children 3 to 18 years old who had been treated for PNE using a form of chiropractic treatment method (NeuroImpulse Protocol) were included.

Intervention and Outcome

All patient records were analyzed for a baseline wet night frequency and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the commencement of treatment. Data were collected regarding the number of treatment visits over the 12-month period and the presence of constipation and/or positive family history at presentation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Friedman's test, and Dunn's Multiple Comparison test.

Of the 33 patient records analyzed, 22 showed resolution of PNE during the 12 months after commencement of chiropractic care. The mean number of treatments in the responders group was 2.05 ± 1.33. Ten responders presented with constipation and a further 8 with a positive family history of PNE. Resolution of constipation was noted to be essential to the successful response to treatment. A combination of constipation and positive family history at presentation represented a poor prognostic factor.

Conclusions

There was a 66.6% resolution rate within 1 year in 33 consecutive children and teenagers who experienced PNE. This study provides an indication for possible effectiveness of chiropractic treatment in patients with PNE.

Key Indexing Terms: Chiropractic, Nocturnal Enuresis, Child