Case Study: Cryptorchidism Correction with Conservative Chiropractic Applied Kinesiology
By William M. Maykel, DC, DIBAK
Presented at the International College of Applied Kinesiology-USA
Annual Meeting, 2003–2004, p. 75–76

Abstract: A nine month old infant diagnosed with a congenital right inguinal hernia and undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) was brought for conservative care prior to surgery. A successful outcome utilizing applied kinesiology surrogate testing and respiratory correction of a bilateral sacro-iliac sprain/strain is discussed. The author believes this non-invasive, cost effective approach should constitute the primary initial approach if future validation studies are positive.

Keywords: Applied Kinesiology, Surrogate Testing.
Crytorchidism, Respiratory Adjusting

Introduction: The parents of a nine month old male infant sought a second opinion for their child who was diagnosed one week earlier as having a right hernia with undescended testicle. Their pediatrician referred them to a general surgeon who recommended surgery. Cryptorchidism is the most frequent abnormality of male sexual differentiation and is the main risk factor for testicular cancer, which is the most frequent cancer in young men. It is also a major risk factor for male infertility. 1

At the same time as a wide spread increase in the incidence of testicular cancer, a tendency toward an increase in the incidence of cryptochidism in industrialized countries has been observed in recent decades. 2 Low birth weight (for equal gestational age) is the main risk factor along with the first birth and cesarean section or toxemia.

Additionally there have been ecoepidemiological studies performed in various animal species which show a relationship between environmental pollutants (especially organochlorine pesticides) and the unexpected high incidence of cryptorchidism. DES (diethylstilbestorol) has a well-documented impact on undescended testes in male offspring. No formal conclusion can be drawn presently that industrial chemicals known to be potential endocrine disruptors are responsible for the recent increase in the number of cases of cryptorchidism. 3

Discussion: Physical examination revealed a healthy infant with a small palpable lump in his right mid inguinal area. He had been a normal vaginal delivery without consequence, although he as six weeks premature.

Surrogate testing 4 was utilized to determine a misalignment of his pelvic complex. In this case, the child was held by one of his parents (who were seated on the exam table) with his head over one of their shoulders while being held with one arm under his pelvis. A standard muscle test was performed on the parent’s intact anterior serratus muscle. The child’s sacroiliac joints were challenged immediately after which the parent’s intact muscle was rechecked. This is called “surrogate testing.” In essence, since there is a melding of the energy fields of the parent and the child, the parent’s arm responds to changes in the child’s nervous system. Specifically in this case, a bilateral sacroiliac sprain/strain was found with a right posterior, left anterior sacroiliac sprain/strain. Correction was achieved with gentle respiratory adjustments. This involves having the parent consciously inhale and exhale deeply and with the child held against the parent, entrainment of their breathing ensues. Gentle force is applied on inspiration to correct the misaligned segments. Inspiration is chosen since there is straightening of the spinal curves allowing easier correction of the vertebral subluxation complex.

The specific complex that arises with this type of distortion involves an inferior sacral base on the side of the posterior inferior ilium (in this case the right). An inferior sacral base causes a compensatory rotation of the last three lumbars – right, left, right and as well C1, 2 and 3, right, left, right. The thoracolumbar junction was also found to be rotated T10, 11, 12, right, left, right. These patterns are found to be ubiquitous for this type of pelvic lesion. This was performed on two occasions one week apart with complete resolution of the problem after the second visit.

Conclusion: The child was seem four years later for other unrelated conditions and he had no further difficulties with the right inguinal area or his testicles. Since surgery is the only current approach further validation studies should be undertaken especially due to the global increase in this condition. Surrogate testing represents a quick, accurate diagnostic technique and respiratory adjustments a gentle correction of musculoskeletal lesions.

References:

  1. Thonneau Patrick F, Candia Peggy and Mieusset Roger. “Cryptorchidism: Incidence, Risk Factors and Potential Role of Environment; An Update.” Journal of Andrology, Vol. 24, No. 2, March–April 2003.
  2. Kurahashi M, Kishi R. “A Review of epidemiological studies about the incidence and etiological factors of cryptorchidism-relevance to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.” Nippon EiseigakuZassh: 2003 Jan; 57(4): 636–44.
  3. Thonneau Patrick F, Candia Peggy and Mieusset Roger. “Cryptorchidism: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Potential Role of Environment; An Update.” Journal of Andrology, Vol. 24, No. 2, March–April 2003
  4. Boenke, Hans W. “Surrogate Testing – It’s History, Controversy and Recommended Uses.” Collected Papers of ICAK-USA; 1996–97; 27–34.