11 Jun Thinking of taking your child to a chiropractor? Here’s what parents should know
Paediatrician Dr Scott Dunlop believes parents thinking of taking their baby or child to a chiropractor should ask two important questions first: is it safe, and is it effective?
As a general paediatrician, I see children of all ages, including many newborns. It is not unusual for parents to seek the advice of non-conventional health practitioners before seeing me. In my experience, chiropractors are among the most commonly consulted.
The essence of the chiropractic approach is that spinal malalignments, or subluxations, can be responsible for a broad range of symptoms in adults and children.
Any medical intervention, mainstream or otherwise, should be evaluated with two simple questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
These are simple questions, but the answers need to be supported by evidence.
Why evidence matters
The practice of mainstream medicine, of which I am an advocate, is based on research, testing and analysis of that research. This is by no means a faultless process, but in most cases it delivers safe and effective management.
When it comes to chiropractic-management approaches for babies and children, the evidence is limited, particularly for spinal manipulation in infants.
Current Australian guidance advises chiropractors not to use spinal manipulation to treat children under two years of age. The Chiropractic Board of Australia defines spinal manipulation in this context as moving the joints of the spine beyond the child’s usual physiological range of motion using a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust.
So when a parent brings their newborn to see me and asks what I think about the baby seeing a chiropractor, I explain that there is not strong evidence that spinal manipulation will safely or effectively treat the symptoms parents are often worried about.
Why parents look for extra help
Parents are often drawn to chiropractors because they are worried, tired and looking for answers.
Does baby have colic? Reflux? Constipation? Trouble sleeping? Feeding difficulties? Some parents are told these problems may be linked to spinal-alignment issues from the “trauma” of childbirth.
The notion that a single form of treatment can effectively eliminate a wide range of symptoms has no clear physiological or pathological basis.
This applies to many other treatments too, including naturopathy, osteopathy, homeopathy and aromatherapy — not just chiropractic care.
What about babies after birth?
For parents considering taking their child to a chiropractor for spinal adjustment following birth, there is no good evidence to suggest babies need to be manipulated back into a “normal position”.
If they are a little squashed or asymmetrical after delivery, many issues settle with time. Some babies may need assessment and support from a GP, paediatrician, child health nurse, physiotherapist, lactation consultant or other qualified health professional, depending on the problem.
If a baby has feeding difficulty, poor weight gain, persistent crying, vomiting, fever, abnormal movements, unusual sleepiness, breathing concerns or a parent feels something is not right, medical assessment should come first.
Safety and informed consent
If the practice of mainstream medicine is to follow the idea, “First, do no harm,” then parents need to be confident any treatment offered to a baby or child is necessary, evidence-based and appropriate.
Australian regulators have noted that while there has been no evidence of serious harm to infants from chiropractic care in Australia, public protection remains the priority and the evidence base for spinal manipulation in children is limited.
Parents should feel able to ask any practitioner:
- What exact treatment are you proposing?
- What evidence supports it for my child’s condition?
- What are the risks?
- Are you proposing spinal manipulation?
- What alternatives are available?
- Should my child see a GP or paediatrician first?
If a practitioner makes broad claims about treating colic, reflux, immunity, sleep or development through spinal adjustments, parents should be cautious.
So, is it safe to take a child to a chiropractor?
For me, chiropractic spinal manipulation for babies does not pass the “safe and effective” test, and I would not refer a newborn for spinal manipulation.
For older children, parents should still ask what condition is being treated, what evidence supports the treatment, and whether a GP or paediatrician should be involved.
Parents are not wrong to look for help when their child is distressed or uncomfortable. But babies and children deserve care that is based on good evidence, clear consent and safety first.
Note: This article provides general health information and does not constitute medical advice. Ideas and information expressed may not be suitable for everyone. Readers wishing to obtain medical advice should contact their own doctor.
Words by Dr Scott Dunlop, Consultant General Paediatrician. Updated for current guidance.
