Health professionals have expressed strong criticism over the Chiropractic Board of Australia’s recent decision to allow chiropractors to manipulate the spines of babies, describing the move as “deeply disturbing”.
The board’s updated guidelines, which came into effect late last year, overturned an interim ban on the controversial practice that had been in place since 2019. This decision has prompted calls from doctors for state health ministers across Australia to intervene and reinstate the ban.
Dr. James Best, chair of child and young person health at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), condemned the decision, calling it reckless. He emphasized concerns about the safety and effectiveness of spinal manipulation in children under 12.
The controversy stems from incidents such as a 2018 social media post showing a Melbourne chiropractor using a spring-loaded device on a two-week-old baby, eliciting cries from the infant. Dr. Best, who viewed the now-deleted video, expressed deep concern over such practices, citing the vulnerability of young children’s spinal columns to injuries.
Proponents of spinal manipulation in infants argue it can address issues like colic, back and neck pain, ear infections, and neck twists. However, Dr. Best stressed there is no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in this age group, advising parents against exposing their children to such treatments.
In response to criticisms, the Chiropractic Board of Australia pointed to reviews conducted by Cochrane Australia and Safer Care Victoria, which highlighted insufficient research on the safety and effectiveness of spinal manipulation in children under 12. Despite these findings, the board proceeded to update its guidelines, citing community expectations and support for consumer choice in its decision-making process.
While the board has strengthened its guidelines to ensure safe practice, Dr. Best reiterated the lack of safety data to justify spinal manipulation in young children, urging health authorities and ministers to intervene and prevent its practice.
Health Minister Mark Butler has requested an urgent explanation from the Chiropractic Board regarding its decision, with plans to discuss the matter further with state and territory health ministers.
Safer Care Victoria emphasized the importance of parents making informed decisions about healthcare for their children, weighing potential risks against benefits when considering treatment options.
