Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Children?

Children are different than adults. Their growing bodies have different needs, and children require a different medical approach than their adult counterparts. Pediatric medicine, therefore, specializes in treatment tailored specifically to the needs of children, whether those needs are dental, orthopedic, or emotional. Chiropractic care is no exception, and can be an incredibly beneficial component of a growing child's care. This month, the American Chiropractic Academy (ACA) published a statement that "pediatric chiropractic care, when administered properly, is effective, safe and gentle." This statement came on the heels of a report last month from the Chiropractors' Association of Australia (CAA) about the demonstrated safety of childhood chiropractic care in Australia. Both the ACA and the CAA illustrated the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for children in scientific literature. Large studies from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics show that serious adverse events in pediatric chiropractic care are extremely rare. Furthermore, chiropractic treatment has been investigated as an effective approach for colic in infants, as well as for suboptimal breastfeeding. A cross-sectional survey of 956 chiropractors in Europe revealed that pediatric chiropractors also treat gastrointestinal, immune-related, and neurologic conditions. There is overwhelming evidence that with proper application, chiropractic care for children can be a safe and effective treatment for many conditions. Most chiropractors have pediatric patients, and extensive specialized training in pediatric chiropractic care ensures the best possible outcomes. Children rely on a robust healthcare team for their best overall health, and chiropractors are a valuable member of that ensemble. Strict regulation, rigorous training, and precise guidelines ensure that children are receiving the best, safest chiropractic care to support their optimal well-being.