The Chiropractic Board of Australia has recently reinstated a ban on performing spinal manipulative therapy on children under two years old. This decision comes after previous controversy surrounding the safety and efficacy of such treatments on young children. The ban aims to protect young children from potential risks associated with spinal manipulative therapy, as their bodies are still developing and may not be able to withstand the forces applied during these treatments.
The ban on cracking the backs of children under two years old was first put in place in 2008, but was lifted in 2013 after a review found it to be unnecessary. However, recent concerns over the safety of these treatments on young children prompted the Chiropractic Board of Australia to reinstate the ban. The decision was made in the interest of protecting young children from potential harm, as their bodies are still developing and may be more susceptible to injury during spinal manipulative therapy.
The controversy surrounding spinal manipulative therapy on young children stems from concerns over the potential risks and lack of evidence supporting its efficacy in this age group. Some experts argue that young children may be more vulnerable to injury during spinal manipulative therapy due to their developing bodies and weaker bones. Additionally, there is limited research available on the effectiveness of these treatments on young children, raising questions about their overall benefit.
The decision to reinstate the ban on cracking the backs of children under two years old has been met with mixed reactions from the chiropractic community. Some practitioners believe that the ban is necessary to protect young children from potential harm, while others argue that spinal manipulative therapy can be safe and effective when performed by experienced professionals. The debate highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the use of spinal manipulative therapy on young children and the need for more research in this area.
Moving forward, the Chiropractic Board of Australia plans to monitor the impact of the ban on cracking the backs of young children and assess any changes in practice. The board also encourages chiropractors to focus on evidence-based practice and prioritize the safety and well-being of their patients, especially when it comes to treating young children. The decision to reinstate the ban reflects a commitment to ensuring the highest standards of care within the chiropractic profession and protecting vulnerable populations from potential harm.
Overall, the reinstatement of the ban on cracking the backs of children under two years old highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the safety and efficacy of spinal manipulative therapy on young children. While some argue that these treatments can be beneficial when performed by experienced professionals, others raise concerns about the potential risks and lack of evidence supporting their use in this age group. The decision to reinstate the ban reflects a commitment to protecting young children from potential harm and promoting evidence-based practice within the chiropractic profession.
