Chiropractic care for children has been a subject of interest for many parents and healthcare professionals. While the practice is widely used, questions have arisen regarding its safety, particularly for children under 12. To address these concerns, Safer Care Victoria (SCV) conducted an independent review to evaluate the safety and outcomes of chiropractic care in children.
The review provides valuable insights into how families experience chiropractic care for children, as well as the documented safety record based on submissions, insurance claims, and the scientific literature. This article dives deep into the findings, focusing on the safety profile of chiropractic care, parental satisfaction, and outcomes.
The Safer Care Victoria Independent Review
In 2019, SCV commissioned Cochrane Australia to undertake a systematic review of the evidence surrounding spinal manipulation in children under 12. The aim was to provide a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of both safety and effectiveness.
The SCV review was unique in that it combined literature review with a significant public consultation, allowing parents and caregivers to share their experiences directly. This approach ensured that the review captured both the scientific evidence and the real-world experiences of families who had accessed chiropractic care for their children.
Public Submissions: Overwhelmingly Positive Experiences
One of the most notable aspects of the SCV review was the public submissions. The panel received 21,824 responses from members of the public who had accessed chiropractic care for a child under 12 years. The breakdown was remarkable:
21,750 respondents (99.7%) reported a positive experience with the chiropractic care of their children.
21,474 respondents (98%) indicated that their child improved after treatment.
Only 74 respondents (0.3%) reported a negative experience.
SCV considered it essential to examine each of these 74 negative responses in detail. A senior clinician within SCV reviewed them thoroughly to determine if any evidence of harm was present. The review concluded that none of these responses suggested any significant adverse effects following chiropractic care.
This level of parental satisfaction demonstrates that chiropractic care is not only safe but also highly valued by families, with most children experiencing improvements in their wellbeing.
Insurance Data: No Reported Claims
SCV also sought information from the principal insurance agencies that provide coverage for chiropractors, specifically requesting data on claims related to the chiropractic care of children under 12. No cases were reported in which an insurance agent had to defend or settle a claim regarding adverse effects from chiropractic care in children.
This insurance data reinforces the findings from the public submissions and the scientific literature, underscoring the safety record of chiropractic care for children.
Evidence from the Literature
While the SCV review primarily focused on public submissions and safety reports, it also examined the scientific literature on spinal manipulation in children. The literature shows no documented cases of serious harm when chiropractic care is provided by trained professionals.
Some studies report mild and transient reactions such as temporary soreness or fatigue, which are considered typical for any manual therapy. No reports suggest long-term or serious adverse effects, further supporting chiropractic care as a safe intervention for paediatric patients.
Informed Consent and Communication
An essential component of the SCV review was examining whether parents received sufficient information about chiropractic care. The review found that 95.8% of parents were satisfied with the information provided regarding potential risks and benefits.
Transparent communication ensures parents can make informed decisions and enhances trust between families and practitioners. Providing clear guidance and education helps parents understand the treatment plan, expected outcomes, and safety profile, reinforcing confidence in the care their child receives.
Why Safety Matters in Paediatric Chiropractic
Children are not small adults; their developing spines require careful assessment and gentle, age-appropriate care. Chiropractors trained in paediatric care understand how to tailor adjustments to the needs of children, ensuring both effectiveness and safety.
The SCV review highlights that, when care is delivered by trained professionals, the risk of adverse effects is extremely low, and parents overwhelmingly report positive outcomes.
Key Takeaways from the SCV Review
High parental satisfaction: 99.7% of parents reported positive experiences.
Child improvement: 98% observed improvements following chiropractic care.
Extremely low reports of negative outcomes: Only 0.3% of parents reported negative experiences, none indicating serious harm.
No insurance claims: Principal insurance agencies confirmed no claims for adverse effects in children.
Safe and professional care: Chiropractors trained in paediatric care follow evidence-based practices that minimise risk.
Effective communication: Most parents were satisfied with the information provided, supporting informed decision-making.
The Safer Care Victoria Independent Review provides compelling evidence that chiropractic care for children under 12 is safe, well-tolerated, and highly valued by families. With more than 21,000 submissions, overwhelmingly positive feedback, and no documented serious adverse events, the data clearly supports the safety of chiropractic care for paediatric patients.
Parents seeking chiropractic care for their children can have confidence that, when delivered by trained professionals, it is both safe and beneficial. Furthermore, these findings emphasise the importance of transparent communication and informed consent, ensuring families are empowered to make the best decisions for their children’s health
This information is aimed at summarising what the review found. It does not take into consideration your childs current situation or their health. Please consult one of our chiropractors to assess if chiropractic care is suitable for your child.
References:
Safer Care Victoria. (2019). Independent Review: Spinal Manipulation in Children Under 12 Years. https://www.chiropractors.org.
au/wp-content/uploads/COAG- and-the-Safer-Care-Victoria- Review-Summary-December-2019- 1.pdf Elevate Paediatrics. (2022). Paediatric Chiropractic Safety Review: Key Insights from SCV. https://elevatepaediatrics.
com.au Chiropractic Board of Australia. (2020). Guidelines for Paediatric Chiropractic Care.
World Federation of Chiropractic. (2019). Safety and Efficacy in Paediatric Chiropractic Practice.
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