Chiropractors respond

Re: Chiropractic treatments for babies raise red flags; May9

We were extremely disappointed in Sharon Kirkey’s depiction of our profession, including the misrepresentation of an outdated 2007 study. Neither causation nor incidence rates can be inferred from the study. While your writer implies a focus on chiropractic treatments in infants or young children, the study included nonchiropractic treatments in patients up to 18 years of age, with only one patient in the study under the age of five.

Chiropractic treatment is appropriate and clinically indicated within the context of primary pediatric care in numerous musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, including torticollis (tight, stiff neck muscles), muscular and biomechanical imbalances, and developmental physical delays involving MSK deficits.

Chiropractors refer to physicians or the emergency room based on their diagnosis, just as physicians refer directly to chiropractic or physical therapy services. If an infant is treated by a chiropractor, the treatment is gentle, diagnostically guided and developmentally and age-appropriate.

Importantly, infants receiving diagnosis and treatment within the chiropractic scope of practice enjoy successful outcomes with conservative and comfortable care. This is supported by newer research demonstrating serious adverse events in infants and children receiving chiropractic therapy are rare.

Dr. David Peeace, Chair, Canadian Chiropractic Association, Toronto