Chiropractic and Children: Shown to be Safe

              

A recent article recently published in the January 1, 2007 issue of the journal Pediatrics (a journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics) addressed the issue of pediatric safety as they pertain to spinal manipulative therapy. The study by Vohra et. al. entitled, "Adverse Event Associated with Pediatric Spinal Manipulation" has incited questions and undue concern from the general public from news headlines that have misinterpreted this article. Our Research Director, Dr Joel Alcantara, has critically appraised the study by Vohra et. al. and the immediately retrievable supporting articles. His findings thus far are very revealing about the true nature of this publication, which he will address in a Letter to the Editor to the journal Pediatrics and in articles to be published within our own profession. We will keep you updated.

As the largest pediatric chiropractic organization in the world, the ICPA is making these comments immediately to the profession (particularly to practicing chiropractors) to assure them that the chiropractic care of children is safe. The ICPA is making these comments:

"In a review of the scientific literature spanning a period of 104 years, Vohra et. al. ultimately could only identify 14 cases involving adverse events associated with spinal manipulation. Of these, 10 were associated with chiropractic care. Of the 10 cases, 5 patients experienced only minor adverse events (i.e., sore and stiff neck, sore back) that were self-limiting, did not require medical attention and cared for successfully by the treating chiropractor. Incidentally, 2 of the 5 cases were incorrectly sub-typed by Vohra et. al. Of the articles documenting the 5 cases associated with severe adverse events (i.e., required medical care) from chiropractic care, 4 were immediately retrievable. What does the data really show?

What becomes apparent after reading these articles are the following. The patients had a pre-existing condition that are associated with the patient's adverse events and/or had a history of significant trauma (i.e., gymnastic somersaults and falling on their head and neck) prior to presenting to the chiropractor. To make cause and effect inferences (i.e., chiropractic care directly caused the adverse events) from these case reports are inappropriate. Furthermore, Vohra et.al's cited cases involving delayed diagnosis and/or inappropriate provision of chiropractic care was based on testimonials and anecdotal evidence. Vohra et. al.'s conclusion that "serious events may be associated with pediatric spinal manipulation" are unsubstantiated by the scientific literature and reflect a suspicious agenda against chiropractic by those who interpret it otherwise."

Healthy Tips

  

 Tips On Sleep

Learn to fall asleep and stay asleep more easily using these techniques. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, regardless of how much sleep you've had. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol before bedtime. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if medications could be disrupting your sleep. Exercise regularly. Avoid overeating or undereating in the evening.