An interim ban on spinal manipulation of children under 2 years old, which was lifted in 2019, has been reinstated by the Chiropractic Board of Australia.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners criticised the earlier lifting of the ban as ‘reckless.’ Wayne Minter, Chair of the Chiropractic Board of Australia, emphasised that chiropractors must adhere to the interim ban until a final decision is made regarding the practice for children under two.

“While there has been no evidence of serious harm to infants from chiropractic care in Australia, the Board’s role is first and foremost to protect the public,” Dr. Minter stated.

Historically, spinal manipulation has been used to treat conditions such as colic, back and neck pain, ear infections, and twisted necks in babies. However, several medical organisations have opposed the practice, citing a lack of evidence for its efficacy and concerns about potential risks to a baby’s spine.

James Best, Chair of Child and Young Person Health at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, commented:

“It’s certainly something I wouldn’t do to my child, so I would advise parents to avoid allowing this practice on their children.”
“The spinal columns of young children and babies are particularly vulnerable to injury.”

The Australian Chiropractors Association expressed disappointment over the reinstated ban, arguing that spinal manipulation does not represent the full scope of treatments they provide for young children. Association President David Cahill said, “Chiropractic care for children is very gentle and does not involve ‘cracking babies.’”

During the period of the ban, the Australian Medical Association has called for further research into the field.