Chiropractic Adjustments Are Safe and Effective in Children & Pregnant Women
Chiropractic Adjustments Are Safe and Effective in Children & Pregnant Women
ATLANTA, Georgia – July 6, 2023
The chiropractic care of children and pregnant women has been the subject of media attention and scrutiny. In addition, some health care providers give advice to women during pregnancy and to parents that is uninformed and many times based on myths. This scrutiny and advice are not based on science, research or data but rather out of ignorance of the facts or worse - a purposeful misrepresentation of the value and necessity of chiropractic in these special patient populations.
As a leading malpractice insurance program, the ChiroFutures Malpractice Insurance Program prioritizes the safety and well-being of patients, including children and pregnant women. It is our duty to address concerns and provide accurate information regarding the forces used by chiropractors in caring for these vulnerable populations. We aim to dispel myths surrounding the forces used during chiropractic adjustments and the supposed risks associated with joint hypermobility in children and pregnant women. The gentle touch and specialized techniques employed by chiropractors who specialize in pediatric and maternal care have been shown to be safe and effective. Through collaboration, communication, and a deep understanding of their unique needs, chiropractors ensure the utmost care and precision when administering gentle adjusting forces to promote optimal alignment, function, and well-being.
An evidence informed perspective respects the needs and wants of women during pregnancy and parents for the care of their child. It also includes an understanding of the published research evidence and the clinical expertise of chiropractors in the care of women and children.
ChiroFutures Malpractice Insurance Program does not base its malpractice insurance rates on the age or pregnancy status of the patients a chiropractor sees. In fact, we are not aware of any actuarial data showing an increase in adverse events from the tens of millions of pediatric and pregnancy related chiropractic visits per year.
What chiropractors do is minimally invasive and typically nothing else but their hands are used to gently ease any obstruction to the functioning of the patient's nervous system. Since the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body it is important to be sure it is functioning as best it can with no obstructions and no matter the disease or condition afflicting the patient. Chiropractic is also indicated in healthy people to be sure their nervous systems are free from obstructions.
State and provincial laws, federal governments, international, national and state chiropractic organizations and chiropractic educational institutions all support the role and responsibility of chiropractors in the management of women and children's health. The rationale for chiropractic care of pregnant women and children is supported by published protocols that are safe, efficacious, and valid. The scientific literature is sufficiently supportive of the usefulness of these protocols in regard to the chiropractic care of pregnant women and children.
Those contending that there is no evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of the chiropractic care of children and pregnant women or that suggest it is too forceful demonstrate a complete disregard for the evidence and scientific facts related to the chiropractic care of pregnant women and children.
ChiroFutures encourages and supports a shared decision making process between doctors and patients regarding health needs. As a part of that process, patients have a right to be informed about the state of their health as well as the risks, benefits and alternatives related to care. Any restriction on that dialogue or compelled statements inconsistent with the doctrine of informed consent present a threat to public health.
As a malpractice insurance company, we understand the concerns and misconceptions surrounding the forces used in chiropractic adjustments for children and pregnant women. However, it is important to dispel these myths and shed light on the gentle touch and specialized techniques employed by chiropractors who specialize in pediatric and maternal care. Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments for children involve minimal force, carefully tailored to their size, age, and condition. The techniques used prioritize the safety and comfort of the child, ensuring effective adjustments while promoting optimal nervous system function.
Similarly, chiropractic care during pregnancy utilizes gentle, low-force adjustments, specifically designed for the changing body of the expectant mother. Skilled chiropractors work within the physiological changes caused by pregnancy hormones, adapting their techniques to address discomfort and misalignments. By restoring proper alignment to the spine and pelvis, chiropractic adjustments offer relief from common pregnancy-related conditions. Safety precautions, such as collaborating with other healthcare providers, further enhance the well-being of both mother and baby. By dispelling these myths and providing accurate information, we hope to encourage parents and expectant mothers to consider the safe and beneficial nature of chiropractic care for their children and themselves.
