GPs are calling for infant spinal adjustments to be outlawed after an interim ban was lifted.
The practice was banned after footage of a Melbourne doctor performing the procedure on a two-week-old baby sparked public outrage more than four years ago.
But those in the chiropractic industry have defended the practice, claiming it can be safe and gentle.
Tania Leskie is a paediatric chiropractor based in Melbourne.
In 10 years of practice, she’s treated hundreds of babies, some just days old.
“We treat specifically colic reflux constipation, and different problems with sleep,” Leskie said.
“We definitely don’t do any manual adjusting like we do with adults on babies or children.”
In 2019, footage of a Melbourne doctor performing spinal adjustment on a two-week-old baby sparked public outrage.
The incident prompted a four-year interim ban on the spinal manipulation of children under two years old.
Subsequent reviews found little evidence supporting the benefits of the treatment.
With the ban now lapsed, the Chiropractic Board of Australia has given members the green light to resume spinal adjustments on infants.
“The chiropractic adjustment is a very specific tailored force appropriate to the size of the person who’s receiving that”, Australian Chiropractors Association President Dr David Cahill said.
“So if that ‘s an infant or a toddler, the amount of pressure that you use is very small.”
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), however, says it’s not a suitable treatment.
“We know there is a risk of harm we know that there is no evidence of a curative benefit or that these therapies are needed,” RACGP Vice President Associate Professor Michael Clements said.
“The child is an immature structure they’re not fully grown humans yet so everything that you do to them puts them at risk for the future,” Paediatric Neurosurgeon Dr Patrick Lo said.
In a statement, the Chiropractic Board of Australia said a review of the industry didn’t identify any reports of serious harm to children
The body added it will continue to work closely with regulators to monitor and identify any emerging areas of risk.
“Parents can be sure that when they’re going to a registered chiropractor their child is in safe hands,” Cahil said.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed he will raise the issue with his state colleagues in a meeting tomorrow.