A ChiroSecure Research Update
Abstract
The chiropractor’s role in wellness care, prevention and treatment of injury or illness is based on education in anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyle counseling as well as referral to other health practitioners.
Depending on education, geographic location, scope of practice, as well as consumer preference, chiropractors may assume the role of primary care for families who are pursuing a more natural and holistic approach to health care for their families.
Research into the effectiveness of chiropractic care for pediatric patients has lagged behind that of adult care, but this is being addressed through educational programs where research is now being incorporated into academic tracks to attain advanced chiropractic degrees.
Discussion
The age range of pediatric patients visiting chiropractic clinics ranges from premature infants to adolescents. Besides those conditions traditionally classified as musculoskeletal (for example scoliosis, sprain/strains and spinal pain), there are also musculoskeletal presentations that include a somatovisceral component including, but not limited to, persistent crying and feeding problems in infants (like difficulty breastfeeding, colic), sleep disruption, otitis media, enuresis, asthma, headaches, constipation, learning disorders and a variety of presentations on the autistic spectrum.
Recent studies in the United States show that approximately14% of chiropractic patients are children under 18, and that chiropractors are the most common complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers visited by children and adolescents.
Amassing evidence for the effectiveness and safety of chiropractic care for children is gradually progressing, thanks to the dedication of academicians and clinicians around the world.
Reference
Vallone, S.A., Miller, J., Larsdotter, A. et al. Chiropractic approach to the management of children . Chiropr Man Therap 18, 16 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-18-16