New Research Characterizes “The Chiropractic Care of Children”

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE:   J Altern Complement Med. 2010 (Jun); 16 (6): 621–626

Joel Alcantara, Jeanne Ohm, and Derek Kunz

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Media, PA 19063, USA. dr_jalcantara@yahoo.com

Joel Alcantara, D.C., Research Director for the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) just published a new article titled “The Chiropractic Care of Children” in the prestigious Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

This study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey of 548 chiropractic practices. When asked to characterize the care and services rendered to children, the participants replied:

  • “chiropractic adjustments” (100%; N=548)
  • “wellness care” (90%; N=494)
  • use of herbal remedies (44%; N=244)
  • exercise and rehabilitation (42%; N=235) and
  • prayer healing (6%; N=36).
Table 2: Common Pediatric Conditions Addressed by the Chiropractors
Condition Treated
N
% Response
Wellness care
378
16.67
Ear, nose, and throat
354
15.61
Digestive
295
13.00
Musculoskeletal problems
214
9.44
ADD/ADHD
112
4.94
Headaches
111
4.89
Immune enhancement
105
4.63
Asthma
83
3.66
Scoliosis
81
3.57
Injury: sports
78
3.44
Injury: other
77
3.39
Allergies
55
2.43
Postural improvement
53
2.34
Postbirth checkup
52
2.29
Behavioral infants
49
2.16
Neurosensory disorders
46
2.03
Torticollis
42
1.85
Injury: birth
37
1.63
Asthma/allergies
35
1.54
Injury: motor vehicle collision
11
0.49

ADD/ADHD = attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Dr. Alcantara concluded:

“To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the largest database to characterize the practice of pediatric chiropractic in North America. With continuing popularity and utilization of chiropractic for adults and their children, we support further studies to examine the safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic.”

You will enjoy reading the Full-Text:
The Chiropractic Care of Children