The Chiropractic Board of Australia (CBA) has warned a number of practitioners who are falsely advertising that chiropratic care can treat a range of other medical conditions including developmental and behavioural disorders, the CBA also warned that practitioners cannot advertise that babies benefit from chiropractic care.
In a statement the CBA said it was concerned by a “number of practitioners who are making claims in advertising that there is a relationship between manual therapy (e.g. manipulation) for spinal problems and achieving general wellness or treating various organic diseases and infections; or that spinal problems may have a direct role in various organic diseases and infections.
“Of particular concern is the number of treatment claims in advertising relating to infants and children. Claims suggesting that manual therapy for spinal problems can assist with general wellness and/or benefit a variety of paediatric syndromes and organic conditions are not supported by satisfactory evidence.
“This includes claims relating to developmental and behavioural disorders, ADHD, autistic spectrum disorders, asthma, infantile colic, bedwetting, ear infections and digestive problems.”
The CBA also warned that chiropractors can’t be anti-vaccination, including displaying an materials or advice that discourages vaccination. “The Code of conduct for chiropractors notes that all chiropractors have a responsibility to promote the health of the community through disease prevention and control, education and, where relevant, screening.”
Under national health laws, practitioners who engage in false, deceptive or misleading advertising, or who create an unreasonable expectation of benefits face fines of up to $5000 for individuals and $10,000 for companies.
