Australia Reinstates Interim Ban on Infant Spinal Manipulation

The Chiropractic Board of Australia has reinstated an interim ban on spinal manipulation for children under two, following demands from federal and state health ministers. This decision reverses the board's recent move to lift the ban, which had been in place since 2019. The initial lifting of the ban faced backlash from medical professionals and organizations, including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Physiotherapy Association, who cited a lack of evidence supporting the practice and potential risks. Board chair Wayne Minter emphasized the board's commitment to public safety and plans to develop an evidence-based final policy in consultation with health ministers. Despite findings from Cochrane Australia suggesting no serious harm, medical bodies remain opposed due to documented adverse reactions in some cases. The final decision is pending further consultations and evidence reviews.