Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: To assess paediatric care by chiropractors in South Africa. Specifically, the prevalence, the
educational background of chiropractors treating paediatrics, common paediatric conditions, treatment
methods used and possible complications of treatment.
Method: The study was a cross-sectional, descriptive study, making use of an associated survey.
Participants were recruited via the Allied Health Professionals Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) and
the Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA) databases. An email was sent to both databases
with all the relevant information regarding the study. A link to an online survey was provided if the
participant wished to take part. The link redirected the participants to a separate website where they
could answer the survey questions that pertained to them. The answers were all anonymous and the
participants were given the option to exit the site if they no longer wished to take part. The survey was
available from the 19 September 2016 to the 7th October 2016. Ideally, a minimum of 100 responses
were required for statistical analysis and a total of 106 responses were received.
Results: The majority of the participants (95%) treat paediatric patients, the most common age group
treated being 7-17 years old. The majority of the participants, (32%) had done no paediatric training in
addition to their university syllabus. However, 27% of the participants indicated that they had completed
26 or more hours of additional paediatric training. Treatment methods most commonly used were
mobilisation, touch and hold technique and spinal manipulative therapy for the age group 0-12 months;
Spinal manipulative therapy, mobilisation and diversified technique for both the age groups 13 months-
6 years and 7-17 years. Common ailments included colic, reflux, back and neck pain, headaches and
post trauma/injury treatments. The incidence of complications was very low, only 5 cases were
reported, all of which were mild and temporary in nature.
Conclusion: Chiropractic care of paediatric patients was very prevalent in this sample, with paediatric
patients contributing significantly to patient numbers. Common ailments and treatment methods used
were in accordance with international studies. It also provided further evidence that chiropractic is a low
risk treatment option and is therefore a relatively safe therapy for paediatric patients.