Chiropractic Research
& Statistics
This page links to studies and professional sources that come up in conversations about chiropractic care. Research quality varies, and no statistic replaces an individual examination or medical guidance.
Chiropractic research includes pediatric, prenatal, and family studies published across several decades. The body of evidence varies in design, size, comparison groups, and clinical relevance. We have included direct source links so families can read the underlying material and ask informed questions.
Dr. Devin Reissing and Dr. Jeremy Cerha hold CACCP certification, a post-doctoral pediatric chiropractic credential. The information below is educational. It does not diagnose a condition, prescribe treatment, or replace advice from your pediatrician, OB, midwife, or other qualified clinician.
Pediatric & Infant Care
small randomized trial frequently cited in discussions of infant colic. It does not establish treatment effectiveness.
Wiberg et al., JMPT 1999older report on otitis media that should not be read as evidence that chiropractic treats ear infections.
Fallon, JCCP 1996is a commonly cited description of the light contact used in some infant chiropractic techniques. Technique is individualized after an exam.
ICPA Researchchiropractors in the US hold the CACCP certification (post-doctoral pediatric credential)
Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatricspost-doctoral training hours required to earn CACCP certification
ACCP Certification RequirementsPrenatal & Webster Technique
retrospective practice-based Webster Technique report. It does not establish a fetal-positioning outcome.
Pistolese, JMPT 2002observational report on pregnancy-related back discomfort that should be interpreted with its study limitations.
Borggren, JMWH 2007literature review of chiropractic care for pregnancy-related back discomfort. It does not predict individual results.
Stuber & Smith, JCM 2008of pregnant women experience low back pain during pregnancy
Wu et al., European Spine Journal 2004Nervous System & Neurodevelopment
measured by INSiGHT scanning: heart rate variability, surface EMG, and thermography
CLA INSiGHT Technologydevice-registration status does not establish a diagnosis or a clinical outcome.
FDA 510(k) Databasesystematic review of reported pediatric adverse events, with important limitations in event reporting and risk estimation.
Vohra et al., Pediatrics 2007prospective pediatric chiropractic safety study. Results should be considered alongside a child's individual history and referral needs.
Todd et al., Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 2015Family & General Chiropractic
consumer survey on chiropractic experiences. It is not evidence for treatment of a specific condition.
Consumer Reports Survey 2011of doctoral training required to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree
Council on Chiropractic EducationDr. Devin Reissing graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic — the founding institution of the profession
Palmer College of ChiropracticResearch Questions, Answered
What does research say about chiropractic care for colic in infants?
Published studies on infant colic include small trials and reviews with varied methods and limitations. They do not establish chiropractic care as a treatment for colic. Persistent crying, feeding concerns, fever, poor weight gain, or a change in your baby's condition should be evaluated by a pediatric clinician.
Is there research supporting chiropractic care during pregnancy?
Studies of chiropractic care during pregnancy include observational reports and small clinical studies. Results are not a guarantee of pain, labor, delivery, or fetal-positioning outcomes. Pregnant patients should make care decisions with their OB or midwife and seek prompt medical guidance for new, severe, or changing symptoms.
What does research say about chiropractic care for children with ADHD?
Current evidence does not establish chiropractic care as a treatment for ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions. Families considering chiropractic care should continue evidence-based medical, behavioral, educational, and developmental support and discuss individual concerns with the child's care team.
How safe is chiropractic care for infants and children?
Published pediatric chiropractic literature includes reports of both mild reactions and rare serious adverse events, and its ability to estimate risk is limited by study design and reporting. A child's health history, examination findings, technique, and referral needs should guide whether any chiropractic care is appropriate.
What is the evidence for chiropractic care for ear infections in children?
Small and older chiropractic reports have explored ear-infection symptoms, but they do not establish chiropractic care as a treatment for otitis media. A child with ear pain, fever, drainage, repeated infections, or hearing concerns needs pediatric evaluation and follow-up.
Read the full article →What is INSiGHT scanning and is it validated?
INSiGHT is a chiropractic assessment technology that records heart rate variability, surface electromyography, and thermal patterns. It is not a diagnostic substitute for pediatric, obstetric, neurologic, or other medical evaluation. We use its results as one part of a broader clinical conversation.
A note on research: The studies cited on this page vary in quality, size, and relevance to an individual patient. Chiropractic care at Reissing Health does not diagnose or treat a specific disease or condition, and it does not replace medical care. If you have questions about whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation, call us at (865) 671-0359 or schedule a consultation.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Devin Reissing, DC, CACCP .
Ready to See What the Research Looks Like in Practice?
Dr. Devin Reissing and Dr. Jeremy Cerha can explain how their assessment works, what it may involve, and when another clinician should be part of the conversation. Call (865) 671-0359 or schedule online.