Misinformation, chiropractic, and the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Integrative Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020, prompting global public health measures.
• Strategies included hygiene practices, social distancing, and stay-at-home orders to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.
• The long-term health and economic impacts of the pandemic remain uncertain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate unsubstantiated claims made by some chiropractors regarding chiropractic treatment's effect on COVID-19.
• To analyze the spread of misinformation linking spinal manipulation to improved immunity against the coronavirus.
• To discuss the potential harms of such claims and the responsibilities of the chiropractic profession.

Main Methods:

• Conducted internet and social media searches to identify chiropractic claims about COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
• Collected examples of misinformation from various geographic regions including Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Reviewed the scientific evidence base for claims related to chiropractic care and immune function.

Main Results:

• Identified numerous social media claims by chiropractors asserting that chiropractic treatment can prevent or impact COVID-19.
• Found no clinically relevant scientific evidence to support the rationale that spinal manipulation enhances immunity or affects the coronavirus.
• Observed that these claims often derive from historical chiropractic theories rather than current scientific understanding.

Conclusions:

• Chiropractors have a professional responsibility to prioritize patient well-being and public health.
• The chiropractic profession must address and eliminate unethical and potentially harmful claims about COVID-19.
• Stakeholders in chiropractic should act to ensure practice aligns with scientific evidence and ethical standards.