Thanks to all for responses. To summarise my feelings on the matter: 1) This prime issue around chiropractic (and other pseudosciences) is the adherence to a belief system. In the case of chiro. it is based on the theory that health is controlled through minimal spinal subluxations and their effect on spinal nerves. Because the entire "profession" rests on this theory it cannot be critically appraised by it's followers lest the whole thing fall down. In contrast, "traditional" MDs should not adhere to theories/treatments that no longer stand up to scrutiny - I have accordingly given up on blood letting, thymic irradiation, theophylline for asthma (except in unusual circumstances) etc etc. - you get the point. By the same token, I will gladly use any method of treatment that has been substantiated and found safe by a rational scientific process, whether it is Ginko Baloba, kava kava, Efalex, or any other "treatment" du jour. 2) I want parents to choose between "conventional" medicine and the mumbo jumbo being offered by the chiropractor. If this is not made clear then I am tacitly collaborating in a treatment program that I know to be of no value and fraudulent. This also applies to refloxology, iridology and whatever else is popular tomorrow. 3) I try to offer parents a clear understanding of a condition and it's natural history, not cook up some nonsense about spinal nerve and subluxations. Most OM will resolve although I can prevent mastoiditis and other complications with antibiotics where this is appropriate. Colic always does resolve, with or without an expensive back rub. 4) Take a look at the chiropractic literature on colic and otitis (as examples) and see an incredible paucity of any studies. The studies on Medline are so woefully inadequate they are laughable (retrospective, anecdotal, uncontrolled, non-randomised, unblinded and so on). "Isn't it amazing how some people will embrace a ludicrous delusion rather than face a bleak truth" - paraphrased from "Calvin and Hobbes" - my heroes. Have a good New Year, one and all. Steve Steve Wainer MD FRCPC Calgary