All posts by Clay Jones

Clay Jones, M.D. is a pediatrician and a regular contributor to the Science-Based Medicine blog. He primarily cares for healthy newborns and hospitalized children, and devotes his full time to educating pediatric residents and medical students. Dr. Jones first became aware of and interested in the incursion of pseudoscience into his chosen profession while completing his pediatric residency at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital a decade ago. He has since focused his efforts on teaching the application of critical thinking and scientific skepticism to the practice of pediatric medicine. Dr. Jones has no conflicts of interest to disclose and no ties to the pharmaceutical industry. He can be found on Twitter as @SBMPediatrics and is the co-host of The Prism Podcast with fellow SBM contributor Grant Ritchey. The comments expressed by Dr. Jones are his own and do not represent the views or opinions of Newton-Wellesley Hospital or its administration.

The Guardian and the “Cult” of Online Chiropractic

Over the past few years, a handful of chiropractors have gone viral because of aggressive neck adjustments that make a loud crack and provide a quick thrill for viewers of their YouTube videos. A recent article in The Guardian discussed the phenomenon, but it doesn't go far enough.

/ December 25, 2020

Chiropractic Management of a Newborn with Abnormal Oxygen Levels

A recently published case report documents chiropractic management of a newborn with low oxygen levels and yes, it's as terrible as you imagine.

/ November 13, 2020

Chiropractic, Chiropractic for Kids, and a Few of My Greatest Hits

A few thoughts on chiropractic and the evolution of my feelings on the subject. Also, a bit of a walk down memory lane with highlights of my most memorable posts on pediatric chiropractic quackery.

/ October 30, 2020

Science-Based Satire: More Parents Relying on Fetal Body Language Analysis

Are worried parents-to-be seeking out the services of fetal body language analysis experts? Is body language a scientifically proven window into our secret thoughts and desires? Is this just satire? Obviously it is, because I've got a closed-lip grin on my face and I haven't blinked this entire time.

/ October 2, 2020

ZShield: Unproven Protection from SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Especially for Kids

If it seems to good to be true, it probably is. And ZShield face shields being marketed to the general public certainly fits that description, especially when it comes to their use by children.

/ September 18, 2020

Did the “Benadryl Challenge” Kill an Oklahoma Teen?

Did a dangerous new TikTok "challenge" result in the death of a 15-year-old teenager from Oklahoma? Probably not, but Benadryl is still a bad drug and parents should discuss the dangers of social media with their young children.

/ September 4, 2020

CDC Issues Warning: Be on the Lookout for a Surge in Pediatric Paralysis Cases This Fall

The CDC is warning parents and pediatric medical professionals to be on the lookout for a potentially devastating viral disease this fall. It isn't the novel coronavirus, but the impact of the pandemic might make things worse...or better.

/ August 21, 2020

Science-Based Satire: Area Child Killed by Unwieldy Backpack

Was a child recently murdered by a heavy backpack? Do unwieldy backpacks cause scoliosis and long term general health problems? Should we care what chiropractors have to say about pediatric spinal health? No. This isn't remotely true and honestly I'm a little surprised that you would even ask me that. It's satire.

/ August 7, 2020

Emerging Evidence of Intrauterine SARS-CoV-2 Infections

New evidence supports the potential for intrauterine spread of SARS-CoV-2 to a developing fetus. It's uncommon, but something to take seriously. Also some good news from the AAP regarding the care of babies born to mothers with COVID-19!

/ July 24, 2020