As we reported in our last issue,1 a recent survey by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Center for Health Statistics2 reveals a number of interesting factors that play a role in the ever-increasing utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (I still don't agree with this phrase), otherwise known as CAM.
These findings easily apply to chiropractic because, with the exception of "nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products" (fish oil, glucosamine, echinacea, etc.), "deep-breathing techniques" and meditation, chiropractic care was used by more adults (18 years and older) and children than any other form of CAM, and effectively addresses those conditions most sought after by adult CAM users. Here are the most popular conditions addressed by chiropractic and their ranking relative to use by adult CAM users, according to the survey:
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The report found that in 2007, 38.3 percent of U.S. adults and 11.8 percent of U.S. children used some form of CAM during the previous 12 months, and use was "more prevalent among women, adults aged 30-69, adults with higher levels of education, adults who were not poor, adults living in the West, former smokers, and adults who were hospitalized in the last year." Likewise, CAM use among children was more likely among those who were 12-17 years old, white and whose parents had a higher level of education.
In addition, this report revealed an interesting factor that had a significant impact on the use of CAM: the ability of an adult or child's family to afford "conventional medical care." According to the report:
These findings shed light on the role that CAM (including chiropractic) plays in the minds of Americans who are concerned about the high cost of medical care. Clearly, those patients who feel they must delay or forgo medical care due to high costs are still utilizing CAM, even though payment for most CAM therapies comes out of their own pocket.
This is an extremely interesting finding that should be noted by the architects of the coming health care reform. Let people vote with their feet (and wallets) and they will vote for chiropractic and other forms of CAM. Almost 40 percent of American adults know what health care they really value and they are willing to pay for it with their own dollars.
Another factor comes into play when considering how to increase the use of CAM and chiropractic care for children. Children whose parents were already CAM users "were almost five times as likely (23.9 percent) to use CAM as children whose parents did not use CAM (5.1 percent)." This observation gives us direction as we look ahead to our future. Many DCs who have been in practice for decades in their community can testify to the fact that children who use chiropractic continue to do so as adults, and teach their children about the importance of chiropractic.
Simple multiplication suggests that the most important thing a doctor of chiropractic can do is to communicate the importance of chiropractic care for children to their adult patients. Teaching parents and children about chiropractic is vital to the health and welfare of our country.
And there you have it: Another survey emphasizing that chiropractic (and CAM) play a vital role in U.S. health care, regardless of whether people can afford medical care. To review the survey findings, visit the Web links referenced below.
References
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
