A new analysis compares chiropractic patients with medical patients. Specifically, it looks at modifiable risk factors of chronic disease in the two groups.Researchers pooled data from the National Health Interview Survey 2005 adult sample, which comprised 31,248 people. They determined that, during the past 12 months, 9.3% had seen a chiropractor. Of these, 21.4% did not see a medical doctor.

“Comparing chiropractor-only with medical doctor-only patients, we found no significant difference in smoking/alcohol consumption status, but chiropractor-only patients were more likely to be physically active … and less likely to be obese.”

The study’s authors conclude: “Based on these analyses, Americans seem to be using chiropractic care for acute neck and low back pain more so than for other health conditions. However, there is no marked difference in their overall health promotion habits and changes in overall general health based on health care provider types.”

JMPT – July 2009;32:414-22.

www.jmptonline.org