Research

1. Status and Recognition of Chiropractic Care
2. Posture
3. Headaches
4. Back Pain (Acute, Chronic, and General)
5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
6. Fibromyalgia
7. Infantile Colic
8. Childhood Ear Infections
9. Elderly
10. Pregnancy

Status and Recognition of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic is now firmly rooted in the public consciousness as a primary agent of health care management. According to a 1990 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the number of visits to non-medical health care providers in 1990 totaled 425 million, 9.5% more than the total number of visits to all family physicians (Eisenberg et al.1993). A follow-up study determined that, in 1997, total visits to non-medical providers amounted to 629 million, exceeding the total projected visits to all primary care physicians by 63% (Eisenberg et al. 1998). Moreover, a 1998 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported chiropractic as the most used non-medical treatment (15.7%) (Astin 1998).

The change in consumer preferences for health care is reflected in health insurance coverage. Specifically, a 1999 study found that coverage of chiropractic care is "offered by nearly two-thirds of all HMOs (65%)" (Landmark 1999, 14). When surveyed concerning their policies toward alternative 1 therapies, 43% of HMO representatives reported that they "do not regard chiropractic as an alternative therapy" but as a form of mainstream health care (11).

RAND , a prestigious nonprofit research organization and "think tank," has conducted several studies of chiropractic. Dr. Paul Shekelle, a medical doctor and a researcher for RAND , stated: "Instead of thinking of chiropractic as an alternative or some kind of therapy separate from other health care, we really should consider it equivalent" (Qtd. in Brin 1998).

Widespread consumer use of chiropractic care and its documented effectiveness have flagged the profession for major studies by governments and other organizations throughout the United States , Canada , Europe , and other areas of the world. Some of the significant studies and other inquiries are reported herein.

1 In consideration of these data and because chiropractors represent the third largest primary health care profession (surpassed in numbers only by medical and dental practitioners), the chiropractic community and those served by the profession do not generally apply the terms "alternative" or "unconventional" as descriptors of chiropractic care. Where these terms do appear in this brochure, they are utilized by authors of a particular study.

• Astin, John A. 1998. "Why Patients Use Alternative Medicine." Journal of the American Medical Association 279, no. 19: 1548-1553.
• Brin, Dinah Wisenberg, July 2 1998 , "Study Credits Chiropractors with Right Procedures," The Scranton Times , 14+.
• Cherkin, Daniel C., and Frederick A. MacCornack. 1989. "Patient Evaluations of Low Back Pain Care from Family Physicians and Chiropractors." Western Journal of Medicine 150 (March): 351-355.
• "Chiropractors File Supreme Court Response to AMA's Requests for Review." 1990. Press Release. November 5. Chicago , Illinois .
• DiFabio, R.P. 1992. "Efficacy of Manual Therapy." Physical Therapy 72, no. 12: 853-864.
• Eisenberg, David M., Roger B. Davis, Susan L. Ettner, Scott Appel, Sonja Wilkey, Maria Van Rompay, and Ronald C. Kessler. 1998. "Trends in Alternative Medicine Use in the United States, 1990-1997: Results of a Follow-up National Survey." Journal of the American Medical Association 280, no. 18: 1569-1575.
• Eisenberg, David M., Ronald C. Kessler, Cindy Foster, Francis E. Norlock, Dav R. Calkins, and Thomas L. Delbanco. 1993. "Unconventional Medicine in the United States ." New England Journal of Medicine 328, no. 4: 246-252.
• Landmark Healthcare, Inc. 1998. The Landmark Report on Public Perceptions of Alternative Care. Sacramento , CA : Landmark Healthcare, Inc.
• Landmark Healthcare, Inc. 1999. The Landmark Report II on HMOs and Alternative Care. Sacramento , CA :Landmark Healthcare, Inc.
• Ottenbacher et al. 1985. "Efficacy of Spinal Manipulation/Mobilization Therapy: A Meta-analysis. Spine 10, no. 9: 833-837.

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Posture

 "Posture affects every physiologic function from breathing to hormonal production.  Spinal pain, headaches, mood, blood pressure, pulse and lung capacity are among the functions most easily influenced by posture."A.J.P.M. 1994; 4(1):36

• Good posture is a life-long habit worth developing. It is simple and do-able, something that's good for you and easy to do whether you're working at your desk, driving your car, shopping for groceries, or lying in your bed.
  
  The benefits of good posture are numerous - for example, it can prevent injury, aid in breathing, save your energy, lessen your stress level, and improve digestion. Plus, it simply makes you feel and look better.

  Why it's important

  "Posture" is essentially the position of the body. "Good posture" means your bones are aligned in such a way that there is minimal stress or tension. This proper alignment allows your muscles, joints, and ligaments to work smoothly. Good posture also enables your vital organs to be positioned properly so that they can function at peak efficiency.
  
  Without good posture, your overall health may be compromised. Long-term effects of poor posture can include poor digestion, labored breathing, and stressed muscles, joints, and ligaments. This can eventually lead to an inability to work efficiently or move properly.

  What causes poor posture
  
  • Accidents, injuries, falls
  • Careless sitting, standing, sleeping habits
  • Poorly designed work space
  • Foot problems or improper shoes
  • Inadequate mattress support
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle imbalance
  • Excess weight
  • Respiratory difficulties
  • Visual difficulties
  • Emotional difficulties (e.g., low self-esteem)
  • Occupational stress