health care decisions; and (3) the alternatives are seen as more
compatible with the patient’s values, worldview, or beliefs
regarding the nature and meaning of health and wellness.
Additional predictor variables explored included demographics and
health status.” The conclusion of the study was quite
interesting. “Along with being more educated and reporting
poorer health status, the majority of alternative medicine users
appear to be doing so not so much as a result of being
dissatisfied with conventional medicine but largely because they
find these health care alternatives to be more congruent with
their own values, beliefs, and philosophical orientations toward
health and life.” (JAMA, 1998).
Chiropractic, as one of the alternative medicine options,
has proven to be a valuable and viable form of treatment for many
common ailments. It is a relatively painless method for
controlling pain as well as providing long-term relief from
specific symptoms. In support of this proposition: “…the
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research which is an arm of the
U.S. Department of Human Services, developed a clinical practice
guideline for acute low back pain: they looked at the quality and
quantity of research backing common treatments. In the final
guideline, the multidisciplinary panel found that for patients
with acute low back symptoms without radiculopathy (irritation of
the spinal nerve root), the scientific evidence suggests spinal
manipulation is effective in reducing pain and perhaps speeding
recovery within the first month of symptoms.’” (Health Ways,
1998).
Chiropractic is much less costly than traditional medication
and because of its non-invasive nature, recovery is generally
much quicker. Users of chiropractic find that this form of
treatment is more consistent with preventative health patterns
and practices. There is a very low occurrence of side effects and
risk involved compared to traditional medical treatment, which
includes oral medication and surgery. Chiropractic is supported
by a good deal of evidence as mentioned above. Supporters of
Chiropractic would be likely to promote that one should prevent
disease and illness through spinal adjustments, and resort to
drugs as a secondary option to regaining health, and surgery as a
last resort. Society has come to recognize the benefits that
alternative medicine provides. Insurance companies are slowly
coming to the realization of the efficacy and the health benefits
that alternative medicine has to offer. The only way to persuade
the insurance companies to provide coverage is for the users to
voice their opinions.