Medicare beneficiaries reported good relief of symptoms and high degrees of satisfaction with the chiropractic care they received. 87% of patients surveyed gave their doctor of chiropractic a score of 8 or higher when asked to rate their satisfaction with care (1-10 scale), and 56% rated their chiropractor a perfect 10. 60% of survey respondents indicated that they received 'complete' or 'a lot of' relief of symptoms from their chiropractic treatments." Demonstration of Coverage for Chiropractic Services Under Medicare, March, 2010.
"This study suggests chiropractic management as less expensive compared with medical management of back pain when care extends beyond primary care. Primary care management alone is virtually indistinguishable from chiropractic management in terms of costs." Journal of Manipulative & Physiologic Therapeutics, December, 2009.
"60% of respondents indicated that they received "complete" or "a lot" of relief of symptoms from their chiropractic treatments. Satisfaction with care was high, with 87% reporting levels of 8 or higher on a 10-point scale and 56% indicting a perfect score of 10. Chiropractic care was felt to be easily accessible, and nearly 95% of respondents indicated that they had to wait no more than one week for appointments. Similarly high proportions reported that chiropractors listened carefully and spent sufficient time with them." Report to Congress on the Evaluation of the Demonstration of Coverage of Chiropractic Services Under Medicare, June, 2009.
In a survey of 14,000 Consumer Reports subscribers, treatment ratings for lower back pain were generated relative to the different health care practitioners. Many go to a primary care physician first for diagnosis and treatment and the majority are disappointed with the results. On the other hand, 59% reported that they were "highly satisfied" with the care they received from chiropractors. The next highest rated practitioners were physical therapists (55%) and acupuncturists (53%), followed by "specialized" physicians (44%) and primary care physicians (34%). Consumer Reports, May, 2009.
A demonstration project was conducted relative to the usage of chiropractic care in Medicare. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) did a formal evaluation of the project which lasted 18 months ending in March , 2007. "Chiropractic recipients reported positive reactions to the chiropractic care they received in terms of relief of symptoms and satisfaction with care." Letter from Michael Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, October, 2008.
"All patients reported high levels of satisfaction."...with effectiveness of care, effectiveness of the doctor through listening and knowledge, with understandable information, and a proactive approach to resolving the problem. Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, 2008.
Listed under Mayo Clinic's top 10 Complementary Therapies is spinal manipulation. One of the criteria used at the world-renowned Clinic is "...Does it positively affect not only patients, but also those with whom they interact. The calming influence of several complementary treatments,...promotes a feeling of relaxation and well being that helps bring harmony to one's interactions with family and friends." Listed under BEST TREATMENTS is "Spinal Manipulation. Practiced by chiropractors,...this hands-on technique adjusts the spine to properly align the vertebrae with muscles, joints and nerves. Positive, supportive relationships, in turn, are believed to help speed recovery from many types of illness." Mayo Clinic's Top 10 Complementary Therapies, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Amit Sood,M.D., 2008.
"Given the prevalence, research documentation, relative safety, uniform licensure and accreditation, cost-effectiveness, and high patient satisfaction observed in the chiropractic management of musculoskeletal pain, the choice of chiropractic care as an alternative in the treatment of cancer pain becomes highly attractive one." Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 2005
"On a scale from 1 to 10 where... 10 represents very confident, 42% rated the treatment as a 10, and 78% rated it as an 8 or better. Ninety percent would definitely recommend it for their family and friends, and 93% were sure they would return for care." Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, 2005
"Acute and chronic chiropractic patients experienced better outcomes in pain, functional disability, and patient satisfaction ..." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, October 2005.
"Survey results indicate that chiropractic patients are more likely than patients of family physicians to be very satisfied with: their low back pain and care, the amount of information provided by their caregiver, the amount of time spent by the caregiver, the caregiver’s understanding of and concern about the patient’s pain, and the caregiver’s confidence in the diagnosis." Research Dimensions Inc, 1996.
"Compared to those who sought care from medical doctors, those who sought care from chiropractors were more likely to feel that treatment was helpful, more likely to be satisfied with their care…" Spine, 1996.
"The survey revealed that 70% of the general public feels that chiropractic care should be a basic benefit of their healthcare plan. Direct access to a chiropractic without first having to see another doctor was supported by 62% of the public." Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, 1994.
"In numerous cases, respondents indicate that they depend on their medical care to ‘function’ and report extensive traditional medical treatments failed to relieve their problem or condition." Research Dimensions Inc, 1994.
"This study found the use of unconventional or alternative healthcare, including chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy, to be far higher than previously reported. In all, Americans made more visits to providers of alternative therapy than to traditional healthcare providers." The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993.
"In a survey of 376 chiropractic patients in Minnesota and Wisconsin, high levels of satisfaction with their doctors and the care they received was noted. 84% of chiropractic patients stated their care was "… just about perfect." 97% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "I would recommend this doctor to a friend or relative." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1993.
"Chiropractors are highly trained in the discipline and highly aware of the serious underlying diseases that could cause their patients (and their own reputation) great harm if ignored." A growing acceptance of the benefits of chiropractic care among representatives of medical profession are reflected in this article." The Journal of Family Practice, 1992.
"Nearly 30% of the U.S. population ages 18 and older have used chiropractic. 68% of those who have seen a chiropractor would be likely to do so again. When asked why they would return to a chiropractor, 72% responded that chiropractic treatment worked. 58% of those who have used chiropractic considered it an essential part of their health insurance package." The Gallup Organization, 1991.