Who uses alternative theraphies?The National MS Society funded the Frontier Science & Technology Research Foundation to collect information about the use of alternative therapies by people with MS--and the results were published in the February issue of Neurology neurology (n  rŏl`əjē, ny–), study of the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human nervous system. .
"We needed to have a better perspective on this controversial and very rapidly growing area of health care," said Dr. Nick LaRocca Dominic James "Nick" La Rocca (born April 11, 1889 in New Orleans, Louisiana – died February 22 1961 in New Orleans) was an early jazz cornetist and trumpeter and the leader of the Original Dixieland Jass Band. , director of the Society's Health Care Delivery and Policy Research Program. Frontier's investigators homed in on Colorado because a local social service organization, MS Community Resources, had a comprehensive database of people with MS in that state. Surveys were sent to 807 people. Almost three-quarters (71%) replied. Of them, one-third had used an alternative therapy in the previous 6 months. Massage was the most popular, closely followed by chiropractic chiropractic (kīrəprăk`tĭk) [Gr.,=doing by hand], medical practice based on the theory that all disease results from a disruption of the functions of the nerves. . Then came nutritional, holistic Holistic A practice of medicine that focuses on the whole patient, and addresses the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of a patient as well as their physical treatment. Mentioned in: Aromatherapy, Stress Reduction, Traditional Chinese Medicine , herbal herbal, early botanical book containing descriptions and illustrations of herbs and plants with their properties, chiefly those qualities that made them useful as medicines or condiments. Most of the herbals were written between c.1470 and c. , healing touch, and acupuncture acupuncture (ăk`y pŭng'chər), technique of traditional Chinese medicine, in which a number of very fine metal needles are inserted into the skin at specially designated points. treatments. Insurance reimbursement ReimbursementPayment made to someone for out-of-pocket expenses has incurred. did not mirror this pattern. Chiropractic was most likely to be covered by insurance, with 25% of the reported visits being reimbursed. Massage (at 6% reimbursed) and acupuncture (at 5%) were near the bottom of the list. Who uses these therapies, which are sometimes called "unconventional" and increasingly referred to as "complementary"? "Users represent a virtual cross section of the population. I'd call them the health seekers," Dr. LaRocca said. The data showed they were more likely to practice preventive health measures, such as walking to keep in shape. They were also more likely to have incomes of $50,000 or more, to have higher levels of education, to be women, to have more MS symptoms, and to have at least one health problem in addition to MS. It was clear that most users viewed these therapies as an add-on to their regular medical care--not as an alter native to it. Those using these therapies received conventional outpatient care more often than those who did not. "That's very good news," Dr. LaRocca commented. "While cost/benefit calculations weren't a formal part of this study, the Society believes that adults with a chronic disease are free to follow any practice that helps them feel better as long as they understand the risks and the cost, don't abandon their regular treatment, and keep their primary medical caregiver care·giv·er n. 1. An individual, such as a physician, nurse, or social worker, who assists in the identification, prevention, or treatment of an illness or disability. 2. informed." For help in evaluating alternatives, call 1-800-FIGHT MS, option #1, and ask about the Society's booklet "Clear Thinking About Alternative Therapies". |
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