Q: It seems there is a chiropractor or massage therapist on every main street in the country. Why have these alternative health care providers become so popular?

A: A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, defined the role of (CAM) therapies, (complementary and alternative medical therapies). The CAM therapies include massage and chiropractic as the two must widely sought CAM treatments.

The most revealing statistic was the effectiveness of alternative forms of care on the 10 most commonly reported ailments. Alternative care providers came out on top more often. "CAM Therapy" was considered better for back conditions, arthritis, headaches and neck conditions. Conventional medical care was considered superior for only hypertension.

The study, which questioned a sample group of 2,055 people, identified trends and consumer perceptions of health care. The bottom line reasons you see chiropractors and massage therapists on every street corner is they make a substantial improvement for their patient’s overall health and well being.

The summary of the study determined that consumers are increasingly using alternative care to address current ailments and improve overall health. It also stated consumers are spending their own money for chiropractic and other forms of alternative care and are becoming more responsible for choosing which care is most appropriate for them. The trend is taking place in all parts of our society, is growing, and younger people will be driving this trend well into the future.

Medical doctors are no longer the dictators of health; they are just another team member.