[Spinal manipulation: survey of French medical physicians who graduated with the national diploma of osteopathy from Strasbourg University].
BACKGROUND
The use of spinal manipulation (SM) is widespread, particularly in English-speaking countries, where many studies are published showing its popularity. However, no study exists of the demography and activity of the French medical profession. Our objective was to investigate the use of SM by French doctors in their daily practice.


METHODS
We questioned 234 doctors, general practitioners and specialists who obtained the Inter-Academy of Manual Medicine and Osteopathy Diploma from Strasbourg University between 1985 and 2002.


RESULTS
We obtained a response from 140 physicians: 110 (79%) practiced SM in their daily practice. They considered the technique efficient and used it as a first intention. Approximately one quarter of cases resulted in adverse effects on the back. Most of the doctors (77%) continued their education during their career.


CONCLUSIONS
This first assessment of the practice of physicians trained in a university in manual medicine allows for confirming the respect of good medical practice with regular actualization of knowledge and reasonable outpatient care.
Service de médecine physique et réadaptation, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67098 Strasbourg cedex, France.
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G
Egizii
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Dupeyron
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Vautravers
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires