Attitudes Toward Chiropractic: A Survey of Canadian Obstetricians.
We assessed the attitudes of Canadian obstetricians toward chiropractic with a 38-item cross-sectional survey. Ninety-one obstetricians completed the survey, for a response rate of 14% (91 of 659). Overall, 30% of respondents held positive views toward chiropractic, 37% were neutral, and 33% reported negative views. Most (77%) reported that chiropractic care was effective for some musculoskeletal complaints, but 74% disagreed that chiropractic had a role in treatment of non-musculoskeletal conditions. Forty percent of respondents referred at least some patients for chiropractic care each year, and 56% were interested in learning more about chiropractic care. Written comments from respondents revealed concerns regarding safety of spinal manipulation and variability among chiropractors. Canadian obstetricians' attitudes toward chiropractic are diverse and referrals to chiropractic care for their patients who suffer from pregnancy-related low back pain are limited. Improved interprofessional relations may help optimize care of pregnant patients suffering from low back pain.
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada cweis@cmcc.ca.
Carol Ann
CA
Weis
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Kent
K
Stuber
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Jon
J
Barrett
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Alexandra
A
Greco
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Alexander
A
Kipershlak
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Tierney
T
Glenn
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Ryan
R
Desjardins
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Jennifer
J
Nash
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Jason
J
Busse
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D026882:Manipulation, Chiropractic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009774:Obstetrics; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy
chiropractic; complementary therapies; low back pain; manipulation; obstetric; pregnancy; spinal manipulation