• Smith DL
• Spaulding B
• Ensminger P
• McMichael A
• Malaya CA
• Smith JP

• Analgesics
• Chiropractic / Ohio
• Ohio State Chiropractic Association
• Open Access Document
• Pharmacology

Objective: This study assessed self-reported changes of analgesic and musculoskeletal medication use (prescription and over-the-counter) with chiropractic care among patients of Ohio State Chiropractic Association chiropractors.

Methods: Participant demographics, perspectives on medication use, and chiropractic care were captured using an online survey. Descriptive statistics were compiled for all completed surveys (n=207).

Results: Most patients were female, under care more than 6 months, and averaged 2.8 visits in the previous month. Care was mostly for low-back, neck, and mid-back problems. A large majority of patients rated moderate to complete reduction in analgesic and musculoskeletal medication and believed that chiropractic care improved quality of life. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the most reduced class of medication.

Conclusion: Care should be taken in interpreting these results, as respondents may not be representative of all chiropractic patients across all states and countries; however, these results suggest that chiropractic care can aid in reducing analgesic and musculoskeletal medications, particularly NSAIDs, as well as in achieving health-related goals.

Author keywords: Chiropractic; Analgesics; Musculoskeletal Medications; Nonpharmacologic; Survey

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