Survey Shows Young Adults More Willing to Choose Chiropractic Care

The title above is from a November 16, 2021, release published by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, (F4CP) reporting on a survey that puts chiropractic in a positive light.

The F4CP statement begins by noting, "More than half (53%) of young adults (ages 18-32) would be more willing to choose a doctor of chiropractic (DC) for treatment of neck or back pain instead of a medical doctor, such as a primary care doctor or an orthopedist, according to a recent survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults conducted online by The Harris Poll and commissioned by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), a nonprofit dedicated to informing and educating the general public about the value of chiropractic care."

One of the questions that was asked was, "If you were experiencing neck or back pain, would you be more willing to see a doctor of chiropractic (DC) or a medical doctor (e.g., primary care physician or orthopedist) for treatment?"

In responding to that question, the survey did note that age was a factor in the decision to see a chiropractor. Respondents ages 18-24, in the "Gen Z" group chose chiropractic 54% of the time. Those age 25-32, known as "Millennials" chose chiropractic 52% of the time. This is in contrast to the older "Baby Boomers" ages 57-75 who on 35% of the time said they would choose a chiropractor.

There was also a difference seen with employment status. Employed Americans would choose a chiropractor about half the time (48%) compared to 39% for those Americans who were unemployed.

There was also a regional difference in who would see a chiropractor with a higher percentage of those living in the western U.S. (49%) preferring a chiropractor to just 40% of adults who live in the northeastern part of the country.

In response to the survey, Dr. Sherry McAllister, a chiropractor and president of F4CP commented. "After more than two decades of the nation's opioid crisis, it is not surprising that younger Americans would choose effective, drug-free and non-invasive chiropractic care to manage neck and back pain and avoid risky and costly surgical approaches." She continued, "Not only is chiropractic care safer, but research has shown time and again that patients of all ages who visit a DC have fewer opioid prescriptions and less usage."

Although it is impressive to see that younger Americans prefer chiropractic for issues such as back and neck pain, recent prior studies go beyond this, showing that younger adults in general are leaning more toward holistic and wellness healthcare in general.

"We are very encouraged to see our youth seeking natural, drug-free care first," said Dr. McAllister. "Hopefully, the awareness of the effective, long-term pain relief and mobility benefits of chiropractic care will continue throughout their life not only to relieve neck and back pain, but also to focus on holistic wellness."

In concluding her remarks on the survey, Dr. McAllister states, "As healthcare continues to evolve toward less-invasive, more holistic care methods focused on wellness versus illness, chiropractic care is well-positioned to continue this growth trend as a firstline care choice of workers across the U.S. and the world."