Characteristics of chiropractors who manage people aged 65 and older: A nationally representative sample of 1903 chiropractors

Abstract

Objective To examine the prevalence and profile of chiropractors who frequently manage people aged 65 years and older. Methods A national cross‐sectional survey collected practitioner characteristics, practice settings and clinical management characteristics. Multiple logistic regression was conducted on 1903 chiropractors to determine the factors associated with the frequent treatment of people 65 years and older. Results In total, 73.5% of participants report “often” treating those aged 65 years and older. These chiropractors were associated with treating degenerative spine conditions (OR [odds ratio] 2.25; 95% [confidence interval] CI 1.72‐2.94), working in a non‐urban area (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.35‐2.54), treating low back pain (referred/radicular) (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.26‐2.40) and lower limb musculoskeletal disorders (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.15‐1.96). Conclusions The majority of chiropractors report often providing treatment to older people. Our findings call for more research to better understand older patient complaints that are common to chiropractic practice and the care provided by chiropractors for this patient group.

The profile of older adults seeking chiropractic care: a secondary analysis

“…Globally, the median annual utilisation of chiropractic services is 9% [16], which increases to 15% in older adults [17]. In Australia, 73% of chiropractors report regularly treating adults aged older than 65 years [18] and, of patients who present to a chiropractor, 12% are aged older than 65 years [19]. In Canada, there is a higher proportion of older chiropractic patients and 19% of patients are older than 65 years [20].…”

BAck complaints in the elders - chiropractic (BACE-C): protocol of an international cohort study of older adults with low back pain seeking chiropractic care

“…Chiropractors provide a significant portion of care for patients with low back pain [10], and care from chiropractors in the younger and older population appears to be safe and effective [11][12][13]. Unfortunately, existing trials have typically included only younger adults with low back pain, and exclude older adults for various complicating reasons, such as comorbidity and polypharmacy [14,15].…”

“…As a significant proportion of chiropractors treat older adults [11], it is important to understand the course and characteristics of low back pain in older adults under this care. Perhaps more importantly, chiropractic care may delay functional decline in older adults and improve self-rated health [12,13].…”

BAck Complaints in the Elders - Chiropractic (BACE-C): Design of a cohort study in chiropractic care

“…Chiropractors provide a significant portion of care for patients with low back pain (10), and care from chiropractors in the younger and older population appears to be safe and effective (16)(17)(18). Unfortunately, existing trials have typically included only younger adults with low back pain, and exclude older adults for various complicating reasons, such as comorbidity and polypharmacy (19)(20)(21).…”

“…Unfortunately, existing trials have typically included only younger adults with low back pain, and exclude older adults for various complicating reasons, such as comorbidity and polypharmacy (19)(20)(21). As a significant proportion of chiropractors treat older adults (16), it is important to understand the course and characteristics of low back pain in older adults under this care. Perhaps more importantly, chiropractic care may delay functional decline in older adults and improve self-rated health (17,18).…”