Today's chiropractors are divided into two major camps. On one side are the straights-traditional chiropractors who believe that subluxations are at the root of disease and that manipulation is the best treatment. On the other side are the so-called mixers, whose approach represents a mix of traditional and progressive techniques. Chiropractic is gaining wider acceptance. Recent clinical studies show that chiropractic is effective in treating a variety of problems such as acute lower back pain and headache.
Surveys show that more and more people are turning to chiropractic services.
This study by the Rand Corporation found that 46 percent of a sample of low-back pain patients received appropriate care from doctors of chiropractic. Poll results released in January 1998 by Landmark Healthcare, Inc., showed that one in every five adults ages 55 to 64 has used chiropractic care. Another study found that median work time lost for employees with back injuries who used chiropractic care was only 9 days as compared with 34.5 days for workers who used medical care. Successful outcomes in both effectiveness and patient satisfaction, have paved the way for chiropractors to enter the mainstream of health care services. Some chiropractors have begun to collaborate with medical doctors in integrated health care practices.