Use of CAM and Conventional Treatments for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Majid Artus, Peter Croft, Martyn Lewis
Primary Institution: Primary Care Musculoskeletal Research Centre, Keele University
Hypothesis
Patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain consulting primary care will have a higher prevalence of CAM use than general population samples.
Conclusion
Most primary care patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain have used CAM in the past year, often in combination with conventional treatments.
Supporting Evidence
- 84% of participants reported using at least one CAM treatment in the previous year.
- 65% of CAM users were current users.
- 111 participants (80%) reported using conventional treatment.
- 69% of participants used both CAM and conventional treatments.
Takeaway
Many people with long-term pain go to the doctor and also try alternative treatments like herbal remedies or acupuncture to feel better.
Methodology
Face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients who reported chronic musculoskeletal pain and had consulted primary care in the past year.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been reluctant to disclose CAM use to a doctor, potentially underreporting their use.
Limitations
The study may not represent all patients with chronic pain, as it only included those who consulted primary care.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 55 males (40%) and 83 females (60%), with ages ranging from 18 to over 70.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 78% – 90%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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