Multivariable Analysis of Perceived Improvement after Use of the 6 Most Frequently Used Complementary and Alternative Medicine Modalities for Back Pain*
| Predictors | Adjusted Odds Ratio (95% CI) |
|---|---|
| Sociodemographic | |
| Age | |
| <30 | 0.85 (0.59–1.22) |
| 30–39 | Reference |
| 40–49 | 1.02 (0.75–1.4) |
| 50–64 | 1.15 (0.82–1.62) |
| ≥65 | 1.07 (0.71–1.61) |
| Sex | |
| Male | Reference |
| Female | 1.22 (0.96–1.54) |
| Race | |
| White | Reference |
| Non-white | 0.85 (0.6–1.22) |
| Self-reported health status | |
| Excellent/very good/good | Reference |
| Fair/poor | 0.58 (0.41–0.82) |
| Reasons for CAM use | |
| Patients stated conventional medical treatment would not help | |
| Yes | 1.46 (1.14–1.86) |
| No | Reference |
| Conventional medical practitioner suggest CAM to their patients | |
| Yes | 0.7 (0.54–0.92) |
| No | Reference |
| CAM modalities | |
| Chiropractic | Reference |
| Acupuncture | 0.71 (0.37–1.38) |
| Herbal therapies | 0.3 (0.19–0.46) |
| Massage | 0.62 (0.46–0.83) |
| Yoga, tai chi, qi gong | 0.71 (0.41–1.22) |
| Relaxation techniques | 0.25 (0.14–0.45) |
* Controlling for type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy.