December 2006

Chiropractic tops alternative care options in Michigan

Chiropractic care tops the list of alternative care options offered by Michigan employers, according to the 2006 “Controlling Health Care Costs Study” conducted by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Nearly three-quarters of responding companies report that their employees use one or more alternative care options, and of these more than half offered chiropractic care.

This is the second year the Chamber has asked the question of chiropractic in the workplace on its annual survey, and the results have been positive for the profession. This year’s number of businesses offering chiropractic care improves on last year’s by 15 percent (57 percent over 42 percent), surprising researchers at the inroads of chiropractic in Michigan’s health care delivery system.

“This is a great sign for the future of chiropractic,” says MCA president Sam Caruso, DC. “It should be no surprise that chiropractic is leading the way on all fronts. The survey results point out what we’ve known for years — that the public is looking for an improved method of health care.”

MCS leaders concur.

“These numbers are so telling in today’s competitive economy,” says Christophe Dean, DC, president of the MCS. “Businesses are desperate for ways to cut their health care costs and they are turning to DCs for help. I’m confident that chiropractic will continue to be the leader in alternative health care.”

The survey of 134 Michigan leaders said:

• Half of Michigan’s employers (50 percent) plan to implement an employee wellness plan in the next two years, such as a nutrition program, exercise, smoking cessation or chronic disease management.

• Almost three-quarters (72 percent) of the responding companies report that their employees use one or more alternative care options. Of these, chiropractic continues to be the most popular option in this category, offered by 57 percent of the responding companies.

• About one in eight (12 percent) of respondents offer massage therapy. Only about 2 percent report that they offer acupuncture as an option, down from 9 percent in 2005.

• Almost two-thirds of employers (62 percent) are concerned about their employees’ smoking than any other employee health habit.

• Almost as many employers (60 percent) are worried about their employees’ lack of exercise.

• More than half (57 percent) are worried about employees’ obesity.

• Alcohol and drug use concerns 26 percent of employers.

Sources: Michigan Chiropractic Association, Michigan Chiropractic Society, Michigan Chamber of Commerce

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