Comparison of Conventional Medicines and Complementary-Alternative Therapy Utilization on Musculoskeletal Pain

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze the utilization patterns and choices of complementary-alternative therapies (CAT) compared to conventional medicines for relieving musculoskeletal pain. The research design was a descriptive study by questionnaire. 300 subjects were chosen by convenient sampling in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province from May, 2nd to June, 15th, 2011. Excluding 17 poor responses, 283 data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test by SPSS 18.0 program. Among the respondents, 87.3% experienced mild pain and the three major pain regions were the lumbar (26.9%), shoulder (24.4%) and neck region (20.1%). The utilization rate of western medicine hospitals was 50.1%, and the main reason for selection was ‘close and convenience (53.5%)’. There was significant difference in utilization rate by age(p=.005). The utilization rate of oriental medicine hospitals was 42.4% and the main reason for selection was ‘close and convenience (38.3%)’ as same reason of western medicine hospitals. There was no significant difference in utilization rate of oriental medicine hospitals by general characteristics. The utilization rate of CAT was 23.7%, and chiropractic (44.8%) and chuna (22.4%) were the most popular types. The most common reason for selection was ‘acquaintances’ recommendation (46.3%)’ and significant difference in utilization rate by age (p=.006) and career (p=.002). The most common reasons of not using CAT were ‘did not know CAT (29.2%)’ and ‘CAT clinic is not close to one’s home (19.4%)’. From the results, it was found that adults with mild musculoskeletal pain also seek CAT as well as conventional medicines. The further study is recommended to find out the treatment effect and patient satisfaction based on CAT classification for reliving musculoskeletal pain.