Neck and back pain are the main reasons Australians visit chiropractors, according to a study published in Medical Journal of Australia (MJA).
The vast majority are adults, and one per cent are aged under one year, according to the study of 4464 patient encounters over about two years until September 2012.
This is the beginning of chiropractors documenting what they do in clinical practice, says Dr Simon French, leader of the Victoria-based study.
A range of conditions are managed by chiropractors, but these are usually musculoskeletal-related, he says.
Chiropractors also commonly provide care for people who have no specific complaint. "This is called wellness or maintenance care by the chiropractors in the study," says Dr French.
About three million Australians visit a chiropractor at least once a year, according to an MJA article about the study.
"This research is about documenting what chiropractors do. It's not about whether it is effective or not," says co-author Professor Jane Gunn, of the University of Melbourne's general practice and primary health care centre.
"People pay for this treatment either from their own pocket or private health insurance," says
"We did not review outcomes, but it is interesting that people pay for it themselves."
The findings of the study are not a surprise, says Andrew McNamara, CEO of the Chiropractors Association of Australia.
"But it is worthwhile to get a handle on what people are seeking from chiropractors."
He says there is strong evidence in relation to neck, back and headache treatment.
But there are other areas that are not so well understood, and the association is funding further research that will track a large group of patients over a number of years.
"There is also a need for more research into the benefits or otherwise for children.
"The fact that we have parents and practitioners reporting good clinical outcomes for kids with colic for example does not mean the question is settled. There is a need for more evidence," he says.
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