Pain and musculoskeletal conditions treatment: An examination of complementary and alternative medicine use disclosure to conventional medical professionals

Introduction: The study aimed to provide insight into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use disclosure to conventional medical professionals among CAM consumers treating pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Methods: Existing data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey were used for analyses. Two separate samples of 2,181 and 847 participants were drawn for complex samples logistic regression analysis. Results: Increased use of CAM modalities to treat pain and/or musculoskeletal conditions was related to increased disclosure of CAM use. Overall, the complete complex sample logistic regression model with treatment, age, gender, and race as predictors was significant, x_Wald²(7, N = 2,452) = 316.41, p < .001, R_Nagelkerke² = .21. Use of manipulation therapies or herbal supplements was associated with greater likelihood to disclose use of CAM to a conventional medical professional. Overall, the complete complex sample logistic regression model with modality type, age, gender, and race as predictors was significant, x_Wald²(8, N = 951) = 72.05, p < .001, R_Nagelkerke² = .08. Conclusions: Results regarding demographic characteristics as they related to likelihood to disclose CAM use were consistent with previous studies. Failure to disclose CAM use to conventional medical practitioners is of significant concern, especially when CAM therapies such as herbal supplements are used, as they may have serious contraindications when used in conjunction with prescription medications. Further research is needed to examine reasons why individuals treating pain and/or musculoskeletal conditions choose not to disclose use of CAM therapies to conventional medical professionals.