Am J Public Health. 1989 May; 79(5): 636-7.

Family physicians' views of chiropractors: hostile or hospitable?

Cherkin D, MacCornack FA, Berg AO.

Center for Health Studies of Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Seattle, WA 98121.

Family physicians in the State of Washington were surveyed about their knowledge and views about chiropractors; 79 per cent (476) responded. Sixty-six per cent indicated discomfort with what they believed chiropractors do while acknowledging their effectiveness for some patients; 25 per cent viewed chiropractors as an excellent source of care for some musculoskeletal problems and only 3 per cent dismissed chiropractors as quacks that patients should avoid; 57 per cent admitted having encouraged patients to see a chiropractor. These views are less negative than those of organized medicine.