Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1999 Nov; 25(4): 789-804, v.

Epidemiology of complementary and alternative practices in rheumatology.

Ramos-Remus C, Gutierrez-UreÃ±a S, Davis P.

University of Guadalajara, Mexico.

The increasing prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine usage by the general population and rheumatic patients worldwide is reviewed. The many potential concerns about this type of therapy are addressed, ranging from toxicity issues to changes in behavioral attitudes. Finally, the authors speculate on some major socioeconomic outcomes associated with these therapies.