Table 7: Use of Alternative Therapy for the
10 Most Frequently Reported Principal Medical Conditions

Rank

Condition

Percent Reporting Condition

Percent using Alternative Therapy in Past 12 Months*

Percent Who Saw a Provider in Past 12 Months*

Percent Who Saw a Doctor in Past 12 Months*

Therapies most Commonly Used

1

Back or neck problems

30%

71%

32%

11%

Chiropractic, Spiritual healing

2

Allergies

29%

60%

21%

9%

Relaxation Techniques, Spiritual Healing

3

Arthritis or rheumatism

20%

60%

18%

8%

Spiritual Healing, Relaxation Techniques

4

Difficulty walking

17%

67%

22%

10%

Spiritual Healing, Relaxation Techniques

5

Frequent headaches

16%

65%

29%

8%

Spiritual Healing, Relaxation Techniques

6

Lung problems

12%

62%

20%

11%

Spiritual Healing, Relaxation Techniques

7

Digestive problems

12%

63%

25%

10%

Spiritual Healing, Massage Therapy

8

Gynecological problems

10%

70%

29%

9%

Relaxation Techniques, Spiritual Healing

9

Anxiety attacks

9%

69%

19%

10%

Spiritual Healing, Relaxation Techniques

10

Heart problems or chest pain

9%

59%

19%

6%

Spiritual Healing, Relaxation Techniques

*Percentages are of those who reported the condition. Provider denotes a provider of care who is not a medical doctor.
Note: Double counting may occur because some patients may have seen both a medical doctor and an alternative provider.