In the last two decades, complementary health approaches (CHAs), including acupuncture, yoga, and meditation, have seen a dramatic increase in popularity among US adults, especially for pain management. A comprehensive study, analyzing data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) over 2002, 2012, and 2022, reveals significant trends in the adoption of these alternative practices. Here's a closer look at the study's findings and what they mean for the future of pain management and overall well-being.

Key Points:

• Substantial growth in the use of complementary health approaches, from 19.2% in 2002 to 36.7% in 2022.

• Yoga and meditation saw the most significant upticks in usage.

• Acupuncture usage more than doubled, likely due to increased insurance coverage.

• Nearly half of the adults utilizing CHAs in 2022 did so for pain management, with chiropractic care leading in this category.

The Rising Tide of Complementary Health Approaches

The study, which meticulously sifted through NHIS data, spotlighted a significant leap in the embrace of CHAs by US adults. From just under one-fifth of the adult population in 2002 to over a third in 2022, the trend underscores a growing trust and interest in alternative health practices. Yoga, in particular, marked the steepest rise in utilization, nearly tripling its user base over the two decades. Meditation, too, enjoyed a burgeoning popularity, becoming the most widely used CHA by 2022.

Acupuncture's Growth More Than Doubles

Acupuncture, a stalwart among CHAs, witnessed a noteworthy uptick in usage. Its increase from 1.0% to 2.2% of the US adult population can largely be attributed to broader insurance coverage, making it a more accessible option for many. This surge reflects a rising confidence in acupuncture's efficacy, especially in the realm of pain relief, where it has begun to play a pivotal role alongside other CHAs.

The prior 2012 review of complementary health usage revealed that despite the rising prevalence of pain in the US population, with an estimated 25.3 million Americans suffering from daily pain, acupuncture had not emerged as a primary option for pain management. Only about 1.5% of the US population had used acupuncture in the preceding 12 months, a figure that, while growing, positioned acupuncture behind other complementary health approaches like massage therapy and progressive relaxation in terms of usage.

This underscores a persisting gap in the general acceptance and utilization of acupuncture for pain relief, despite its proven efficacy and the increased insurance coverage facilitating access. The report also indicated a broad openness to complementary health approaches among Americans, suggesting potential for greater adoption of acupuncture, especially in light of the opioid crisis and the VA's endorsement of acupuncture as a viable pain management solution. This scenario highlights both the challenges and opportunities ahead for acupuncture in gaining recognition as a frontline therapy for managing pain and improving health outcomes.

A Shift Toward Non-Opioid Pain Management

Perhaps most revealing is the growing reliance on CHAs for managing pain. Nearly half of all CHA users in 2022 turned to these methods to address their discomfort, with a significant number reporting substantial relief. This shift parallels the national increase in pain prevalence and represents a collective move towards safer, non-opioid interventions. Chiropractic care, in particular, emerged as the most utilized CHA for pain management, underscoring its efficacy in addressing back, neck, and other musculoskeletal pains.

Looking Ahead

The study's insights are a testament to the evolving landscape of health care, where CHAs are increasingly viewed as viable, effective alternatives to conventional treatments. As these approaches continue to gain traction, their integration into broader pain management and wellness strategies seems not only beneficial but necessary. The rise in acupuncture usage, supported by expanding insurance coverage, illustrates a forward-thinking shift towards more holistic, patient-centered care models.

Study Limitations and Future Directions

While the study offers compelling evidence of CHAs' growing role in American health care, it acknowledges certain limitations, such as declining NHIS response rates and potential recall bias. Moreover, the cross-sectional nature of the data and variations in survey questions across the years may affect the results' interpretability. Nevertheless, the clear trend towards increased CHA utilization, particularly for pain management, calls for further research. Future studies are encouraged to delve deeper into these practices' long-term efficacy, optimal integration into health care regimens, and broader implications for public health.

In conclusion, the burgeoning use of complementary health approaches, highlighted by the significant rise in acupuncture statistics, underscores a pivotal shift in health care preferences and practices among US adults. This trend not only mirrors a growing openness to alternative therapies but also signals a broader transformation in societal attitudes towards health, wellness, and pain management.

Over to you

If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may want to learn more about acupuncture and alternative health treatments.

Sources:

• Nahin RL, Rhee A, Stussman B. Use of Complementary Health Approaches Overall and for Pain Management by US Adults. JAMA. 2024;331(7):613–615. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.26775

Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.

Read more from our blog