BACKGROUND

Little is known about changes in the chiropractic patient population over time.

OBJECTIVE

To compare 2 surveys describing the Danish chiropractic patient population.

DESIGN

Data concerning location of primary complaint and its duration for patients in Danish chiropractic offices between 1962 and 1999 were compared.

SETTING

Private chiropractic practice and nonprofit research institution.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Location of primary diagnosis/complaint, duration of complaint.

RESULTS

In 1962, data for 1118 patients were collected, with a participation rate of 93%. In 1999, data for 1897 patients were collected. Of all Danish chiropractic clinics, 88% participated in the study, and 94% of all eligible patients filled out a questionnaire. In both 1962 and 1999, the most frequent complaints were pain in the lower back or neck either alone or with radiation to the extremities (roughly 70% of patients). In 1962, almost 4 times as many patients complained of headache as in 1999 (11% vs 4%). Although there were significant differences, less that 10% of patients presented with a nonmusculoskeletal disorder in both 1962 and 1999 (7% vs 3%). In 1962, almost half of the patients had had their complaint for more than 1 year; in 1999, approximately 80% of patients had had their complaint for less than 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

In both 1962 and 1999, Danish chiropractors primarily treated patients with pain syndromes related to the lower back and neck. Patients presenting with type O disorders comprised less than 10% of the total patient population in both surveys.