Keywords

chiropractic care, chiropractors, public perceptions, public utilization, misconceptions, health

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Mentor

Ross Sherman

Abstract

Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a safe, holistic approach for managing musculoskeletal conditions, yet the profession continues to face longstanding skepticism and misunderstanding. Many individuals remain unsure about what chiropractors treat, a gap that may exist due to inaccurate social media content and bias among some medical providers, which can limit referrals and reduce patient access to appropriate care. To examine how the public perceives and utilizes chiropractic services, this study used a qualitative descriptive survey consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions across four domains: familiarity and exposure, perceptions and attitudes, trust and influencing factors, and utilization and future intentions. Twenty-seven anonymous participants were recruited through voluntary, word-of-mouth outreach. Responses were collected via Qualtrics and analyzed by the researcher. Overall, findings revealed a mix of positive attitudes, uncertainty, and persistence misconceptions that shape how the public views chiropractic care. These results highlight both areas of progress and ongoing barriers within the profession, demonstrating the need for improved communication and education.

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