Abstract
Purpose: To determine the perceptions and knowledge of the South African Spine Society’s Neurosurgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons towards Chiropractic. The research determined whether the surgeons have positive, neutral or negative attitudes, perceptions and knowledge towards Chiropractic. Method: A survey was distributed to 135 Neurosurgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons who were registered with the South African Spine Society. Permission to conduct the study had to be obtained from the incumbent president of the SASS, Dr Ettienne Coetzee (Appendix A). Once such permission had been received an email link containing information and consent forms (Appendix B and Appendix C) was sent to the neurosurgeon and the orthopaedic surgeon who were registered with the SASS together with the questionnaire (Appendix D). The data analysis was overseen by STATKON, the statistical service at the University of Johannesburg. Results: It was evident that none of the orthopaedic surgeons or neurosurgeons had referred their patients to chiropractors because they themselves had not had a positive experience in respect of chiropractic treatment. It was also interesting to note that 67.5% of the respondents’ perceptions of chiropractic were also the result of patient feedback, thus indicating that patients often have a significant effect on the way in which neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons view chiropractic. It was, nevertheless, interesting to notice that 10% of these respondents had a personal relationship with a chiropractor which is important if the members of these two professions are to gain a sound knowledge and perception towards each other in the foreseeable future. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed a low level of knowledge and perception on the part of orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons registered with the South African Spine Society in respect of chiropractic. This statement becomes evident as only 30% of the respondents actually referred their patients to chiropractors, thus highlighting a lack of actual awareness of chiropractic. It is, therefore, evident that more strategies need to be put in place in order to educate not only surgeons but the general public and the healthcare profession in general about chiropractic.
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)