We know that complementary health approaches are often used to manage symptoms of an underlying disease or condition, such as neck or back pain, or arthritic or musculoskeletal pain—usually along with conventional treatments. Back pain, in particular, is the most common condition for which adults turn to complementary health practices. And it continues to be an important area of focus of NCCAM�s research.

Spinal manipulation may be used by chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and some medical doctors with a goal of relieving low-back pain and improving physical functioning. These health professionals perform spinal manipulation by using their hands or a device to apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine. Most often they also recommend self-care practices.

But, what does the science tell us?

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. The lower back is the area most often affected. For many people, back pain goes away on its own after a few days or weeks. But for others, the pain becomes chronic and lasts for months or years. Low-back pain can be debilitating, and it is a challenging condition to diagnose, treat, and study. The total annual costs of low-back pain in the United States—including lost wages and reduced productivity—are more than $100 billion.

Homeopathy, also known as homeopathic medicine, is an alternative medical system that was developed in Germany more than 200 years ago. This fact sheet provides a general overview of homeopathy and suggests sources for additional information.

More than 24 million people in the United States, including 7 million children, suffer from asthma�a chronic lung condition that causes episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Although there is no cure for this condition, conventional medical treatments are very effective for managing asthma symptoms, and most people are able to control their asthma with conventional therapies and behavioral changes.

Even so, some people turn to complementary health practices in their efforts to relieve asthma symptoms, particularly for children. As a matter of fact, in the 2007 National Health Interview Survey asthma ranked eighth among conditions prompting use of complementary health practices by children. But what does the science say about these practices?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. It causes episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Although there is no cure, most people are able to control their asthma with conventional therapies and by avoiding the substances that can set off asthma attacks. Even so, some people turn to complementary health practices such as acupuncture, breathing exercises, and herbal supplements in their efforts to relieve symptoms.

If you�re thinking about complementary health practices for asthma, here�s what you need to know: There is not enough evidence to support the use of any complementary health practices for the relief of asthma symptoms.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. It causes episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Although there is no cure, most people with asthma are able to manage the disease with medications and behavioral changes.

Researchers also are studying various complementary health approaches for asthma relief. This issue provides information on “what the science says” about complementary health practices for asthma, including acupuncture, breathing exercises, and herbs and other dietary supplements.

We know that nearly 40 percent of Americans use some kind of complementary health practice. But we also know that most patients do not proactively disclose use of complementary health practices to their health care providers. Likewise, most providers don�t initiate the discussion with their patients. As a physician, I strongly believe that patients and their health care providers need to talk openly about all of their health care practices to ensure safe, coordinated care. Talking not only allows fully integrated care, but it also minimizes risks of interactions with a patient�s conventional treatments.

When patients tell their providers about their use of complementary health practices, they can better stay in control and more effectively manage their health. When providers ask their patients, they can ensure that they are fully informed and can help patients make wise health care decisions.

Here are 4 tips to help you and your health care providers start talking.

Did you know that approximately 38 percent of adults (about 4 in 10) and approximately 12 percent of children (about 1 in 9) are using some type of complementary health practice? However, according to a telephone survey of people aged 50 and older, only a third of all respondents said they have ever discussed these practices with their health care providers. To ensure safe, coordinated care among all conventional medicine and complementary health practices, it�s time to talk. Talking not only allows fully integrated care, but it also minimizes risks of interactions with a patient�s conventional treatments. When patients tell their providers about their use of complementary health practices, they can better stay in control and more effectively manage their health. When providers ask their patients, they can ensure that they are fully informed and can help patients make wise health care decisions.

This issue provides tips for starting the conversation with your patients, reliable resources on complementary health practices, and findings from the survey.