The 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Shocking Findings

The 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) sheds light on a profound shift in how Americans approach healthcare. 

Published in January 2024, in JAMA, the NHIS data presents a significant shift in healthcare practice, particularly in the management of pain, over the past two decades.

According to the NHIS data, U.S. adults have not only increased their overall utilization of complementary health approaches from 2002 to 2022 but have also shown an increased likelihood of incorporating these methods specifically for pain management. Among the standout practices experiencing substantial growth are yoga, meditation, and massage therapy.

This marks a sharp shift in healthcare, where alternative therapies are increasingly complemented or even substituted by conventional medical care. Indeed, more than one-third of American adults now report using at least one of seven complementary health approaches, including yoga, meditation, massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, naturopathy, and guided imagery/progressive muscle relaxation.

The latest research published in JAMA underscores this trend, revealing that 36.7 percent of adult pain patients opted for nontraditional medical care in 2022, a stark increase from 19.2 percent in 2002. Factors driving this transformation include expanding insurance coverage for clinical alternatives, mounting scientific evidence supporting their efficacy, and growing patient acceptance.

This presents both opportunities and challenges for healthcare practitioners like you. As patients embrace alternative therapies, a pressing need arises for greater education and practical strategies to safely and effectively integrate these practices. 

Stay ahead by delving into the full report to explore these emerging trends and their implications for your practice.

Read the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 

Other Categories:

• integrative pain management

• Mindfulness