The Epidemiology Program, Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Alberta in Edmonton completed a study on how neck and low back pain are leading causes of morbidity and health care utilization. The objective was to identify the characteristics of patients who consult medical doctors, chiropractors, or both. Compared with medical patients, fewer chiropractic patients reported arthritis. Additionally, chiropractic patients reported better social and physical functioning. The study concluded that patients consulting chiropractors alone report fewer comorbidities and are less limited in their activities than those consulting medical doctors.