National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Treatment focused on alleviating the cause of a patient's low back pain is not a component of which model of health care?

1. Humanism

2. Biomedical

3. Biomechanical

4. Wellness

The correct answer is: Biomedical

The biomedical model of health care primarily concentrates on the biological aspects of illness and typically views health issues through a purely physiological lens. This model often emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of physical symptoms without necessarily addressing the underlying causes, such as psychological, social, or environmental factors that may contribute to a patient's condition. In contrast, other models like the humanistic model, biomechanical model, and wellness model approach health more holistically by considering the interplay of various factors—emphasizing the need to alleviate not just symptoms but also the root causes of health problems. For instance, the humanistic model prioritizes the patient's subjective experience and overall well-being, suggesting that understanding a patient's feelings and context can be critical for treatment. Similarly, the biomechanical model focuses on the mechanics of the human body and emphasizes correcting physical dysfunctions to alleviate pain. The wellness model advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes and mental health, promoting vitality and optimal functioning rather than merely addressing physiological symptoms alone. Thus, the correct answer highlights that the biomedical model does not encompass the treatment of underlying causes in the same way as these alternative approaches.