NICE and painful backs

[sphenisc]

Alternatives therapies approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-pins-its-hopes-for-treating-back-pain-on-acupuncture-1691215.html

[Blue Wode]

Some background here:
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=125791

[Blue Wode]

Commentary from Edzard Ernst today:

Distrust Me, I'm A Chiropractor
http://timesonline.typepad.com/science/2009/05/distrust-me-im-a-chiropractor.html

[Soapy Sam]

Just heard David Colquhoun on Radio 4 pointing out that no back treatment is very effective, but that exercise and physotherapy does not introduce Chi, meridians and similar hooey to the NHS and that if we let such rubbish in it will encourage more vapid university courses in BS which will have additional hidden costs to the NHS.

[Blue Wode]

Another commentary just in from Edzard Ernst:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/may/27/health-nice-chiropractic

[Physiotherapist]

I think that this is a real shame, that they keep focussing on the spinal manipulation part of treatment for low back pain. They should think more about the muscular component of this and its treatment. A lot of low back pain is caused predominantly by the muscles and not necessarily the paraspinal muscles either. These causes can be treated successfully, but not by manipulating the spine directly to treat those mythical subluxations!!

[nathan]

Mrs Me said 'oh, good. Will they be handing out cash too? Because that'll also be effective at making people feel better!'

[Aitch]

Mrs Me said 'oh, good. Will they be handing out cash too? Because that'll also be effective at making people feel better!'

Thinks: Wonder if my GP could be persuaded to give me a prescription for Talisker? Or Lagavulin? :)

[Soapy Sam]

Not so long as lab ethanol is available.
Unless you are a member of parliament and can show Islay Malt is essential to your job.

[Aitch]

Damn and Blast! :mad:

Have a good birthday, BTW. ;)