[BBC] Chiropraxis 'has few benefits'

[eirias]

(I had to invent a word because it doesn't look like there is a word meaning "stuff chiropractors do," so chiropraxis it is until someone tells me otherwise.)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4824594.stm

According to this study (which was a meta-analysis from the looks of it), chiropraxis has no effect on non-back-related ailments and about the same effect on back-related ailments as conventional treatments. (Which I have to say doesn't speak too well of it, since as far as I know there's not a whole heck of a lot that can be done about back problems short of surgery, which is risky and doesn't always help.)

Comments

[lyonesse.livejournal.com]

i think the word used is "chiropractic treatment" or just "chiropractic" (as a noun) . "-praxis" is a fun backformation, though :)

[knell.livejournal.com]

As with all faintly alternative "medical" practices, its main effect (apart from the back stuff) is to make the patient feel that lots of attention is being paid to them and for them to be given lots of sympathy about how terrible whatever is ailing them is making their life. Homeopathy, for instance, while having no measurable physical effects (as shown by various double-blind studies) has the same beneficial psychological effects as a nice cup of tea and a chat, only with a bit of ritualistic muttering and mixing of potions to drive away.. uh, I guess to drive away evil spirits.

The power of belief can have impressive results...

[kirin]

Also, never underestimate the power of a good placebo. Doing no more than a placebo doesn't mean doing nothing at all. It just means you might not want to spend your life savings on it if you can possibly find a cheaper placebo to believe in. ;)

[nein09.livejournal.com]

I have to say that it does feel pretty nice after a long flight or car trip or day at work.

[tla]

Ahaha. Give me the back cracking over the painkillers any day that I have a pinched nerve. Sorry but.

[jmmartin19.livejournal.com]

i also feel the need to point out that this study was done by a Medical School.

Not that I'm saying the study is crap, but doctors are generally not fond of chiropractics.