One of the alternatives to medicine I have focused on is chiropractic (
link). The main reason is that it is growing, it is marketed well, and its harm and waste of resources are overlooked by most chiropractors, many valid medical practitioners, and the public at large.
Michael Burke, DC has over 40 years of experience as a chiropractor and is a forensic chiropractor testifying in court cases involving chiropractic practices, providing expert opinions about chiropractic diagnosis and treatment (
link). While he is a strong critic of his profession in general, he does recognize the value of APPROPRIATE manual treatment and exercise. My main complaint with folks like him is that
ONE DOES NOT NEED TO GO TO A CHIROPRACTOR FOR SUCH. In fact, they are not adequately trained in either one. A physical therapist is the one ethical professional trained in the appropriate use of these treatments.
If, after the above, one still wants to avail him or herself of chiropractic, Burke has written an article entitled
Do You Really Need To See A Chiropractor? I leave you with a classic put-down of any alternative to medicine: "It's like popcorn: there may be a kernel of truth there, but most of it is hot air."
Scientific evidence supports the treatment of back pain, neck pain, and some forms of headache with CMT (chiropractic manipulative therapy), aka spinal adjustments. There may be some benefit for musculoskeletal conditions of the extremities as well, such as shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist problems. The claims of chiropractors who purport to treat conditions other than musculoskeletal ones are not supported by evidence.
ReplyDeleteRead deeper into what I have posted on this major pseudoscience. You apparently have a superficial understanding of it.
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