The Lancet (http://www.thelancet.com/series/low-back-pain) this week has published three papers on low back pain, which should be read by everyone with a back.
Authored by an international group of authors, who examine the current evidence and offer recommendations that are based on solid science, these papers make one sit up and take notice.
The Lancet says that inappropriate use of MRI scans, bed rest, potent painkillers, steroid injections and spinal surgery are extremely commonโrituals that harm the patients rather than benefiting them. Tradition, Commerce, and not scienceโseem to heavily impact our thought processes when we deal with backs that hurt.
The conditioned reflex that makes us order an MRI scan for every backache is a case in point- it generates huge medical waste. The authors strongly discourage routine imaging: radiographs, CT scans, and MRI scans.
Masterly inactivity, supported by tincture time, is the best recipe for most patients!
Time to inject some science into the aching back! And time to walk with a straight spine!