Comments on: Simon Singh Loses Preliminary Hearing in Chiropractics Case

By: Simon Singh Case Response Roundup « God knows what…

Simon Singh Case Response Roundup « God knows what… — Sat, 16 May 2009 22:58:26 +0000

[...] post on the Friendly Atheist blog lamenting the outcome of the [...]

By: medussa

medussa — Sat, 09 May 2009 05:38:54 +0000

In fact, Paul, I did. It was Hemant who states chiropractic is a hoax, right after he posts Singh’s statements and research, thereby implying a connection between the 2.

And I didn’t condemn Singh: I merely asked whether anyone knows how exhaustive his referenced research is. I know nothing about this Singh guy, so I don’t know whether he’s a quack, or an otherwise respectable researcher. So I asked.
I still stand by my post.

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 09 May 2009 03:41:14 +0000

@medussa:

Did you even read any of the other comments? Specifically, the one immediately above yours? Singh isn’t saying that all chiropractic is bogus. Don’t condemn him for the wrong thing.

By: medussa

medussa — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:21:54 +0000

MH: That’s only if you drink it. What about those people who inhale homeopathic remedies?

By: MH

MH — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:32:47 +0000

Off topic, but related. Simon Singh wrote “The Code Book” which is an awesome book.

By: Anticontrame

Anticontrame — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:18:07 +0000

Homeopathy isn’t bogus either. I hear it can be very effective in treating dehydration.

By: medussa

medussa — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:08:58 +0000

There will always be quacks in any profession, and some of the claims made by chiropractors will be insane and fraudulent. But to therefore claim that chiropractic is a hoax in general is a pretty far leap. The research Singh claims: do we have any idea if it’s exhaustive? Representative? I’m sure I could find 70 “scientific” claims that evolution is a hoax, that doesn’t make it true. Personally, chiropractic has been a great benefit in my life, and I’m skeptical of claims that it’s all a hoax…

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:56:09 +0000

@ Randy:

Your comment illuminates an important part of this proceeding. Singh is not claiming that all of chiropractic medicine is “bogus” (although one could build a case to support that). He is just claiming that there is no evidence to support claims made my chiropractors that they can successfully treat non-back related problems. There are chiropractors out there who claim to be able to cure anything from a hangnail to cancer by manipulating the back. These “doctors” cannot support those claims, and by law in most countries – including the UK – should not be making them. Whether or not they believe the claims is (or should be) irrelevant.

By: Evinfuilt

Evinfuilt — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:49:21 +0000

I believe studies show same improvement as massage. Personally I would never let a Chiropractor near my back, after working as an Athletic Trainer in HS/College I saw way too many students get screwed up by them and sent to an actual doctor (all because they felt sore and someone recommended the woo.)

By: jemand

jemand — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:41:41 +0000

…70 trials exploring the benefits of chiropractic therapy in conditions unrelated to the back. He found no evidence to suggest that chiropractors could treat any such conditions….

does that mean they have some success treating back pain? I imagine it’d help at least as much as a strong massage, might even give some lasting pain relief, but it’s ridiculous to think it can solve things unrelated to back pain.