An awesome, well-linked article about the Chiropracty Drama
Apparently, one guy wrote an article critical of the claims of Chiropractors that they can fix anything from exzema to colic with spine adjustments.
The British Chiropractic Association sued him for libel, costing the reporter hundreds of thousands of dollars to defend himself, flying in the face of the actual way that medical science works (sometimes-brutal criticism and rebuttal).
The case and its chilling effects on science have been reported by a dozen publications, including the British Medical Journal.
The article itself is being reprinted by a number of publications, in solidarity. The Chiro organization publishes their rebuttal, and The Guardian documents how that rebuttal was demolished by science bloggers point-by-point using primary references to dispute their claims. Within 24 hours.
An international petition against the BCA is signed by journalists, scientists, doctors and Stephen Fry.
The Advertising Standards Association sues the BCA for some of their claims based on lack of substantiation and truthfulness.
Not only do I love this story (it has everything!), I love this article by The Guardian. Not only do I love the summation and the perspective, I love the linking! So many times I’ve read something from a reputable online news publication and they’ve not linked to their references and sources. I hate that crap.
We could go on, but there are lessons from this debacle – beyond the ethical concerns over suing in the field of science and medicine – and they are clear. First, if you have reputation and superficial plausibility more than evidence to support your activities, then it may be wise to keep under the radar, rather than start expensive fights. But more interestingly than that, a ragged band of bloggers from all walks of life has, to my mind, done a better job of subjecting an entire industry’s claims to meaningful, public, scientific scrutiny than the media, the industry itself, and even its own regulator.
PS I hope my Chiro, Dr Maria, won’t be mad! *grins* She’s a sweetheart, and has never tried to sell me on non-spinal benefits, either.
I never understood the urge for chiropractors to try and extend their reach to non-spinal claims.
I mean, low-back pain is EASILY a billion-dollar industry. Counting in tylenol, anti-inflammatories, heat, cold packs, narcotic pain meds, surgery, back braces, spinal stimulation, mattress pads, orthotic shoes, physical therapy, occupational therapy…
Seriously, why try and fleece a few dollars out of the tired ol’ colic crowd when you’re sitting on the golden goose?