The rapid responses to Little et al's study while addressing
legitimate concerns also appear to be clouded by the age-long prejudice by
the medical field to alternative therapies. A lack of scientific evidence
for the physiological basis of treatment is, as commented by other
readers, not unique to the Alexander Technique, nor is it relevant to the
actual efficacy of treatment. Furthermore a relatively safe treatment for
chronic back pain should be welcomed by clinicians as much as by patients
who may consequently save years of treatment with NSAIDs with their
associated side-effects. I trust the BMJ will not be discouraged from
pursuing this subject.
Rapid Response:
Prejudice against alternative therapies
The rapid responses to Little et al's study while addressing
legitimate concerns also appear to be clouded by the age-long prejudice by
the medical field to alternative therapies. A lack of scientific evidence
for the physiological basis of treatment is, as commented by other
readers, not unique to the Alexander Technique, nor is it relevant to the
actual efficacy of treatment. Furthermore a relatively safe treatment for
chronic back pain should be welcomed by clinicians as much as by patients
who may consequently save years of treatment with NSAIDs with their
associated side-effects. I trust the BMJ will not be discouraged from
pursuing this subject.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests