Archive for May 2009
Ok, so how many chiroquacktors claim to treat colic?
Various bloggers have been investigating what their local chiroquacktic shop is claiming they can affect/cure. I’ve got bigger plans.
I’ve now collated the claims made by 296 chiroquacktors. They make some crazy claims. I’m still analysing the data, but here’s a taster:
Colic 29%
Whiplash 25%
Bed wetting 23%
Infection 19%
Asthma 18%
Arthritis 18%
Read the rest of this entry »
Who’s been blogging on chiroquacktic?
Loads of bloggers have been, well, blogging on this. I’d like to compile a reasonably comprehensive list of the main (as I see it) blog posts here. They are in no particular order, just as I remember them and find them.
I would like to keep adding to this list, partly as an aid for myself to keep track of the various posts, but also as a resource for anyone else who is interested in the whole sorry saga. I’ll edit this post to make it longer, rather than adding new posts.
My complaint about a local chiroquacktor
I’ve also complained to Trading Standards about a local chiroquacktor using the title Dr after getting clarification from the GCC:
Thank you for your enquiry. The relevant part of the Code of Practice for chiropractors states that
“Chiropractors must not use any title or qualification in such a way that the public may be misled as to its mean or significance. In particular, chiropractors who use the title of ‘doctor’ and who are not registered medical practitioners must ensure that they make it clear they are registered chiropractors and not registered medical practitioners.”
Do please let me know if from your perspective the information provided on his website is sufficiently clear. If not, I will draw to his attention any issues that you are able to identify, with a view to remedying any problem.
Oh, I will!
New chiroquacktic training manual uncovered!
Top secret, no doubt, but this manual gives a useful insight into the workings of the chiroquacktic mind.
For those ready for more education, I’ve found some more complex material on subluxations:
When spinal vertebrae pinch or choke nerves, affected organs and tissues don’t work the way they should and ill-health results.
When the neurological circuits have integrity, your body works as it was designed.
First posted: 26 May 2009
To ‘protect the public’, apparently
Chiroquacktors frequently claim that they have never harmed anyone with their spinal manipulations. What’s the Harm and the parents of this little baby know better.
However, no doubt, as a cynical marketing exercise to allay public fears and show the sceptics amongst us that it really is safe, they have recently set up CPiRLS – The Chiropractic Patient Incident Reporting and Learning System.
These are the rules, nothing more, nothing less
For completeness, the relevant sections in the The British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) seem to be:
What chiroquacktors are allowed to claim
A bit of detail on what Jack of Kent has been talking about on his blog post, BCA v Singh: What The Advertising Standards Authority Said…here’s the information I passed to him:
I made a complaint to the GCC and Trading Standards on Tuesday about a local chiro who was using the title ‘Dr’ on his website. When I looked further into what chiros are allowed to claim and what they are not allowed to claim, I discovered something I don’t think I’ve seen mentioned elsewhere (although I may just have missed it).
What the BCA got up to in 2007
Gimpy has written a good blog entry on the BCA’s use of the word ‘bogus’ in their 2003/2004 annual report.
My local chiroquacktor
I came across a local chiro yesterday morning who was using the title ‘Dr’ on his website, but who doesn’t appear to have any real medical qualifications. I fired a quick email off to the GCC:
Last night’s Simon Singh support meeting
It was (of course) packed. Still not sure why mjrobbins was so surprised when he got a round of applause when he asked a question! He’s obviously too modest.
Prof Brian Cox was NOT asked to sing Things can only get better!
Nick Cohen was asking for Gimpy (and wondered how he got that name)!
Nick Cohen: we need libel law something close to USA system.
Dr Evan Harris MP avoided questions about his expenses claim for the evening…
Dave Gorman was brilliant.
Prof David Colquhoun: chiros should not have been regulated.
Met Ariane Sherine!
Oh! And Simon Singh was there too!
May launch appeal for funds with Sense about Science.
I’m sure Jack of Kent will do a good summary. Overall, a great evening, but we’ve got to wait a bit for Simon’s decision (no more than two weeks). Many there wanted him to continue the fight – not just to clear his name because he is right, but for the sake of freedom of speech.
However, it is Simon’s decision. Whatever he decides, he knows he will have a lot of support.
There is a good summary at the New Humanist.
First posted: 19 May 2009
