A study in the January 10, 2011 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that more than 50% of the 4,218 recommendations in guidelines issued by the Infectious Diseases Society of America were based on level III evidence -- the lowest possible category.
    Level lll evidence is the opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees.
    Don Heun Lee, MD, and Ole Vielemeyer, MD, of Drexel University in Philadelphia, say that doctors sometimes assume that following practice guidelines means they are practicing quality, evidence based medicine. However, they say, the quality of the supporting literature varies greatly.
    Only 14% of the recommendations were linked to the highest level of evidence with 55% supported only by expert opinion.
    In an accompanying editorial, John Powers, MD, of Scientific Applications International Corporation in Bethesda, Md., said the findings "reinforce that absolute certainty in science or medicine is an illusion."
    He goes on to say the message is to "be wary of falling into the trap of 'cookbook medicine,'" adding that "guidelines will never replace critical thinking in patient care."
    "Although the evidence and recommendations in guidelines may change across time," he wrote, "providers will always have a need to know how to think about clinical problems, not just what to think."

Many physical factors trigger or exacerbate back pain.  But did you know that psychological and social factors can also play a major role?

The chiropractic approach to wellness acknowledges the interconnection between the body, mind and spirit.  Dr. Kruse gives special attention to the spine, while caring for the wellness of the whole person.  Chiropractic is an approach that considers more than just the body; can explain how psychological health and social relationships interact with back pain; and helps describe therapies that improve back pain through the power of the mind. 

Aside from supporting recovery from back pain, the power of psychosocial therapies reduces the need for potentially addictive painkillers.

Feel as though this may be a factor for you or a loved one?  Please give us a call or simply shoot us an email.  We look forward to helping you!

Yours in Health