SLIPPED DISCS Sta,—I consider that Mr. James F. Brails- ford's
article, 'Slipped Discs,' may have done a grave disservice to many readers who are suffering from this condition. His attitude seems to be: 'Slipped discs arc merely a fashionable name for old-fashioned backache, therefore old-fashioned remedies such as red- flannel vests and a few weeks in bed should be used.'
In a time when modern science and in- vention are continually proving old theories wrong, I find it extraordinary that Mr. Brailsford can recommend disregarding con- clusive proof of the existence of real slipped discs and the natural remedy for them— manipulation.
But I would agree with Mr. Brailsford that many people use the term 'slipped disc' in a loose way to describe any back affliction. Consequently the term has lost its true mean- ing and has become that for a mild back complaint, which it is not.' It is an extremely painful condition resulting from a displaced vertebra.
Unfortunately, Mr. Brailsford is not the only person to look upon slipped discs with a medieval eye. He even quotes a general practitioner as saying : 'We were much better off with lumbago and sciatica when we knew nothing about discs' Of what constructive use is this ante- diluvian point of view? What are lumbago and sciatica but names of conditions resulting, from displaced vcrtebrm?
Many doctors and hospitals refuse to face up to this problem and still use old-fashioned methods for treating slipped discs. The usual hospital treatment is to strap the sufferer into
a canvas jacket to prevent the pain which results from movement of the spine. But with this treatment the vertebra remains displaced. Thousands of people are walking about in these jackets and will never again know free- dom of movement.
The real and logical answer to a genuine slipped disc is for it to be manipulated back into its right place by a qualified osteopath But while osteopaths are not accepted by the medical profession, sufferers will continue to be told by GPs such as Mr. Brailsford quotes: 'You've got a touch of sciatica (or lumbago). Take it easy and lie up for a couple of weeks.
For the record, I speak from experience. 1 underwent 'preventive' treatment by doctors and hospitals before an osteopath manipulated my displaced bone back to its normal position. And I know of hundreds of others who have had the same experience.
It is a pity that Mr. Brailsford did not ex- plore other sources of information before writing an authoritative article. He would have found other evidence—such as that which I have attempted to give—which would have given his article a better-balanced and morc- informed aspect.—Yours faithfully, ROY L. SPICER
22 Clif ton Road, Finchley, London, N.3
Previous page
