Alternative view of health

A study has discovered that people prefer alternative therapies for certain maladies. Chiropractic therapy has been ranked higher than pharmacological management of back pain with Consumer Reports warning against chiropractic for treatment of neck pain. Acupuncture is the most studied of the natural remedies giving it scientific backing, with massage being considered more beneficial for such ailments as fibromyalgia and arthritis. Exercise received a big thumbs up for reducing symptoms of allergies, lung diseases, arthritis, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, anxiety, depression, sleeping problems and prostate troubles. Alternative medicines including Echinacea, St. John's Wort, melatonin, glucosamine and chondroitin, and saw palmetto were not rated by consumers for conditions such as arthritis, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, depression, anxiety, lung disease and prostate troubles compared to traditional medicines. Alternative medicines are not as rigorously tested as traditional medicines for side effects, dosage and concentrations of active substances.

Source: summary of medical news story as reported by Daily News Central