Is Evidence Based Medicine Actually Backed by Evidence?

The term evidence based medicine is thrown around as justification for treatment regarding ailments, disease and injury. It should mean that all prescribed treatment should be backed by scientific studies that show the effectiveness of that treatment. But according to this article by the Huffington Post, traditional medicine is not as ‘evidence-based’ as people may think. Studies have been done on the efficacy of what medical doctors are prescribing and have been found wanting. So, what does this mean for you?
When you go to your doctor and are prescribed medication; it may work, it may  not, it may actually harm you or the effects are unknown. The majority, according to the British Medical Journal, have unknown effects. I don’t know about you, but if I am going to put something in or on my body as a treatment, I would like to know that it was going to work, all the time. By no means am I promoting you ditch all your prescriptions and throw caution to the wind! But I think it does warrant a discussion with your doctor about what you are taking, why you are taking it and if it is actually helping your health ailment.
As a chiropractor, I do not claim to treat anything. Your body can heal itself better than any drug, pill or potion out there. While I don’t claim to treat anything, what I do claim to do is backed by the latest science. The adjustment that I give in my office has been proven to effect the way the brain perceives the body. I spoke about this in more detail in this blog post. So I would postulate that what I do as a chiropractor is evidence-based. This is a far cry from many people who routinely call Chiropractors ‘unscientific’ or ‘quacks’.
The more people who realize that their ability to heal is inside them and will always travel from above, down, inside, out, the better off we will be. Where above is the brain as the control center, down is the communication pathway of the nervous system, inside is the body and out is the flowing of energy from our body to affect the world around us. Health and healing doesn’t come from a pill, potion, or topical ointment. It comes from within.
What do you think? Do you believe that you can heal yourself? I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Peace, Love and Wellness
Dr. Liz