It's been 5 years since the then CEO of giant drug-maker Merck, Raymond Gilmartin, testified to the US Senate Finance Committee regarding evidence showing that Vioxx increases the risk of death due to heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events.

In a Summary of Prepared Testimony, Gilmartin stated that prior to the APPROVe trial (a study looking at the protective effects of Vioxx on the risk for colon cancer), the research done by his company 'showed no difference in confirmed cardiovascular event rates between Vioxx and placebo'.

But a new and comprehensive data analysis published in the November 23, 2009 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, looked at all deaths that should have been reported by Merck from 1999 (when Vioxx entered the market) to September 2004 (when it was pulled from the market, after APPROVe was halted due to health risks to participants). The analysis pooled patient data from every available published and unpublished study and looked at the information in revised ways. Specifically, measurements for death from any cause and the risk for cardiovascular events were calculated. Over 20,000 patients were included. The researchers found that an association between taking Vioxx and increased risk for cardiovascular events was evident 3 ½ years before the drug was pulled from the market.

Some of the data used in this research became available only when litigation against Merck made it public. This means that it was highly likely Merck withheld some or all of its less favorable study results during the time the drug was on the market. (Yes, they could do that legally...) But the study's authors disclose their ties to industry, as well. In their report, they reveal that every member of the team has, either currently in the the past worked as a consultant for the people who took Merck to court (plantiffs) over the Vioxx issue.

(c) Anne Asher 2007 Licensed to About.com

The Archives analysis evaluated the risk of death or the occurrence of a cardiovascular event in those who took Vioxx as it compared to those who took a placebo. Again, it used all studies, whether the results were good or bad for Merck. The analysis found that by the time the drug was off the market in September 2004, the risk was 43% greater for the Vioxx-takers. To be fair to Merck, the way this analysis was done was not standard industry practice.

One reason the study was done was to determine if Merck should have known (and made known the fact that) their drug posed serious risks to health when they first put it on the market. Another reason for the data analysis, according to its authors, was to help improve public health surveillance efforts for drug safety. The researchers believe the information from the analysis can be used to develop more targeted, comprehensive systems in the future.

I was interested in Merck's response to this new study, so I went to their website. Sure enough, a statement had been posted. Read more...

(c) mzacha

Oh, the scourges of aging! In the neck, one of these is cervical spondylosis, aka arthritis of the neck. It is due to the formation of bone spurs, which often irritate nearby spinal nerves. Cervical spondylosis can get really painful in the case of myelopathy, that is, when the spinal cord is involved.

There are a number treatments for cervical spondylosis, and they are generally non-invasive. If you doctor tries to talk you into surgery, beware that going this route will likely take its toll on you, but whether it is the best option for pain relief remains questionable.

(c) Michael J. Summerville

Many people think of chiropractors as merely back doctors. In reality, the chiropractic profession is built on the belief that spinal alignment affects the health of the whole body. Therefore, your chiropractor might treat your spine in order to bring about a variety of health benefits, including back health.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, about 18 million adults and 2 million children go to a chiropractor. While it's true that most visits are for common back conditions and injuries, here's an example of the chiropractic view of health in an ongoing research effort:

Researchers at the University of Chicago gave a particular type of chiropractic called NUCCA to patients taking medicine for their high blood pressure. NUCCA chiropractic specializes in adjusting only the top of the neck. They found a significant decrease in the amount of medication the patients needed after the manipulation. More studies on this connection are expected.

Chiropractic is considered to be a CAM therapy and so it takes your whole being into consideration. Is it right for you?

Photo: Kameleon007

The thought of post-Halloween back pain may conjure images of taking the costumes back up to the attic or lugging heavy bags of candy. But let's not forget the extra weight you may be carrying from having eaten those Halloween treats! With the holidays approaching, be forewarned that back pain a very common problem for overweight people. Carrying extra pounds can increase your risk for developing several back disorders.