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What is the single largest cause of sick leave in the UK? The answer is not the common cold or flu,
but back pain. Back pain affects one in three British adults, cost the country over ￡5 billion every year
and is obviously difficult to treat.
But now Britain's National Health Service (NHS) will be offering a new solution: acupuncture .
The ancient Chinese needle therapy has been around in the UK for many years, but for the first time it
has been officially supported by the NHS’ advisory body, the National Institute for Clinic Excellence (NICE).
Traditionally,doctors in the UK have advised back pain sufferers to stay active,do stretching exercises
and take painkillers when necessary. In more serious cases some people are given X-rays treatment or
injections with therapeutic substances.
NICE, however,says there is evidence that acupuncture may be more effective than expensive X-rays
or injections, to patients who have been s uffering for over six weeks should be given acupuncture
treatments.
As an alternative to acupuncture , patients will be able to choose either a course of spinal manipulation (脊柱推拿) or a series of special sessions.
In the UK, acupuncture is classified as a complementary (辅助的) therapy, which is the term given
to a medical procedure which hasn't been subjected to the strict trials by which scientists prove some
treatment work.
While many experts have welcomed the move to make acupuncture available on the NHS, some are
still skeptical about its effectiveness.
Research from the US earlier this month found that simulated acupuncture using toothpicks which do
not pierce the skin could be as good as using real needles.
So while some are yet to be convinced, back pain sufferers will be hoping that acupuncture helps
them feel healthy and mobile again. Employers, on the other hand, will be hoping it gets them back to
work.
1. What can be the best title for the passage?
A. Acupuncture m the UK.
B. The largest cause of sick leave.
C. The ancient Chinese medicine.
D. Different ways to treat back pain.
2. According to NICE, which of the following ways is more effective to treat back pain?
A. To take painkillers
B. To use the Chinese needle therapy
C. To take X-ray treatment or injections
D. To stay active and do stretching exercises
3. Which of the following statements about acupuncture is TRUE?
A. Doctors can use needles or toothpicks to perform acupuncture.
B. Patients taking acupuncture have to take a course of spinal manipulation.
C. Patients suffering back pain for a long time are more advised to use acupuncture.
D. Acupuncture costs less money and has lower effects than X-rays or injections
4. Why is acupuncture classified as a complementary therapy in the UK?
A. It is not strict in the treatment.
B. Some British don't have trust in it
C. The main British treatment is very effective.
D. Its medical procedure hasn't been strictly tested scientifically.
