All messages on this bulletin board represent the personal opinion of the individual posting the message. The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation and the moderators do not assume any responsibility for verifying the identity of any participant or for the content of any message posted here. Nothing on this bulletin board should be considered medical advice. For more information, please see the message Bulletin Board Policy/Etiquette

From time to time, members of this board post recommendations regarding treatments that have worked for them. These include both "traditional" medical approaches, such as medication or surgery, and "alternative" treatments, such as the use of "natural" herbs and dietary supplements, magnets, massage, and treatment by professionals outside the traditional medical care structure. This includes such treatment modalities as Homeopathic, Chiropractic, Acupuncture and other forms of treatment. Some of these methods may have validity, while others are little more than attempts by practitioners or sales people to separate desperate people from their money. This is the reason for the "no advertising" policy of this bulletin board.

The same might be said about traditional treatments. Some medications that are used to treat dystonia may help one patient, and have have harmful side effects for another. Just because a member of the BB says something helped him or her doesn't mean it is good, and likewise just because someone says it caused side effects doesn't mean that it couldn't be THE drug that helps you. It is important for you to discuss benefits AND risks of any treatment with your doctor before beginning or changing a course of treatment.

The DMRF neither endorses nor opposes alternative medicine. We encourage members to discuss and share their experiences with all approaches to treatment; however, we must point out that there is no objective scientific evidence that these treatments are effective. Individual anecdotal "miracle" stories are not scientific evidence. This does not mean they don't work, but it has not been proven. There is some potential for harm in some of the methods mentioned, either individually or in combination with more traditional approaches to treatment. For that reason, we strongly caution you that any changes in medication or treatment should be discussed with your doctor.