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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, costs the country over 5bn every year and is obviously
difficult to treat.
But now Britain's National Health Service (NHS) will be offering a new solution: acupuncture (针刺疗法).
The ancient Chinese needle therapy has been around in the UK for many years, but this is the first time it
has been officially endorsed by the NHS's advisory body, the National Institute for Clinical 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-ray treatment or injections
with therapeutic substances.
NICE, however, say there is evidence that acupuncture may be more effective than expensive X-rays or
injections, so patients who have been suffering for over six weeks should be give a choice.
As an alternative to acupuncture, patients will be able to choose either a course of spinal manipulation (用
针操作), or a series of special exercise sessions.
In the UK, acupuncture is classed as a complementary therapy, which is the term given to a medical
procedure which hasn't been subjected to the strict trials by which scientists prove some treatments 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 get them
feeling 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. The largest cause of sick leave in the UK
B. Different ways to treat back pain
C. Acupuncture in the UK
D. The ancient Chinese needle therapy
2. According to NICE, which of the following ways is more effective to treat back pain?
A. To stay active and do stretching exercises.
B. To take painkillers.
C. To take X-ray treatment or injection.
D. To use the Chinese needle therapy.
3. Which of the following statements about acupuncture is true?
A. Acupuncture costs less money and have slower effects than X-rays or injections.
B. Patients suffering back pain for a long time are more advised to use acupuncture.
C. Patients taking acupuncture have to take a course of spinal manipulation.
D. Doctors can use needles or toothpicks to perform acupuncture.
4. Why is acupuncture classed as a complementary therapy in the UK?
A. Some British don't have trust in it.
B. Its medical procedure hasn't been strictly tested scientifically.
C. The main British treatment is very effective.
D. It is not strict in the treatment.

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