It’s pretty difficult to write about chiropractors without the risk of legal action as science writer Simon Singh has discovered.

A science writer who is being sued for libel by the British Chiropractic Association is to fight on after a preliminary judgment against him was overturned on appeal today.

Simon Singh was sued by the BCA after he wrote an article in the Guardian criticising the association for supporting members who claim that chiropractic treatments – which involve manipulation of the spine – can treat children’s colic, sleeping and feeding problems, frequent ear infections, asthma and prolonged crying.

Singh described the treatments, for which he said there is not a lot of evidence, as “bogus” and criticised the BCA for “happily promoting” them. Sarah Boseley, The Guardian.

Ben Goldacre accurately sums up the situation

There are huge, endless debates to be had on our libel laws, on the risks they pose to the public by stifling access to information, and on the changes that could be made. But, for today, know this: there is no good evidence that chiropractic is effective for the conditions claimed by the BCA. Ben Goldacre, The Guardian.

We all need to be aware that the use of libel laws to silence critics all too common a practice by businesses and the like with deep pockets.