Daily Record; Glasgow (UK) (Apr 07, 05:40 AM)  SOME of the most common cures recommended for health problems have been dismissed by experts in the British Medical Journal.

The BMJ says the best medicine for problems such as back pain often is no medicine.

And it is offering alternatives for 60 of the most common problems on the NHS Direct website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

When it comes to back pain, the guide shuns the traditional view that the best cure is rest. Instead, it advises that staying active is the best remedy.

Similarly, it says, moderate exercise is beneficial to people who have had heart problems.

For the 27,000 men a year diagnosed as having prostate cancer, going under the surgeon's knife may domore harm than good, the guide says. Menwho opt for 'watchful waiting' live just as long.

Luisa Dillner, editor of BMJ Best Treatments, said the guide was not designed to stop people from seeking treatment, but to look at the evidence rather than relying on established custom and practice.

She said: 'The big myth about medicine is that people know what works. In fact, they do things for which there is no evidence.

'There is a tendency for doctors to exaggerate the benefits of what they do because they want to help. The guide is about trying to tell the truth.'

The guide has sections for both patients and doctors, but can be read by anyone so patients can access the advice targeted at doctors.

A spokesman for the Executive said: 'Patients in Scotland can access advice and information on treatments and conditions from NHS24 and the NHS Helpline and should discuss any symptoms and/or change in treatment with their GP.'

Anorexia MYTH:Treatable with a combination of drugs and therapy. BMJ ADVICE:No drugs can cure anorexia and there is no strong research evidence that any treatments work well.

Anxiety MYTH:Tranquillisers can cure anxiety.

BMJ ADVICE: There are no quick fixes. Talking treatments (cognitive therapy) and certain drugs (some antidepressants) may help but doctors don't know which is best.Back pain MYTH:Best cure is rest. BMJ ADVICE: Staying in bed won't make the pain anybetter and could be harmful. Staying active is best.

Breast cancer MYTH:Mastectomy (removal of the breast) is the safest option to prevent return of the cancer.

By Sasha Mansworthreporters@dailyrecord.co.ukBMJ ADVICE:Breast- conserving surgery (only the lump is removed) is just as effective for locally advanced disease with the same survival rate.Heart failure MYTH:Exercise can be dangerous where the heart isfailing andmay cause a heart attack BMJ ADVICE:Moderate exercise is beneficial. Drugs such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers work. Prostate cancer MYTH: Surgery, radiotherapy and hormone treatment are necessary to save life.

BMJ ADVICE:Where the cancer has not spread, patients whodo nothing but 'watchful waiting', with regular checks, are likely to live just as long.Wisdom teeth MYTH:When they don't come through the gum properly (impacted) dentists often recommend removal.

BMJ ADVICE: If the teeth are not causing problems, taking them out is likely to domore harm than good.

Adenoidectomy Removal of adenoids at the back of the nasal cavity.

MYTH: Improves breathing and prevents ear infections in children. BMJ ADVICE:Problems usually clear up as the child grows. Op works best for kids who have persistent problems aged five or over.

Grommets Small tubes inserted in the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear.

MYTH: Cure for glue ear.

BMJ ADVICE:Most children grow out of glue ear. There is nogood evidence that fitting grommets is better than doing without.

Tonsillectomy Removal of tonsils. MYTH: Cure for repeated sore throats and ear infections.

BMJ ADVICE: Taking antibiotics may be just as good.There is nogood evidence the operation reduces throat infections.