OVER the past few weeks, I have become a martyr to my bad back.

During this time I started to wonder how the new treatment perceived a few years ago as the Holy Grail of bad backs was proceeding.

This involved a mercury implant and, as far as I can recall, the only side effects were that in winter you were only 4 ft 11in tall and in summer 6 ft 3in tall.

If any readers can spread any light on the subject, I would really appreciate the input.

DM Deamer, Penleys Grove Street, Monkgate, York.