Why have arthritis and migraine been used to promote questionable medical treatments?

Arthritis and migraine are frequently exploited by charlatans because they are conditions characterized by frequent remissions and recurrences. Because these ailments often involve chronic pain and periods where symptoms naturally improve or disappear, patients may mistakenly attribute their temporary relief to a fraudulent treatment, thereby reinforcing the quack's claims.1

It is ethically imperative to recognize that quackery preys upon vulnerable individuals who are experiencing significant stress, pain, or sorrow. In the absence of definitive medical cures for certain chronic conditions, individuals may feel desperate for relief and become susceptible to the exaggerated promises of those who lack genuine medical knowledge or skill. Charlatans exploit this vulnerability for financial gain, often using blatant exaggeration, fear-mongering, or the promise of secret, proprietary methods to deceive the public. Relying on unproven treatments instead of evidence-based medicine is dangerous, as it can delay proper care and lead to increased, prolonged expense for the patient.1