Latest News - ITV News

3 minutes ago Paracetamol 'no better than placebo' for back pain

Paracetamol 'no better than placebo' for back pain

Paracetamol is no faster at relieving back pain than a placebo, a study has found.

Read: Painkillers can cause headaches

Researchers in Australia found patients who were given over the counter paracetamol to treat back pain responded as quickly as those given a useless substitute.

The study, published in the Lancet, analysed 1,652 people with acute low-back pain at 235 care centres in Sydney, Australia.

They randomly received one of three treatments, up to four weeks of paracetamol in regular doses, paracetamol as they needed it or a placebo.

Scientists urged doctors to look at whether paracetamol should be the first port of call for back pain sufferers.

Read: Curved spine treatment uses remote-controlled rods

Health

about 1 hour ago MH17 victims' bodies flown to the Netherlands

Cockpit recorder from MH17 is 'in good condition'

The cockpit voice recorder recovered from flight MH17 is in good condition, the UN civil aviation body said.

The Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which is helping Ukrainian authorities probe the disaster, said in a statement the plane's digital flight data recorder was still being examined.

ICAO added it was consulting the airline industry and regional aviation bodies about how to assess the risks posed to airspace by armed conflict.

A minute's silence is held for MH17 victims at Games

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond asked the crowd to observe a minute's silence as the Commonwealth games opened as a mark of respect to the victims of the MH17 disaster.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond speaking at the opening of the Commonwealth Games. Credit: Reuters

Mr Salmond said: "In last week's disaster almost one third of the 298 victims were citizens of the Commonwealth, 193 came from our European neighbours in The Netherlands.

"Please rise now, please stand, as we observe a moment's silence to express our condolences and above all our solidarity with the loved ones of all of those of every nationality who lost their lives."

He then thanked the crowd for their show of respect.

All 298 people on board the Malaysian Airlines flight died when it was allegedly shot down over Ukraine last week.

about 2 hours ago Commonwealth Games opening ceremony underway in Glasgow

Queen officially opens the 2014 Commonwealth Games

The Queen arriving at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. Credit: Peter Byrne/PA

The Queen has revealed what the secret message says she put in the Games' baton, as she officially opened the Commonwealth Games.

The baton has travelled more than 100,000 miles around the world visiting 71 nations before arriving back in Glasgow.

Reading it out as she formally declared the Games open, she said: "The baton relay represents a calling together of people from every part of the Commonwealth and serves as a reminder of our shared ideals and ambitions as a diverse, resourceful and cohesive family."

Wishing her best wishes to the competing athletes, the Queen added: "Your accomplishments over the coming days will encourage us all to strengthen the bonds that unite us.

"You remind us that young people, those under 25 years of age, make up half of our Commonwealth citizens; and it is to you that we entrust our values and our future.

"It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 20th Commonwealth Games open."