A medical doctor and a "hekim" (folk practioner) squared off today in front of reporters regarding the diagnosis and treatment of various spinal ailments. The two approached the topic from widely different perspectives. Doctor Karapet Moumjyan, who heads the Orthopedics and Injuries Department at the St. Astvatzamayr Hospital in Yerevan, talked about the need for early diagnosis and placed an emphasis on prevention at a young age; the correcting of damaging behavioral traits like prolonged sitting and slumping and a lack of exercise. Zalibek Martirosyan, a "hekim" practitioner of 32 years says that she never asks her patients where it hurts. She finds the trouble by the use of hand manipulations and uses various kinds of soothing oils, bear or sheep, to massage the soft tissue of the ailing organs. She says that there is no fixed price list for her services and that patients can show their thanks in whatever amount possible. Many of her patients, she claims, are those who have gone to traditional doctors without any result. Doctor Karapet cautioned that any such spinal manipulation needed to be done very cautiously since more damage could be done to the spine as well. Both agreed that what is essential is lifestyle change, including more vigorous exercise and correct posture.