Good Posture: Easing Back Pain
Throughout the course of a year about half of the UK population suffers from back pain, of which approximately 15% go on to suffer from chronic problems.
It is well documented that back pain is different from one individual to another and that a combination of things may help relieve back pain. However, UK researchers have shown that long term back pain can be relieved by encouraging sufferers to adopt good posture through the Alexander technique.
Using a combination of normal GP care, massage and Alexander Technique lessons, researchers from Bristol and Southampton Universities, working with 463 patients over a year long period found that the Alexander Technique patients suffered only three days of back pain per month, compared to 21 days per month for those under GP care (treatment being regular consultations, pain killers and exercises) and 14 days per month for those who had massage treatment.
Lessons in the Alexander Technique provide help to most people with back pain as they help people recognise and inderstand how poor postural habits affect postural tone and neuromuscular coordination. By limiting muscle spasm, strengthening postural muscles, improving coordination and flexibility and decompressing the spine, back pain can be reduced.
The Alexander Technique teaches the skilful “use of the self”, giving the sufferer an understanding of factors which contribute to back pain. To find classes near you visit http://www.webhealer.net/alexander_technique/hpx-alexander-technique.htmÂ
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Disclaimer: Professional independent medical advice should be taken before acting on any of the information given in this article.
