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Chronic back pain relieved by Alexander technique
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Low back pain/fotosearch.com
Several recent studies, including one published in the August 2008 issue of the British Medical Journal, show that the Alexander technique is effective in relieving the pain associated with chronic or recurrent low back pain. This study, which included 579 patients from 64 different general practices, is one of the few major studies to show significant relief for patients with chronic low back pain.
In the study, 144 patients received six one-on-one Alexander technique lessons plus exercises to perform, 144 received 24 lessons, and the remainder received either massage or normal care (controls). One year after the study started, those who had 24 lessons reported having 3 days of pain per month; those who had six lessons plus exercise had 11 days of pain; and controls had 21 days of pain each month.
How does the Alexander technique work?
The Alexander technique is about changing habits in movement that are unnatural and thus can cause pain, discomfort, and poor health. During each one-on-one Alexander technique session, a trained practitioner observes your movements and instructs you, using touch and verbal instructions, on how to move in ways that relate to your symptoms. Instructors teach you how to bring your body into balance, and how to sit, stand, and move efficiently, easily, and safely.
Over a series of sessions, you can learn to release muscle tension, improve posture, and move with less pain or eliminate it. The number of sessions necessary to improve overall functioning varies with each person, although 20 to 30 are typical.
The American Society for the Alexander Technique lists certified practitioners in the Phoenix area.
Stay tuned to this Phoenix Alternative Medicine website for more articles on the latest research and discussion regarding alternative bodywork therapies.
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