Back Pain Relief

Disc trouble Sciatica Low back pain Whiplash injury Shoulder and arm pain Neck pain Pinched nerves Arthritis of the spine Round shoulders Pregnancy related pain

These problems can all have complex causes. There are equally as many treatments, exercises and therapies that aim to ease or cure the pain. Very often, by the time back pain sufferers come to me, they have tried them all!

Learning vs. therapy
One of the first things a person needs to realise about the Alexander Technique is that, although it can have therapeutic effects, it is not another therapy or treatment. My aim as an Alexander teacher is to teach you a different way of going about your daily activities - however sedentary or vigorous they may be.

Good use vs. poor use
The way we use ourselves: our thought and movement habits influence our whole self either in a beneficial way (as nature intended) or in a harmful way.
If we use ourselves well with efficiency of movement and with thought and consideration then our bodies are designed to be pain-free and to heal after injury with relative ease (depending of course on the severity of the injury). In fact, I would say that alongside correct nutrition, mental attitude, proper (appropriate) exercise and rest, using ourselves well is a most important, yet undervalued, aspect to recovery.

If we are using ourselves badly we are setting ourselves up for pain, compression of the spine and spinal discs, wear and tear on the joints, pinched nerves, poor breathing…. We may get away with it for months and often years but eventually we will begin to feel the effects.

Injury
After injury (which is made more likely by inefficient and un-coordinated movement) it is much harder and sometimes impossible for the body to properly heal itself. And in cases where healing is successful, poor use can leave a legacy of limps and compensatory muscular imbalances that in turn can give rise to further problems in the future.

To learn the Alexander Technique is to give yourself the best chance to eliminate the harmful influences you place on your body every time you move. You can help yourself to a healthy back and you may well experience other side-benefits as you go.

Pregnancy
Go to Pregnancy page