How to Aleviate Back Pain With the Alexander Technique

How to Aleviate Back Pain With the Alexander Technique



Chronic pain has become a part of life for many people and it's difficult to do simple chores. Depression or addiction to pain killers may even follow. Efforts to alleviate back pain with the Alexander Technique could prove helpful by teaching sufferers how to change how they use their bodies in their daily lives.









1


Research to find an Alexander Technique teacher close to you. Note that practitioners may not be listed as such because many times other body workers, such as physical trainers or massage therapists, are also trained in the Alexander Technique.





2


Make sure your teacher is qualified. The American Society for Alexander Technique (AmSAT) requires 1,600 hours of training over a minimum of three years in an AmSAT approved training program for a teacher to become certified.





3


Understand the Alexander Technique is not an exercise or a treatment. You won't need to remove any clothing and you won't need any injections or medications. You will be asked to perform certain movements that require using your back. This is so the teacher can see how you are using your body and gently guide your movements with his or her hands to help you conserve energy and relax during your sessions.





4


Describe your symptoms to your teacher. Your teacher will show you how to adjust your posture or change muscular patters that cause stress to accumulate in the neck and back. This will help you become more in tune with your body's way of telling you when your muscles are tense or your nerves are compressed.





5


Continue your sessions, usually 30-45 minutes long, for several weeks. With repetition, you should be able to start to recognizing and preventing harmful patterns of movement. You will then be well established in how to move more wisely and you should have broken some bad movement habits, all of which will result in less back pain and fewer pain pills.








Tips & Warnings










As with any alternative treatment for pain, you should check with your doctor before trying the Alexander Technique.



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