Back and neck pain can have many causes, but one thing is often overlooked – how we use ourselves throughout the day. Many people unknowingly tighten muscles and overload joints. Stress and postural habits cause tension in ways that load joints poorly.
The Alexander Technique helps you recognise these patterns and develop new ones. When the old patterns of over or under-activation of muscles are replaced with a balanced distribution of muscle tone, pressure is taken off the spine – freeing up a more spacious relationship between head, neck and back. Gradually you learn a practical skill that you apply as you go about your day, so you are able to maintain these positive changes on an ongoing basis.
What the research says.
One to one lessons in the Alexander technique from registered teachers have long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain. (Little et al, British Medical Journal, 2008)