22 Oct Daily Mirror: Alexander Technique Rated Top In Treating Back Pain!

A Daily Mirror feature (April 2015) looked at how to get rid of back pain without the need for pills. They asked Dr Adam Al-Kashi, Backcare’s head of research and education, for the best alternatives…and Alexander Technique was rated top with  5/5

He  compared various treatment options including chiropractic, osteopathy, yoga, pilates, gentle exercise and acupuncture. But only Alexander Technique scored top marks.

Backcare is a UK charity which aims to significantly reduce the burden of back pain by providing information and advice to all people and organisations affected by back pain.  They fund scientific research into the causes, prevention and management of back pain.

Here is what they said about Alexander Technique:

Evidence: The latest and most comprehensive study published in the British Medical Journal showed the Alexander Technique can reduce back pain by a staggering 85%, offering more significant long-term benefits than having a massage or standard medical care.

How it works: Students learn to recognise, understand and prevent the consequences of poor postural and movement habits. By improving postural tone, co-ordination, mobility and balance, they experience a significant reduction in back pain. Dr Al-Kashi says: “In one particular study, the benefit was not only sustained up to the 12-month follow-up but continued.”

Cost: A course of 20-30 sessions, at around £40 each, is normally recommended. Contact the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique for your nearest practitioner.

Success rating: 5/5

 If you would like to read the feature in full: Click Here.