Backpain is a condition most people will suffer at some point in their life. In the majority of these cases it is not serious and will eventually pass.It may return on occasions and be no more than a minor nuisance. In others it will be an ongoing huge inconvenience preventing them from doing the activities they would wish. The causes for back pain are numerous and include herniated discs, muscle strain, poor posture, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, degenerative disc disease and scoliosis of the spine. The important step is to ensure you get a proper diagnosis if your backpain persists.

Muscles, Posture And Backpain

Muscle strain and posture are a major factor in back problems. If you are not balanced when standing, sitting or moving you may be using the wrong muscles to support your body.

Muscles that were not designed to support your back may be doing just that. This can lead to fatigue, unnecessary stress and eventually pain. Slumping at a computer desk is a good example. Take a look at the photograph below and decide which position would be the most beneficial to your back. Your head weighs an average 5 kg and in the position on the left is pulling the body forward and down. This will lead to back muscles working to keep you upright that really do not need to be doing anything in this position.

In the photograph on the right her head is sitting on top of the spine with its weight going directly down the spine into the pelvis and eventually the chair. She is balanced and does not need to involve any inappropriate muscles to keep her upright. Please note that this is not the traditional sitting up straight position. Her lower back is not tense (pulled in) and her chest is not thrust forward.

Whilst poor posture is generally not good for your back, your idea of good posture may also be a factor.

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FREE online course for your back pain
If your back pain is due to poor posture or movement habits my Body Awareness Course could help you. Too many adults develop poor habits that lead to muscle aches and pains. This course consists of 5 lessons to help you reduce the stresses and strains you unknowingly put upon your body. Everyone completing the course will receive a 50% discount off my most popular program!

To get your FREE course please click FREE fitness program

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Is your back stopping you doing the things you want to do?
It is difficult when everyone from you doctor to your best friend is telling you to be more active because it will help. Yet how do you start when physical activities make things worse? It can be done! With my step-by-step guide in Fit for Life:a new look at fitness using The Alexander Technique, you will discover how you can reduce the stress and strain we unknowingly put upon our backs. Once you can learn how to move with less effort you will benefit by slowly building up you levels of physical activity and feel 100% better.

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Is your posture causing your condition?
Your shape may be putting extra stress on your muscles just to keep your balance. Small changes to how you do things may make a big difference to your backpain. You may have tried exercises to improve your posture, however I believe these do not help in the long term and can even cause more complications. If your movement patterns are suspect and are causing you pain, you will use these same patterns to perform your exercises!

Take a look at my guide to improving your posture without exercise.

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Are You Getting A Good Nights Sleep?

Could your mattress be a cause of your back pain? New technology, designed by NASA, has taken the mattress industry by storm. Called memory foam, it can mold itself to your unique body shape giving your back complete support.

To find out how to choose one of these new style mattress see memory foam technology. A good nights sleep is vital for good health and your back.

Ease your back pain in our comfy bean bags! Fall into love with our extra large love sack. You will never find a more comfortable seat then when you sit in our #1 foam chair.

Stand Up Straight!
I have seen many cases where backpain can be caused by trying to sit up and stand up straight as instructed by parents and teachers. The idea that we have to do something extra to achieve the ideal position leads to unnecessary muscular effort. Many back pain sufferers need to learn how to do less and release the tension they are creating themselves in the belief that is how good posture is achieved.

Another common cause for backpain but often overlooked is how you think your body works - I call this poor body concept. For example, many people bend their backs from the wrong place because they mistakenly believe their back finishes at the lumbar area (lower back).

See the photograph below and see how this misconception can affect movement. In both these positions the back is being used poorly.

If this is the situation, back exercises will not address the cause. Try my body awareness test to see if your body concept may be a factor in your backpain. If your movement is poor you will need a program of re-education. The difference can be seen in the photographs below. In the sequence below you can see how she is now moving from the appropriate place to reduce the strain on her back.

Your body will do exactly what you tell it to do, but do you know exactly what you are telling your body to do?

More On Backs and Back Pain .... Can a better mattress help? Do exercises work for back pain? Is alternative medicine for back pain science or quackery? Back pain treatment: Does conventional medicine work? Are ergonomic chairs worth the cost? Lower back pain: Is there a simple solution? Is modern living to blame for lower back pain? Scoliosis may need more than exercise for correction Try this stretch for lower back pain "Putting your back into it!"

Recommending Reading

Body Learning by Michael Gelb
An excellent introductory book on The Alexander Technique. Shows how the Technique can be applied for back pain sufferers.

A Skill for Life By Pedro de Alcantara
This is another great book for back pain sufferers - no exercises! But plenty of advice on changes you can make to help your condition. Well worth a read.

US visitors can order from Amazon.com

UK visitors can order from Amazon.co.uk

Want to ask a question? My approach to addressing the causes of back pain is different to the conventional approach. If there is anything on this page that you would like to follow up please feel free to contact me

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