Low Back Pain
Ease Your Back Pain with The Alexander Technique
A recent study involving 597 people published in the British Medical Journal proved that the Alexander Technique helps back pain. (Click here for study summary.)
One of the most painful positions for a person with low back pain is to be seated. We all tend to slump; putting ourselves in a ‘C curve’. Often times when we’re not slumping we’re sitting up rigidly straight with what we think of as ‘good posture.’
Neither of these positions is very good for us. When we slump we are creating a hinge in the spine, where none exists. The spine can curve as an integrated unit, but it isn’t beneficial for us to hinge from one point (L5-S1 for instance.) We very well may be putting pressure on our discs creating our own pain. That’s the bad news. The good news is that with the aid of the Alexander Technique, we can do something about it.
Don’t concern yourself with trying to sit up straight. This will just add rigidity to the mix, and you won’t be able to maintain this ‘good posture’. Instead, think about sitting on your sit bones rather than your tailbone. The sit bones are two ‘U’ shaped bones on the bottom of your bottom. If you lean to one side, and put your hand underneath you from the side, you can feel one. Think, then feel your sit bones releasing down into the chair as your head moves up. This is one of many Alexander Technique oppositions.
Let your head lead your spine into length. You want to lengthen your spine, instead of compressing it. (If you notice a bigger breath coming in, or fuller breathing in general, you’re probably on the right track.)
You’ll be giving the nerves coming from your spinal cord a little more room. It’s almost as if you can give yourself gentle traction, whenever you remember these principles. If you’re in pain, you may remember these Alexander Technique principles quite often!
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
917.709.4648
Related posts:
[...] 1. The Alexander Technique and back pain [...]
[...] 1. The Alexander Technique and back pain [...]
Leave a comment!
Alexander Technique »
Welcome To Alexander Technique NYC!
Mark Josefsberg- Nationally Certified Alexander Technique Teacher offering Alexander Technique lessons in New York City. Fix your posture, reduce your back pain, neck pain, stress and more with the Alexander Technique.
For locations and fees please see the ‘FAQ’s’ page (on top.)
“With good humor, specificity, and charm, Mark makes a challenging technique accessible and fun!” -Kyra Sedgwick
“I really enjoyed our Alexander Technique sessions, learned a lot, felt lighter, more balanced and my neck pain is better. You have a true healing presence and great knowledge and skill.”
-Martin Ehrlich M.D., M.P.H. Medical Director, Beth Israel Continuum Center for Health and Healing.
To schedule a session call Mark: (917) 709-4648 or email: Mark@MarkJosefsberg.com
Neck Pain »
How To Reduce Neck Pain
I have a stiff neck. We say we have a stiff or sore neck, as if someone gave it to us and now it’s ours. In Alexander Technique terms it might be more accurate to say “I’m stiffening my neck.” Of course if you say it that way you sound insane…
Posture »
Alexander Technique Posture Directions
Alexander Technique Directions
I wish to free my neck … so that
My head can move forward and up…so that
My torso can lengthen and widen and…
My legs can move away from my torso and…
My shoulders can release out the sides.
Alexander Technique directions act as verbal, or neuro-linguistc cues. They tell us where we want to go, which is often upward, outward, into expansion. Up, down, and out. Head up, feet or sit bones down, shoulders out, legs away…
Stress »
Over Learning The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique has been described as a reeducation technique or psycho-physical reeducation. It is also a technique to be overlearned, and not only because you learn it over other things (bad habits of either movement or stillness), but when it comes to the Alexander Technique we need to be overeducated; we need to overlearn it so that we can use it under duress, much like a musician practices over and over to be able to execute music under stress…
FREE ENEWSLETTER. Receive Free online lessons, tips and useful ideas about the Alexander Technique. They'll arrive every two weeks. "The emails always seem come at the right time; When I'm slumped the worst! Thanks!" -Laurie R.
What is the Alexander Technique?
Alexander Technique Video
Why Take Alexander Technique lessons?
2. Get lasting relief for your back pain and neck pain. (reported by The British Medical Journal)
3. Reduce your anxiety and stress by releasing unnecessary tension.
4. Carry yourself with confidence, and present yourself with poise and strength.
5. Breathe easier and have a stronger voice.
6. Why Alexander Technique lessons?
Because we live in New York!
Mark Josefsberg-AmSAT and ACAT Certified Alexander Technique Teacher
Mark@MarkJosefsberg.com
(269)-POSTURE
or 917.709.4648
Categories
Archives
Blogroll
Tags
acting actors Alexander Technique Alexander Technique Lessons Alexander Technique Lessons.#1 Alexander Technique Lessons.#2 Alexander Technique Lessons.#3 Alexander Technique Principles Alternative Medicine Awareness Back Pain bad posture Balance Being Present bodywork books Breathing computer posture craniosacral therapy Directions driving Ergonomics exercises good posture Happiness Holistic Inhibition light-touch bodywork Meditation music musicians Neck Pain New York Times observation oppositions pain Poise Posture side effects slumping Stress Tension