Movement Based Treatment Methods For Low Back Pain

By Larry Walker


Motion is one sign that your object of attention is alive. This is one principle that informs the development of movement based treatment. Some of the techniques have their origin in the east and been sharpened or enhanced by western science. It has been adopted as a medical alternative for lower back pain among other emotional, physical, mental and spiritual benefits.

Recorded benefits of movement therapy include enhancement of body posture, improved flexibility and better release of muscle spasm. Scientists have also been studying the impact of motion on general body functions. They seek to find ways of improving these movements and enhancing their effectiveness. There have been modifications to include meditation that has psychological and emotional angle to it.

One may choose eastern or western motion techniques based on personal targets and preferences. Qigong and Tai Chi are common eastern techniques that bear similarity. They are slow but comprehensive which makes them popular among the elderly. These cautious motion therapy techniques reward you with relaxation and are effective in restoring optimum body functionality. They also boost your mood by taking the mind away from the pain. This has increased their popularity several folds.

Yoga remains the most popular form of motion therapy from the east. It combines both psychological and physical aspects. This has increased its effectiveness in dealing with stress, managing distress, enhancing pain tolerance and giving you a feeling of better control. You may require professional guidance or props to increase your motion range and focus on particular areas like your back without endangering your life.

Western motion therapies focus on the ability of the movements to affect your psychological well-being. Healing is initiated through self-image, awareness, flexibility and self-esteem. Attention, time and practice will change the habitual approach to movement and therefore take focus away from the pain. It is a way of dealing with chronic pain and can apply to any part of the body.

The Alexander technique is popular and focuses on correct use of body parts during motion. It aims at creating physical and mental awareness of motion. It also addresses dysfunctional movement patterns and other stress causing motions that would intensify lower back pain. Scientific research has confirmed that it is effective in dealing with lower spinal pain especially during pregnancy and is effective in reducing stress.

Feldenkrais therapy is based on the understanding that there is an alternative for every body move. As such, the body can be trained to make the right motion choices to avoid stressing some parts. This is referred to as re-education. Beyond making correction on motion mistakes made in the past, this form of therapy prevents future pain that may result from wrong choices.

The Trager approach focuses on muscle release and holding paying attention to the mental and emotional patterns involved. This makes it an appropriate remedy for back pain. As scientific studies continue to evaluate these methods, their applications are providing a worthy solution at no cost. There are no special resources or props required to effect these motions. Further, absence of medicines and chemical compounds means that there are no side effects.




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