Movement better for long-term back pain than care

22nd, August 2008

A study found more improvement in back pain sufferers who received lessons in the Alexander technique and an exercise, than those receiving ‘normal care’ or massage.

Low back pain costs the NHS and the economy £5 billion a year as one of the most common conditions seen by GPs, and a common cause of disability accounting for up to five million lost working days per year.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal, was carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Southampton and the University of Bristol. They compared the effectiveness of massage, exercise and the Alexander technique for the relief of back pain over one year. Some 579 patients with chronic or recurrent back pain from 64 general practices in the south and west of England were involved in the study.

Patients were randomised to receive normal care, massage, six Alexander technique lessons, or 24 Alexander technique lessons. Half of the patients from each of the groups were also prescribed an exercise programme (brisk walking for 30 minutes per day five times a week).

The study found that after one year, exercise combined with lessons in the Alexander technique significantly reduced pain and improved functioning whereas massage offered little benefit after three months.

One of the researchers, Professor Debbie Sharp of Bristol University said: “Few interventions have been proved to substantially help patients with chronic back pain in the longer term.

“Lessons in the Alexander technique offer an individualised approach to develop skills that help people recognise, understand, and avoid poor habits affecting postural tone and neuromuscular coordination.

The practice and theory of the technique support the hypothesis that it could potentially reduce back pain by limiting muscle spasm, strengthening postural muscles, improving coordination and flexibility, and decompressing the spine.”

Movement better for long-term back pain than care

A study found more improvement in back pain sufferers who received lessons in the Alexander technique and an exercise, than those receiving ‘normal care’ or massage.

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