Explanation
Bodywork encompasses various massage techniques, deep tissue therapies, and movement awareness approaches that can be employed to address back pain. Several bodywork techniques are available for managing back pain.
Some common forms of bodywork used to address back pain and related postural issues include Rolfing and Hellerwork. These methods involve intense manipulation of muscles, connective tissues, and joints to facilitate the realignment of the body, muscles, and connective tissues. Movement awareness therapies like the Feldenkrais Method and the Alexander technique have also demonstrated effectiveness in correcting and realigning the body's posture. These methods utilize gentle touch, visualization, and suggestion to reprogram the body's established self-image. By relearning proper posture and movement through these techniques, individuals can often alleviate unnecessary back pain.
Other hands-on techniques for treating back pain through energy healing include acupressure, shiatsu, and reflexology.
Here's a variation of a Feldenkrais exercise that can be highly beneficial for relieving back discomfort.
Lie on your back and take a few deep breaths. Notice how your spine rests on the carpet. Do all the vertebrae touch, or are there gaps between your back and the floor? Does one side of your back make different contact with the floor than the other? Does one side feel heavier than the other?
Bend both legs, placing your feet flat on the carpet. Gently lower your knees to one side, observing how far they seem to descend. Return them to the center and lower them again to the same side, noting any differences. Repeat this twenty-five times and then rest, stretching your legs back out. How does your back now contact the floor? Does your breathing feel any different than before?
Bend your legs once more and lower them to the opposite side, observing their descent. How does this side compare to the other? Bring your legs back to the center and rest. Now, imagine performing this movement in the most relaxed and fluid manner. Mentally repeat this ten times, then physically bend your knees to that side. Is the movement easier and more extensive than before? Perform this movement another twenty times, paying attention to how it affects the movement of your head. When your legs drop, does your chin move toward or away from your chest? How does this movement influence your breathing?
Now stretch your legs back out and rest, noting how your back contacts the ground. What differences do you observe in your breathing, neck, and head? Stand up and walk around slowly, paying attention to how your body moves and feels.
Many people will notice remarkable differences in their movement and posture. Some may find that their backs now lie completely flat on the ground for the first time in their lives, and individuals with chronic pain may find their problems completely alleviated by this simple five-minute exercise.