Back pain - extra alternatives (The Sunday Times, 21 May 2006)

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Q.I suffer from back pain and have tried conventional medicine. I see a chiropractor every few weeks and a nutritionist, who has helped with diet and supplements. However, nothing seems to work. The pain is particularly bad in the morning and even affects my quality of sleep. Is there a natural alternative?



A. Back pain — indeed, any body pain — is sheer misery, especially when it is persistent. There are numerous complementary therapies designed to aid the treatment of back pain, including spinal manipulation, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, cranial work, McTimoney chiropractics, Bowen therapy, yoga, Pilates, the Alexander technique and naturopathy, to name but a few.

You could try acupressure, a system that involves applying pressure from the fingers and thumbs to the same trigger points as used in acupuncture.

The British Medical Journal has reported on its success at treating chronic back pain and increasing mobility and flexibility. To find a practitioner near you, visit www.the-cma.org.uk or www.i-c-m.org.uk.

Reflexology is also quite amazing — you will no doubt find that the spinal reflex point on your feet is agony, because this reflects blockages in the spine. Visit www.aor.org.uk for more details.

You say the pain is worse on getting up, so consider changing your mattress. I would not have survived my pain from a long-standing problem during my pregnancy without my Tempur mattress (08000 111081; www.tempur.com). It is made from a unique pressure-relieving material, which moulds to the exact shape and position of the body. You have the assurance of a six-month guarantee, too, so if it doesn’t help, it can be returned.




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