According to the NHS around 9.3 million days were lost due to work-related back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders in a single year. Heavy work causes injuries but it’s the daily grind of hunching over a desk that causes most long-term back problems.
For many, when pain strikes, it means reaching for the pills, and some people rely on them on a daily basis. But painkillers have unwanted side-effects and treat only the symptoms of pain, not the causes.
The good news is that there are several effective natural therapies that can ease the pain. Therapies such as acupuncture, Reiki and Pilates have all been used successfully to combat workplace back pain. One therapy in particular that’s become increasingly popular in recent years is the Alexander Technique.
The Alexander Technique is a practical form of re-training that teaches you how to use your body in a more natural and efficient way. It encourages you to undo bad postural habits and re-discover good balance, co-ordination and ease of movement.
The Alexander Technique is easy to introduce into the workplace as it requires no specialist equipment and practitioners can create a programme tailored to employees’ precise needs. Many large organisations, including the BBC and the NHS, have used the Alexander Technique in the workplace with staff reporting high rates of success, less pain and fewer working days lost.
For more information about the Alexander Technique, or to find an Alexander teacher near you, visit: www.stat.org.uk
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