The one’s that didn’t make the grade!

So this is personal experience only! Whilst trying to find effective treatment over 2 and a half decades I have tried many different approaches. Most worked for a while (some didn’t at all) but ultimately none of these improved my condition to any great degree for an extended period of time. Other people may have other experiences of these techniques but if its something you have to spend out on and return to for a ‘quick fix’ time and time again then consider whether its a treatment or just a temporary fix!

Acupuncture– had this in Japan after moving a very heavy beer barrel! Lovely scented room, relaxing music, needles….! I felt relaxed because of the atmosphere but I felt no different from the acupuncture treatment. However I had limited treatments as I was a voluntary worker at that stage with little money, therefore I don’t know if further treatments would have helped more.

Chiropractic treatment – one word – scary! In the US, my neck was twisted in a way that I thought I was going to be seriously injured….never went back! At that stage, I also had the awareness that my muscles were playing a big part in my problem and the idea of twisting and snapping vertabrae into place with no regard to my muscles didn’t feel right.

Scenar Therapy – bio-energy treatment invented by Russian scientists. Yep, as bizarre as it sounds!

Some physiotherapists – most of my treatment has been with physiotherapists. Some are excellent and can quickly reduce pain and put you on exercises to help yourself. Others have exacerbated the problem  – missing the signs of imminent disc prolapse (twice!) is one such example. The physiotherapist exercises I have found to be powerful and safe for many conditions are Sarah Keys’. There are also other knowledgeable physiotherapists out there…they may take some finding but its worth persevering as when you find someone who is experienced and considers the ‘whole’ body – not just the bit that hurts right now it can make all the difference!

Exercise – Pilates, yoga, swimming, personal trainer – I used to start a program and then within weeks not be able to continue due to recurrence of significant pain and problems.

There are many other back and neck pain treatments available. I have pinpointed three which I believe have merit in other articles. The Alexander Technique, Sarah Key’s exercises and therapeutic massage. These recommendations are based on physical results experienced and for the first two, the desire to manage my own situation rather than keep ending up in the practitioners office. I hope in time to be able to increase my exercise without the fear of significant pain due to awareness of my body using these techniques.

(Sarah does not have a medical background so it is emphasised that her blog is the result of her experiences and listening to others only. Before doing any of the suggestions contained in her blog, check with your doctor if you have any concerns on how they may affect you)