Back Pain - The Study

Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people try the Alexander Technique. Lessons help you reduce unnecessary muscular tension, improve coordination and balance, and develop practical skills you can use in daily life – sitting, standing, walking and working – to prevent flare-ups and support recovery.

At a glance

  • Reduce strain by improving how you sit, stand and move.
  • Support recovery from chronic or recurrent back pain.
  • Build awareness and poise for calmer, easier movement.
  • Practical self-care skills that complement medical treatment.

The BMJ trial

The first fully controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for chronic back pain was published in the British Medical Journal (2008). 579 people with long-term back pain were assigned to:

  • Six Alexander lessons
  • Twenty-four Alexander lessons
  • Six sessions of classical massage
  • GP-prescribed aerobic exercise
  • Control (usual GP care)

Key results

  • Control: ~21 days of back pain per month.
  • All interventions at 3 months showed benefit vs control.
  • Exercise: Better function at 12 months; days in pain not significantly different from control (~21 days).
  • Massage: Early gains at 3 months; less sustained by 12 months (days in pain ~14 vs control ~21).
  • 24 Alexander lessons: Best outcome – ~3 days of back pain per month at 12 months, with important improvements in function and quality of life.
  • Disability (Roland–Morris): average reduction of ~42% at one year.

For more detail:

The BMJ: Alexander Technique – part 1

The BMJ: Alexander Technique – part 2

The Alexander Technique helped a long-standing back problem and to get a good night’s sleep after many years of tossing and turning.

– Paul Newman, actor

Note: The Alexander Technique is an educational approach that complements your medical care. Please consult your GP or specialist about diagnosis and treatment.