Treating back problems is a good business to be in. Statistics show that about 80 percent of the adults in the U.S. have been bothered by back pain at some point. The Consumer Reports Health Ratings Centre survey stated that 46 percent of respondents mentioned that back pain interfered with their sleep, 31 percent that it hindered efforts to maintain a healthy weight, and 24 percent said that it hampered their sex life. (ref. http://www.consumerreports.org/health/conditions-and-treatments/back-pain/overview/back-pain.htm)
UK figures are similar. A study conducted in 2006 suggested that around 80% of the population will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, with the worst times being ages 40-50. Back pain is blamed for one in every six days taken off work and costs companies billions of pounds every year. (ref. http://www.endbackpain.co.uk/Back_Pain_Statistics_in_the_UK.html)
I've blogged about back pain before. And doubtless will do so again. Over the years I've received treatments from a range of therapists: physios, osteopaths, chiropracters. The treatments have varied, but mainly the results have been temporary. Some treatments have been effective but far too short and certainly too expensive; others have been pleasant but only palliative; some have been wonderful but only addressed symptoms. I was resigned to being a back care treatment nomad, wandering the globe (or whatever part of it I was living in at the time) to find an affordable and effective therapy. Then a friend mentioned 21st Century Back Care.
This organisation offers Tamars treatment. I couldn't help it - the name intrigued me, conjuring up images of Tamil Tigers fighting for independence in Sri Lanka. Nevertheless I went along one day and was shown the machine and one of those wonderful plastic model spines that make a delightful cracking noise when bent, and are used to demonstrate what is wrong with our backs. At the time I had a rotator cuff injury of the shoulder. Nevertheless I was aware that my back could probably benefit from a treatment. And so I embarked on a course of Tamars treatments.
I quickly learned that Tamars has no connection with Tamil Tigers or any kind of tiger. Tamars stands for Technology Assisted Mobilisation and Reflex Stimulation. It treats the entire spine rather than just concentrating on certain vertebrae, the theory being that a problem in one part of the spine often has a knock on effect on other parts. The treatment involves an "innovative and touch sensitive tool that enable therapists to feel the movements of individual vertebrae". It helps to relax the muscles, stimulate spinal reflexes to help correct misalignment of the spine. The patient lies face down on a treatment bench, while the machine runs up and down the spine, then presses on the individual vertebra. At first it can sound a bit scary- not dissimilar to a road digger or bull dozer, with an alternative noise resembling castanets. The process fascinated me.
I've had four treatments in total, and have noticed an improvement in my back. A lightness. Equally important has been the advice I've been given. Until now my back problems have tended to be described as 'tight muscles', For the first time I've been given a diagnosis that I actually understand. Essentially I have a pronounced 'lordosis' - S-shaped back, with some muscles which are too short and others which are too long, and all of this is putting additional pressure on various parts of my spine. What do I need to do? - work on my posture, and every day, not just intermittently. I've been given exercises to do.
The two therapists who work at 21st Century Back Care are professional and caring. They don't push unnecessary appointments on patients. They do take the time to explain things. They give feedback. They praise when praise is due. They gently encourage and motivate when exercises haven't been done. And, they keep their prices reasonable, which can't be said of many practitioners in similar practices.
For the first time - that I can remember, anyway, in my trawl round clinics, I've been told that my back will get better, that treatments will help to realign my spine, but that ultimately it is up to me. I'm the one who needs to do my exercises every day, who needs to be aware of my posture, regardless of whether I'm sitting, standing or walking. Now that my spine has been realigned, the person who can help me most is... ME.
Time will tell whether or not my desire to have a problem-free back will translate into the discipline that's being required of me. Meanwhile I enjoy my treatments.
21st Century Back Care has clinics in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Oban. For more info, go to: www.tamars.co.uk
And finally, I'd love one of those plastic model spines for Christmas. Please?
Humbly yours
Jane
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