By

Steve Crossley BSc DO D.Hyp/Psych(UK)

Contents

Chapter     Introduction

1. Value Your Spine  

2.Anti-Age Your Spine

3.Get An MOT

4.Use It Or Lose It

5.Decompress For Success

6.Sit On A Ball

7.Rotten At The Core?

8.You Are What You Eat

9.Optimize Your Digestive System

1. Hydration Is Salvation
2. Variety For Longevity
3. Manage Your Emotions
4. Treat Yourself

Introduction

Back pain is not a new concept and according to historical information has been around for thousands of years.  However, as a general trend it appears that back pain in its many forms and manifestations has become a problem of epidemic proportions in more recent times.  Statistics suggest that around 80% of the population are affected by it at some time in their lives. 

If we consider the changes in lifestyle and environment that have evolved over just the last 50 years or so, it is not difficult to imagine why the prevalence of back pain seems to be growing at an alarming rate.  Despite advances in healthcare, medical diagnostics and human physiology, for the average back owner, the structure, function and maintenance of this essential piece of equipment remains shrouded by mystery, myths and misconceptions. 

The fact that the modern medical profession largely restricts its therapeutic toolbox to the application of drugs and surgery for the treatment of back pain doesn’t help the vast majority of sufferers who find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place.  Pain killers and anti-inflammatories may give some relief but are primarily designed to suppress symptoms, often allowing the patient to continue the same exacerbating activities.  Surgery is usually the last resort, carries certain risks, and in most cases is not guaranteed to correct the underlying cause.

I wonder how many back pain sufferers there are who have been given the impression that their pain and dysfunction is down to age related wear and tear and there is nothing that can be done to help them?  So, what can they do?... Put up with the pain and struggle on? Dose themselves with symptom relieving drugs? Take a chance on a surgical operation that may or may not be the answer, or try one of the many alternative potions, pills, remedies, supports or treatments out there?  Perhaps the biggest dilemma that many back pain sufferers are faced with is that their lives are severely compromised by a problem that they don’t understand and no-one seems to have the answer to.  The reality is that they may not benefit from either drugs or surgery and there is such a wide range of alternative treatments and remedies that they don’t know what works or who to turn to for the solution to their problem and they end up just feeling hopeless and confused.

Well, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way.  I want to help you uncover the mystery of your back pain and clear up all the myths and misconceptions surrounding this all too common condition.

Over a period of more than 20 years, I have dedicated myself to the study of physical therapy, health, exercise and the structure, function and mechanics of the human body.  In this short publication I have outlined some of the beliefs, values and philosophies that have evolved over this period of time along with other concepts that have resonated and made logical sense to me.  This combined with the experience gained from working with hundreds of individuals using the skills and knowledge I have accumulated has enabled me to provide what I consider to be a thoroughly comprehensive and “holistic” perspective, resulting in a systematic approach to solving back pain that is solution focused, logical and effective.

If you have ever suffered with back pain, know someone who has suffered, or are open minded and interested enough to consider alternative solutions, then I think and hope you’ll find the following information thought provoking and enlightening.  In my opinion, it’s neither rocket science nor new age thinking, but rather is founded upon basic laws and principles of natural healing and human evolution.  In this respect I believe that there are many simple truths that have perhaps been forgotten along the way and that we would benefit greatly if we were to simply reconnect with our innate human intelligence and understanding of how we function as mind, body and spirit.

I don’t claim to have all the answers but I do hope you find this information interesting and helpful.  Please feel free to share this with anyone you think might benefit. 

The human mind is like a parachute – It works best when it’s open!

1. Value Your Spine

Our physical health is for most of us our most valuable possession and yet it is all too easy to take it for granted, abuse or neglect it.  I believe this is because for the fortunate majority of us, we’ve had it since birth, didn’t have to pay for it and because of the amazing power of natural healing and regeneration, it is largely self-maintaining.  Therefore, we hardly ever have to think about it or do very much to be able to carry on our day to day lives.

Looking at physical health as a big picture jigsaw made up of many interconnecting pieces, I believe that of all the different organs and systems of the body, the spine is arguably the most valuable and important piece of the jigsaw and here’s why...

The stack of bones we know as the spinal column houses and protects the spinal cord, the body’s power station.  Every tissue, organ and cell in your body has a power supply that originates from some part of the spinal cord.  For example, the arms and hands are supplied by the part of the spinal cord that is housed within the column of neck bones known as the cervical spine.  The legs and feet get their nerve supply from your lower back, otherwise known as the lumbar spine.  Some of your most vital organs, such as the heart and lungs are supplied by nerves that start in the middle of your back, the thoracic spine.  We are all aware of the potential severity of paralysis through damage to the spinal cord, but d