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Melanie Pearson, PhD Hi Fellow Parents, This is a bit of an odd posting, but because I would have loved the information myself years earlier, I have decided to share, just in case any one out there is experiencing chronic body pain and might find similar relief. Since 1994 I have been suffering from neck and shoulder pain. The pain was not constant, but daily. It was exacerbated by prolonged computer use or any activity that required me to use my arms away from my body (washing dishes, ironing, vacuuming, and even carrying my children). At times it was so bad that I could do nothing at the end of the day except heat therapy. I tried getting help/relief from every source possible: orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, chiropractors, prescription pain medication, physical therapists, massage therapists, acupuncture, yoga, and the list goes on. I experienced symptom relief from each of these approaches, but never a cure. Within days, or sometimes hours, the pain would return. (I have spent thousands of dollars trying to seek cures at this point!!!) This past fall I found the Alexander technique. After 13 years of chronic pain, I have finally found true relief – I am not yet cured, but the frequency and intensity of the pain is approximately 1/5 of what it used to be and I have hope that eventually I will no longer have these issues. The Alexander technique is an approach to body use. The thing I love about it the most is that it is NOT a treatment or an exercise program. It is an educational process to learn how to use your body correctly. It is a process, so be prepared. It is recommended to take at least 10 lessons ($55 each lesson). I was not thrilled that I would have to take so many lessons and invest so much money (after all that I have already spent), but after two lessons, I knew I had finally found what I needed to reduce my pain. I continue to take lessons, as I learn a little more each time and my pain gets better as I incorporate my lessons into my daily life. It is a slow process because you have to break poor habits of body use, but as you break them and introduce better ones, the pain diminishes. You can learn more about it on your own via an internet search; I just wanted to let you know it was out there. My Alexander teacher is Ron Dennis. He is great. He teaches out of his home in North DeKalb County . I highly recommend him. Here is his website: http://www.unique-technique.com/Main.htm. Feel free to let him know I recommended him if you call him. Just in case you are wondering, I have NO financial interests in this technique or the teacher I recommended. I am sincerely enjoying life so much more now that I wanted to share it with the rest of you. Good luck to any one with pain and feel free to contact me with any questions! Melanie Pearson
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