How do you look out for your back? Are you taking good care of your physiological self to complement your psychological predisposition?
I've got your back!
Although I am not a physiotherapist or an exercise physiologist, I can confirm that my professional perspective is that there is a psychological component for a physiological representation/ presentation.
 I have suggested to many a patient, that back pain needs to be collaboratively managed with an expert in physiology (i.e. Physiotherapist, chiropractor, exercise physiologist etc.) as well as an individual in the area of psychology (i.e. Psychologist, counsellor, social worker etc.).
 The relationship between mind and body is one and the same, for there has to be an awareness of how the body can directly affect the psychological predisposition, and conversely how psychological thought patterns can impact upon pain sensations in the body.
 My overarching suggestion to those individuals that lead a sedentary lifestyle, is to make sure they are engaging in half an hour of moderate exercise per day. Most individuals that I treat leading a sedentary lifestyle are doing so because of a vacation which leads them to work behind a desk. Along with suggesting half an hour of moderate exercise after work at each day (i.e. Brisk walk, laps of the pool etc.), I suggest intermittent breaks in the work day to enable stretching and the circulation of blood flow (i.e. avoiding deep vein thrombosis) & back management. I also suggest a bolster cushion to be placed at the base of the spine when seated at the desk. Moreover, my suggestions on the physiological are coupled with the suggestion that the individual seek qualified guidance from an expert in physiology.
 After I have made some general suggestions on managing physiology, I then provide some psycho education to the presenting patient about how managing stress will enable a posture to be held which is more relaxed manner and not activating neck muscles in a posture with which is "holding onto" the negative thought patterns.
 I can immediately see an individual that is carrying stress, by the way in which they hold the body posture. Raised shoulders arching up to the earlobes often indicates a level of stress or anxiety. In addition to this, drooped shoulders leaning forward, are often indicative of a depressive mindset.
 The adage I will often apply is "conscious mind conscious living" so if a patient is consciously aware of how the body posture is held, they will be more receptive of metacognition. Metacognition, means thinking about the way we think. When we think about our thought processes, we will then be most aware of how our thoughts lead to harbouring muscle tension and physical pain.














