Are there simple methods that can be used to beat back pain?

It would be nice, wouldn't it?!

Let's face it, you can't move too far nowadays, especially online, before you see plenty of simple-looking methods presented to help back pain.

It might be a variation on a plank exercise, a new way of stretching your hip flexors, or a new gadget.

But have we found a convincing solution yet? Have we found the best method to tackle back pain? It doesn't seem so.

We need methodology, not just methods

Instead of searching for individual methods to eradicate back pain, we should work with methodologies. We need sensible approaches, that have a deeper underpinning based on knowledge of bodies and the people that inhabit them.

Examples of methodologies are hands-on therapies such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic and massage therapy. Various movement therapies also have a methodology built in, such as Pilates, yoga and Feldenkreis.

What's the difference?

The hands-on therapies we mentioned can share methods - working on joints or muscles, but each has its own methodology. An osteopath and a physiotherapist might use the same individual technique while treating a patient, but more than likely, their overall strategy is slightly different. One patient might thrive with one discipline, and another might do better with the other.

Movement practices also have their unique methodologies, yet might instruct their followers in very similar movements at times. (There's also a great crossover point where the manual therapies dovetail with the movement therapies, but we'll come back to that another day!)

A methodology starts by asking a question and examining the problem. The most appropriate methods can then be selected to achieve the desired goal. 

Some patients might benefit from planks, some might need to stretch their hamstrings, and others might just need education and advice. 

A methodology facilitates the selection of the best methods.

What to do?

If persistent back pain is a problem, you'll be lucky to solve it with a simple method. We've nothing against this happening, but it's not common.

Instead, seek a methodology, and follow the process.