Swimming for a Stronger Back Reports JOYCE WALTER 18th December 2006
	Case Study Details: Name: Tania Abduleza Age: 34 From: London SW8 Problem: Back Pain Solution: Swimming using the Alexander technique
	One of the downsides of being female may be having to cope with a weaker back. Statistics show women are at least twice as likely as men to develop back problems, with 7 out of 10 women suffering from back pain at some time in their lives. The weakness is thought to be due in large part to our reproductive hormones, which make ligaments and tendons softer, including those which support the back. Pregnancy adds to the strain on the spine – not only through the sheer extra weight, but also because the higher levels of progesterone when you’re expecting, which relax the tendons and ligaments more than ever. Tania Abduleza, 34, has lived with back pain since her teens. She never let it stop her leading an active life, thanks to the help of chiropractors, doing regular Pilates classes, and also by taking up a back-friendly method of swimming using the Alexander technique, called the Shaw method. But two years ago when she was water-skiing, Tania’s world was turned upside down. She felt a tearing sensation in her back, as she doubled up in agony. The news wasn’t good. Two discs in her spine had prolapsed, and this was followed by months of intense pain. The injury eventually landed her in hospital for an epidural procedure under general anaesthesia, in a bid to help reduce the pain and inflammation. “I was told that gentle exercise would help me on the path to mobility again, yet I knew I needed to be very cautious when I moved, as my back was in such a fragile state. Being a keen swimmer, I wanted to get back in the water again, but I needed to learn new techniques which would keep the pressure off my back,” says Tania, who works as a psychotherapist. Tania wasted no time getting back in touch with her Shaw Method swimming teacher, who helped her to relax in the water, and to become more aware of her body movements and how they impacted on her back. Steven Shaw, founder of the method, says, “Swimming is often recommended for bad backs but if you don’t know the correct techniques, you can injure yourself further. The Alexander technique focuses on body alignment and the relationship between the head, neck and back. As postural problems are often at the root of back injuries, becoming more aware of these is a key way to help the healing process. Water is the perfect environment for this, as you only weigh a tenth of your weight in water up to your chest. This can be a huge benefit to people in chronic pain, as there is less stress on your back and your joints,” he says.   Today, Tania says her back has never been stronger. She believes that attending a Pilates class twice a week, and also swimming every chance she gets using the Shaw method, has played a big part in her recovery. “Not only is it a great pleasure to glide through the water, but the techniques help me to be much more aware of my body, which I know go a long way to keeping my back safe.” For details of Shaw Method swimming classes go to www.artofswimming.com or phone 0208 446 9442.