Extracted from The Back Pain Sourcebook by Stephanie Levin-Gervasi

A herniated disc, with little satisfaction or relief from traditional modalities resulted in Mathews exploration of alternative possibilities. He had some success with a healing center who taught him how to relax his upper body, breath and practice visualization. He felt better, but not cured. He contemplated laser surgery, but when the surgeon recommended a more traditional approach, Larry changed his mind. A pain therapist helped Mathew manage his pain, and recommended Pilates.

Pilates classic exercise has long been the best kept secret of dancers. Prominent dancers, singers and movie stars discovered Pilates Method decades ago. Introduced in 1923 in New York, by Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method is a form of resistance control exercise.

With Pilates and the pain clinic, Mathew felt like he was on the road to recovery. After a few months with his Pilates trainer, religiously taking classes three times a week, Mathew's posture and body mechanics had altered radically. He walked differently, and says his body is more open.

More importantly, he feels alive and has few days of back pain. Mathew also discovered that once he hit 40, his body didn't bounce back like it did in his 20's and 30's. Mathew still practices Pilates.

Pilates works with muscle resistance in the way muscles are designed to function, not against natural mechanics. The Pilates Method utilizes mental and physical training to teach people how to work from the inside out. Because the method looks at the body as a whole unit, it helps to improve posture, breathing and releases tension.

Pilates method is different from other body work in that it uses specifically designed apparatus, which create variable resistance through a set of springs. The apparatus has no relationship to machines in a gym.

However, the exercises strengthen supporting muscles in the body. Each exercise is designed to stretch and strengthen all the muscles and the joints to release tension.

The holistic method allows each individual to work at their own pace. While each piece of apparatus permits over a dozen different types of exercise movements, several work to strengthen the spine and abdominal muscles. An individual works independently with an instructor, and each program is individually designed for each persons need and appropriate physical level. Pilates has become very popular in the last few years. Risk are minimal. Lack of understanding how to use the equipment presents the only risk. Pilates can be done in a group, semi-private or private classes.

Depending on where classes are taken, prices may vary. Typically a private session can range from $30-$55 Classes are sometimes prepared in a group of sessions, and again costs may vary. A 12 week session of lessons can run between $300-$500.