My back story... (From York Press)

My back story...

10:10am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Letters By Reader's letter

WHILE it’s good to see a medical professional warning of the risks associated with painkillers (Health File, October 29), Manoj Krishna’s range of solutions to back pain is rather limited. It is refreshing to see complementary techniques acknowledged though, such as pilates.

I was lucky enough to have a forward-thinking GP in the 1990s who suggested acupuncture for my back problems. Through that I discovered T’ai Chi and NST, also known as Bowen Technique.

I know a lot of people will cringe at the thought of acupuncture. I did too. I usually ache for two days after an injection. However, when you are in enough pain you’ll give anything a go and speaking as a complete wimp, I can tell you acupuncture is amazing and not uncomfortable.

We should also heed Mr Krishna’s warning about NHS funding cuts and GB Ledger’s letter on the same subject.

Maintaining our health is increasingly going to be up to us and there is a lot we can do. In my own experience it was very simple – balanced diet, regular but not excessive exercise and moderation of the ‘fun’ things be those cakes and biscuits, fast food or alcohol.

A year ago I was high risk for heart disease, but after reducing my refined carbohydrate intake I am now “borderline, no action required”.

RJ Hind, Alma Grove, York.