Expert: Stephen Cooper - 8/8/2006

Question
Dear Mr. Cooper,
I have noticed 2 half marble sized knots in the back of my neck, One is on the right side, i think on a muscle. Lets call this K1. The other (K2) is on the left side about 1 3/4 centimeters lower than K1, yet this kot does not move. I dont feel any pain, but sence i have had them, i have problems with feeling the phisical part of emotions. You do you an idea of what this could be?
Your answer is very much appriciated.
Yours truley,
Anne True.

Answer
Dear Anne

No-one should offer a diagnosis on the basis of such a description, and as far as the knots that you describe are concerned I suggest that you seek a proper medical examination.

You should not rush to connect things that may or may not be connected. Perhaps your knots are muscular tension, perhaps not. Our state of muscular tension and our emotions are always linked, but perhaps the case of cause and effect that you imagine is not as direct or simple as you think it might be.

That is not to say that the Alexander technique might not help you with both the emotional side of things and with muscular tension, but first you need a more straightforward and evidence-based diagnosis.

Best wishes

Stephen Cooper