Your Miraculous Back: A Step-By-Step Guide to Relieving Neck and Back Pain
Author: Gerald M Silverman
Many of us complain about our "bad back," but this book argues that our backs are, without exception, amazing examples of bioengineering, capable of dramatic feats of strength, flexibility, and support. The epidemic of chronic, debilitating back pain that millions of Americans struggle with is really a manifestation of the culture we live in: sedentary lifestyles, inadequate rest, and a lack of focus on extending range of motion despite the presence of pain.
The book starts with a user's guide to the human back that explains the physiological function of this remarkable system of bones, joints, and connective tissue. Then it describes the kinds of pain that can occur in each of these systems so that you can design a recovery program that is right for your particular situation. The book works to debunk the myth that back pain is permanent or the result of damage to parts of the back system. Instead, it offers a progressive set of range of motion and stretching exercises. If practiced regularly and patiently, the techniques in the book will bring relief to anyone suffering from persistent pain in the neck and back.
Library Journal
With similar but contrasting approaches to back pain, these books identify back problems, evaluate various treatments, and suggest exercises for alleviating discomfort. Winter (orthopedic surgery, Univ. of Minnesota) and Bach (coauthor, ShapeWalking: Six Easy Steps to Your Best Body) begin by sharing remedies they claim should help 80 percent of back pain sufferers if done correctly. They proceed to a brief discussion of the causes of back pain and an evidence-based evaluation of surgical and nonsurgical treatments. A great deal of the book describes how to negotiate the medical system, e.g., how to choose the right medical providers and treatments and how to deal with physical therapists and insurance companies. Living Well offers excellent advice on doing your own research and becoming a strong self-advocate. A set of appendixes includes an annotated bibliography of books and web sites, a glossary, and a list of references. Chiropractor Silverman goes into greater detail regarding the causes of back and neck pain (Winter and Bach do not cover the neck in their evaluations) and includes a chapter on the healthy spine. He cites various causes of back pain-cultural, muscle, disk, and joint-discussing treatments and preventative measures. According to Silverman, psychological factors are more accurate in predicting cases of lower back pain than physical ones. His book features a chapter of success stories, information on myths and misconceptions, helpful "Think Back" sections concisely summarizing each chapter, and a bibliography. Living Well excels at describing what back pain sufferers can do to alleviate existing pain and how to navigate the healthcare system when a condition warrants medical treatment. Miraculous Back helps in understanding the physical and cultural causes of back pain and underscores prevention over treatment. Both books are recommended.-Elaine M. Lasda Bergman, Healthcare Assn. of New York State, Rensselaer Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Interesting textbook: Students for a Democratic Society or Crime and Detection
Arthritis of the Hip and Knee: The Active Person's Guide to Taking Charge
Author: Ronald J Allen
A comprehensive, easy-to-understand handbook that empowers you, the patient, to take control and become actively involved in decision-making, medical treatment, and rehabilitation.
- Causes, treatment options, and disease progression
- Advice on living with osteoarthritis
- Pre-operative therapies
- Surgery: preparation for, costs and benefits, options, procedures, and improved techniques
- Post-operative therapy
- Exercise and physical therapy
- Advice on living with an implant
- The future of care for arthritis
- 100 photographs and illustrations showing exercises, movements, before-and-after x-rays, implants
A collaborative effort of three key people - the patient who had both of his hips replaced by the age of 45, the orthopedic surgeon who performed the operation, and the physiatrist who supervised rehabilitation following the patient's second hip surgery. Each contributes unique insights into physical therapy for and the medical treatment of osteoarthritis.
Library Journal
In the United States, arthritis is the leading cause of disability, resulting in over 350,000 joint replacements annually. Orthopedist S. David Stulberg and rehabilitation physician Victoria Brander (both of Northwestern Memorial Hosp. Rehabilitation Inst. in Chicago), along with patient Allen (a lawyer), have collaborated on this comprehensive patient handbook, which discusses the basics of arthritis, alternative therapies, joint replacement, and the frontiers of research. The book also reflects the change in thinking regarding the level of physical activity advised for arthritis patients. More importantly, it fills a gap in the literature by outlining a step-by-step process from preparing for surgery through recovery. The book is well organized and clearly written, with numerous black-and-white illustrations. Exercises are easy to follow, and the authors make the requisite caveat to consult a therapist. Following the medical information, Allen presents his own perspecive and experience and addresses aspects of surgery and recovery sometimes minimized by professionals. Recommended as an inexpensive addition to healthcare collections targeting patient education needs surrounding arthritis or joint replacement surgery.--Lisa McCormick, Jewish Hosp. Lib., Cincinnati
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