Treat Your Own Back

Rating:
Summary: Author of self-help book gives McKenzie book to patients.
Review: "I first became acquainted with McKenzie's Treat Your Own Back in 1984 when, as a practicing dentist, I was completely incapacitated with low back pain and sciatica and unable to work. This easy to understand book enabled me to get well and remain well to this day. As a dentist who treats TMJ Disorder, I have recommended this book to hundreds of my patients. Why? Because people who suffer from TMJ Disorder (also called TMD) must understand that proper body alignment, posture and specific exercises are an essential part of their treatment plan. In my recently published book, Taking Control of TMJ: Your Total Wellness Program for Recovering from Temporomandibular Joint Pain, Whiplash, Fibromyalgia and Related Disorders, MeKenzie's work is emphasized. I continue to give copies of Treat Your Own Back to friends and patients who are suffering the crippling effects of low back pain. A friend who recently had suffered back pain and sciatica for weeks sums it up so well:"It's just like magic; relief was almost immediate, in three days I was totally without pain."

Rating:
Summary: Treat Your Own Back
Review: A few years ago I had an excruciating back injury, which the most extensive therapy and treatments didn't help at all. After nearly three months of constant pain and disability, I found this book, and within five minutes of doing the first (easy) exercise, felt significant relief from the pain. Just doing a few simple postures and stretches throughout the day had me back to normal in a short time, and I still do the stretches occasionally to keep my back in good shape.

Rating:
Summary: This book saved my back!
Review: About six months ago I was doing quite a lot of weight lifting which was slowly weakening my back. Being on the high school track team I decided to try the running long jump for the first time. When I landed in the sand my lower back gave out and for the next six months I had a dull pain that would stay with me all day, everyday. Some Days my back felt better than others and sometimes it seemed that the only retreat I possibly had from the pain was bed rest. I spent an incredible waste of money on chiropractors that did absolutely nothing for the pain. I was beginning to become depressed because I couldn't do cross country in the fall, and going to work and school felt like going to hell and back everyday. I felt like I was too young to have back problems and I was seeking advice from everyone I could turn to. Then a student teacher of mine told me that a friend of his was using Robin McKenzie's book on how to treat your own back. It took about four or five weeks for the pain to go away, but if I hadn't discovered this book, I'm sure the pain would have lasted many more months, if not years. McKenzie's book tought me very effective techniques for treating my lower back pain and how to prevent it from reocurring. If you buy this book, it is important to be patient with the techniques described. When first starting out, there should be an initial increase in the amount of pain which I experienced. If this pain increase does not go back down to how it was after about a day or if the pain becomes worse, consult with a doctor or physical therapist immediately. This was a very helpful book and I recommend it to anyone with lower back pain. It wasn't untill my back was damaged that my whole life cam into perspective. Nobody should deserve to live with chronic back pain.

Rating:
Summary: THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS BOOK...
Review: After about 15 pages into this book, it hit me like a ton of bricks. No matter what you do, or what renouned specialist you see, if you don't understand why you have pain - you will not permenently lessen the pain or get rid of it all together.

The first half of this book is a gold mine. It tells you why you have pain, in other words it explains the mechanics of your back and what causes pain. I spent 14 months in Physical Therapy with a herniated disk. Until my Therapist suggested this book (God Bless him for doing so), I really had no idea what I was doing or how to 'really' correct it. After I read this book twice, I was able to use the simple excercises EFFECTIVELY. After three weeks I was able to have periods of 15 to 30 minutes without PAIN. This was a breakthrough for me, as I was wearing my Tens unit 24hrs a day and taking pain pills and muscle relaxers.

It has been almost two years, and I wasn't able to permanently remove the pain or fix the herniated disk by Physical Therapy or through Pain Management (7 epidurals in 12 months). I just had surgery a week ago. I cannot wait till my Neurosurgeon lets me start my Therapy. When I am walking into the Therapy office for my first appointment, you can bet that this book will be in my hand.

This has to be the best ten dollar investment I have ever made...

Rating:
Summary: Might work for you.
Review: An interesting treatment for back pain that mainly involves bending backward type movements. I have known these exercises to help some people but not all. For me, they didn't really help much. I suggest giving it a try, it will either work right away or it won't work at all. Also recommend "Treat Your Own Knees" if you have bad knees.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent- a must own for anyone with low back pain
Review: As a physician I have treated thousands of patients with low back pain. It wasn't until I experienced a herniated disk myself did I truly understand how debilitating this condition can be. McKenzie's book was given to me by a physical therapist and while reading it, I was amazed how it hit the nail on the head over and over. This is truly one of the best medical books ever written for the lay public and practitioner alike.

Rating:
Summary: Here's what I think...
Review: Book discusses a very specific way of treating back pain. In short, you do these backward bending motions which is suppose to have an effect on the discs in your spine. In addition, you sit up straight and watch your posture. All in all, it didn't help me much, but I do know many people it has helped- so I say give it a try. Also liked "Treat Your Own Knees" if you have knee pain.

Rating:
Summary: Solved My Chronic Lower Back Problem Years Ago
Review: From my early 20's through early 30's, I was experiencing chronic lower back pain at least once per year. Many times, the pain frequently travelled down my right leg (sciatic nerve). I couldn't stand up straight and would "treat" it with hot and/or cold packs and rest. The pain would would eventually go away in a few days or a week and I would be OK until I tweaked it again. I finally reached the point where my 'treatment" didn't work and the pain stayed with me for three plus weeks reaching a point where I could barely stand. My doctor referred me to a physical therapist who treated my back and gave me this book. That was around 1990 - 1991. Since then, I have used the procedures and exercises contained in this book whenever I experience a "tweak" or any lower back pain. I am very happy to say that the procedures and exercises in this book have worked extremely well for me. I have not experienced serious back pain since then getting this book.

Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended by Physical Therapist
Review: I am a Physical Therapist who uses the McKenzie approach to low back and neck pain. I was introduced to the techniques during one of my clicical affiliations as a student. I can honestly say that there have been very few patients that I have treated that have not been able to find relief with this technique. "Treat Your Own Back" is a wonderful resource that I issue to the majority of my patients in conjunction with their treatment and home exercise program. The book includes a basic, but thorough review of spinal anatomy. Also has very easy to understand text accompanied by pictures explaining the text. I highly recommend this book; however, if one does not achieve relief with this technique, or if thier symptoms increase or travel to another area, it is crucial that they consult with their physician and/or physical therapist.

Rating:
Summary: I fixed my own back
Review: I am on ten to sixteen airplane flights a month. I know muscle and back pain. I have an eight inch scar in the middle of my back to prove I really know what back pain is. Two or three times a year I spend a week on my back in bed. Until a few months ago. No more! All of the exercises in the book are easy to do. However, the section on what to do right after you know you hurt your back has been a backsaver. When you do dumb things as I do, you know right away when you have done something you shouldn't have. The last time I did this, I followed the directions in the book and continued painfree in my day and had none of the normal three or four days of pain. I could sell these door to door. Get it! It will be the best money you ever spent.