Rating: 
Summary: Still relevant after all these years!
Review: If you you've ever experienced back pain, join the crowd . . . then
make sure you get hold of TREAT YOUR OWN BACK by Robin
McKenzie (founder of the "McKenzie Method" for dealing with
back pain) . . . although originally written in 1977, it is still
relevant.The book does an excellent job of explaining what back pain
is all about . . . however, what makes it even more valuable are the
simple exercises that are presented that can be done by almost
anybody. Furthermore, it got me thinking about both how I sit and my
posture at other times--things I typically tend to gloss over . . . as a
result, I now make it a point to roll up a sweatshirt to give me
greater back support; e.g., at the movies . . . when at my desk
at home, I follow the book's advice to use a lumbar support device. About the only thing I did NOT like was the chapter on "Low back
pain in the elderly" . . . he defines that category as anybody 55 or
thereabouts, and I simply refuse to accept the fact that next year
I'll be "elderly" . . . geez! There were several memorable passages, along with the
aforementioned exercises . . . among them, categorized
as "rules," were these: When sitting for prolonged periods, regular interruption of the sitting
posture is essential to prevent the onset of pain. This can be achieved
by standing upright, bending backward five or six times, and walking
about for a few minutes. When working in a stooped position, regular interruption on the bent
posture is essential to prevent the onset of pain. This can be
achieved by standing upright and bending backward five or six
times. When lifting, you should apply the correct lifting technique. In addition,
you should stand upright and bend backward five of six times
immediately before and after each heavy single lift and also at
regular intervals during repeated lifting. When standing for prolonged periods you must stand correctly. Stand
tall. Do not allow your back to sag into extreme lordosis. Frequently
stand tall. I'm lucky to not suffer from neck pain, but if I did, I'd make sure
to read TREAT YOUR OWN NECK--McKenzie's follow-up book.
Rating:
Summary: This book cured my chronic back troubles in one reading.
Review: In my early thirties I had my first crippling episode of "back going out." Over the years the episodes became less severe but unfortunately more frequent, until at age 54 it seemed I could count on my back going out every week or so. For a while I did hatha yoga and that helped, but if I lapsed in my practice, the back troubles returned. Then a friend and fellow back sufferer gave me a copy of Treat Your Own Back, her last of 12 after having already given away 11. Reading it showed me clearly for the first time the cause of my back troubles, and I took corrective action. That was ten years ago, and even thought I no longer do yoga, I've had only a few minor episodes since - always due to some recognizable negligent abuse. Needless to say I came to understand my friend's enthusiasm for the book, and in fact, since receiving that first copy, I've given away dozens and dozens of copies myself.
Rating:
Summary: This book taught me to manage my back! Pain free!
Review: My "lower back problem" began when I was 37, and for a couple of years I endured great pain and incapacitating "lock-ups." MDs and chiropractors helped in some instances, but it was a sports medicine chiropractic practice that introduced me to the theory and exercises described in Treat Your Own Back. The advice in this book has allowed me to actively manage this problem. I almost never suffer pain any more, and I can enjoy almost all the sports I always have (I don't jog any more, however). I turned 50 this year, and I say this advice has stood the test of time! Read this book, and DO WHAT IT SAYS!
Rating:
Summary: Relief at Last!
Review: My rheumatologist recommended I read and follow this book before he refers me to a physical therapist. I have arthritis in my spine, degenerative disks, scoliosis. I also have a confirmed diagonosis of fibromyalgia complex, with myofascial pain syndrome. After having to cease taking ibuprofen because of reflux disorder, the problems in my back began to surface, big time. Visits to an osteopath for "manipulation" brought only temporary relief, often only for 24 hours or so. I received "Treat Your Own Back" the afternoon following the worst night of my life - a really bad flare-up of all the above problems. I began with the First Aid page - following the instructions to the last period, including repeating the exercises every couple of hours. I slept very well that night, and altho it took another three days to obtain significant relief (meaning I didn't have to walk with a cane), the pain did centralize and became very manageable with the prescribed pain relievers. I am totally impressed! I am an artist who has had to re-think all my methods for producing my art, including standing at an easel or counter to paint or sculpt. Exercise #4 has been a god-send for preventing back problems and re-alignment following an art session. Obviously, the problems in my back are the kind that "Treat Your Own Back" can resolve. I would recommend using this book with your physician's knowledge and understanding of the exercises.
Rating:
Summary: Deserves full reading and step by step implementation
Review: One of the most effective and well illustrated booklets on low back pain and how to treat oneself effectively. A must-read for chronic back pain sufferers.
Rating:
Summary: A great book for anyone with back pain
Review: The excercises are simple and effective. It's important that you go see a physical therapist if you aren't getting the results described. I know I had to eliminate half the excercises and concentrate on one area until my back stablized.
Rating: 
Summary: this book gave me neck pain
Review: The second day after trying the exercises suggested in this book, I experienced pain in my neck that lasted a week and a half. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: So good, I'm mad.
Review: The title of my review may confuse you. Let me explain. I found this book to be so effective in eliminating my back pain and actually helping me do it without medication or injections or surgery, that I am mad that every doctor does not recommend this book or at least the concepts and exercises to everyone suffering from low back pain. I've been diagnosed with a focal disc protrusion in l5-s1. After even 1 hour of work, I would go to extremely painful and moving like I was 98 years old. Sitting was torture too. I couldn't stand, yet I couldn't sit, and I was in agony.I then discovered this book. ( Actually, a physical Therapist recommended I read it.) So, during my routine day, when the pain and discomfort became extreme, I would sneak off by myself, and do these exercises. It was like a shot of pain killer each time I did. At first, it only alievated the pain for about an hour or 2. I was admittedly repeating the exercises about 8 to 10 times a day. Then, the effects became more and more permanent. Today, I worked and only needed to do them twice. I'm on my way to a full recovery. So there you have it. I was suffering BADLY for about 2 months with no noticable improvement. After 3 weeks of doing what this book told me, I not only see the light at the end of the tunnel, I feel the bright rays shining on me. One more thing... I am in no way paid for saying this, and have no connection with the publishers/authors of this book. I'm just a person so happy to be feeling a lot better, that I want to spread the word. . .
Rating:
Summary: the most practical book for taking care of your own back!
Review: This book came across our desk when my wife and I had a Family Practice several years ago. It was so hard to find after a while that we gave up looking. We are happy to find it again. We have testimonials from patients who swear that by following the exercises in this book, they never had back pain again. It is easy to read and the exercises are easy to do. It includes not only steps to take when your back is hurting, but also exercises to follow to keep your back healthy. I highly recommend this book and will purchase them for my patients.
Rating:
Summary: a bechmark in the field
Review: This book is a classic. It is used by most physical therapists and is one of the world's foremost authorities on nonsurgical treatment of back pain. I have used the program a few times over the years. BIG HELP! This is the place to start to get your back in shape. Then get Mary Pullig Schatz' book , Back Care Basics.
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