Treat Your Own Back Paperback – 1 Jan. 2011

Bought this book after suffering a prolapsed disc (L5, S1) and was facing surgery as my only option. Firstly it's an easy read and you can read all of it within an hour or so, which I would recommend before trying out any of the exercises. It is clear, simple and informative.A bit of background: My disc prolapsed in Dec 14, but was not diagnosed until having an MRI in Feb 15. During this time I was in immense paid that meant I couldn't stand or walk for more than a few minutes. Had the usual sciatic pain travelling all the way down my left leg. Painkillers were really not offering much relief, though thankfully I was comfortable when sitting and lying down. I am a complete wuss when it comes to hospitals and the thought of surgery was terrifying me, but the exercises in this book completely changed my outcome. I carried out the exercises as directed and within a couple of weeks there had been enough improvement that my consultant decided to leave to me carry on with the exercises. I have to point out that I had to have 2 MRI's and it was after the first MRI that I started to use the McKenzie technique, hence the consultant was able to visually see the improvement when having the 2nd MRI 2 weeks later. Yes, it could also be coincidence, but I feel these exercises and the theory behind them were the correct solution for my back issue.My prolapse was quite severe so the time taken to recover (measured to when I felt I could get back to the gym on light duties) was about 6 months, but today I am back at the gym 5 times a week and touch wood, my back feels really good. It will never be perfect, but it doesn't stop me from exercising, which at one point I thought it would. I still occasionally use the Mckenzie technique if I feel I've maybe twisted funny or if something just doesn't feel quite right (you get to know your back very well after an injury) and the book does recommend that the exercises become a regular maintenance feature for those of us who have the need. I have also worked hard on improving my core strength and as the book suggests try not to slouch when sitting at your desk. I now use a balance ball as my office chair!I wholeheartedly recommend this book, but be patient, and do as instructed. It won't be the miracle cure for everyone, but if you have a bulging disc or prolapse disc without other complications then this could be gold dust and if you are anything like me, stop you from having an emotional breakdown at the thought of surgery.

if you have back pain...read on13 years ago I dug a big hole and that was that. from then on I had pain pain pain in my back. doctors appointments,tablets, pain in the arms, lower legs, aching and endless numb pains coming and going until one day I visited my other doctor. he is retired now, shame. I remember sitting there explaining and he had pain as well in his back. he just showed me the book. my life changed from that day. my pain didn't. it took about five months to get control of it, and then once I got control, to keep it under my power was a trial. without this book I would be in more pain today. the whole point is, exercise into the pain, not beyond. and to recognise a stiff back as a big warning and to stop right there and then. and do something about it, not one minute later, or ten minutes later, but there and then. it is crucial you catch the warning stiffness and to stop the angle you are bent at when it comes on. if you can do this you can control your back pain. so, why am I here buying this book so far on? this is ordered and delivered to a friend who is in unforgiving pain, and the only option from here in is operate, and they do not want that. would you? this book may not bring pain free life back, but it gives you control as to how painless you can be, if you want. please read everything carefully before starting, and never let go of this book once you have got it. and never ever again slouch in that comfy seat/chair after working hard or lifting. lordosis is the secret, and car seat is your enemy, office seat is your enemy, very soft matress is your enemy.***** update20/06/2014*******Since years I have suffered also with sciatica. I understand I cannot provide links here but I feel compelled to mention that this book, coupled with a yoga exercise or two has completely eased my awful sciatica. It is from a video I found by typing Sukie Baxter sciatica. if you google it you will find it. I am quite grateful to her so feel I have to share this wherever I go, as we all know that terrible feeling sciatic pain brings and its relentless unending constant pain that even tablets do not seem to have an effect on. I understand if amazon refuse to publish this, but at least I will have tried

This little book carefully explains how your back works and how we damage our backs.The most useful part is the clear exercises it gives to help strengthen your back, they look easy but best not to get too enthusiastic as this can lead to problems, just follow the instructions and you should soon feel better.As a nurse and long time back sufferer I bought this to help prevent problems into old age, and hope for a stronger back in future.I can't see any reason why it won't help if I do my part and bother to do the exercises.I will get ,y darter to read it too, and do exercises as she already has bad back!