The Better Back Book: Simple Exercises for the Prevention and Care of Back Pain

Discusses the causes of back pain, recommends specially selected exercises, and discusses back treatments

If, as Bean ( Methods of Childbirth ) states, the likelihood of one's suffering from severe back trouble at some time is as high as 85%, then this book will serve as good preparation for when the pain strikes. In a straightforward and factual style, the author, coordinator of health education at MIT, explores the causes (such as back strain and aging discs) of "thrown" backs and the methods (e.g., stretching and exercise) that will alleviate them. Most helpful is her two-level exercise program. Starting with simple side-lying squats and moving to advanced leg raises, this progressively difficult series slowly strengthens both one's back and one's confidence. Also included are an informative section on back specialists, a glossary of back and medical terms and an explanation of hospital diagnostic procedures. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

All authors of back books would have sufferers believe that they have the magic formula. In both these books, lifelong attention to weight control and appropriate exercise are touted as the ingredients to improved backs. Certainly where muscle injury or weakness is involved, the advice is sage. Pain from structural problems in the spine or from disease both may need further medical intervention, which both Bean and Selby discuss. Selby has a better overview of the spine and how it is supposed to function, and includes a section on immediate first-aid for muscle strains, sprains, and spasms. The strength of Bean's book is its inclusion of three levels of graduated exercises and stretching (modified for pregnancy and post-partum) to get the bedridden up and moving after the initial acute pain of injury subsides. These exercises are not as rigorous or extensive as those found in Judith Scott's Goodbye to Bad Backs ( LJ 3/15/88). Scott's exercises are intended to further strengthen and make flexible the muscles (most notably the iliopsoas) which support the lower back so that re-injury and its pain will be unlikely. Both Bean and Selby have written good books, but for those millions of long-term sufferers who just want to get on their feet again, Bean's book is the one to start with. Both are recommended for public libraries.
- Robert Jordan, Iowa Testing Programs Lib., Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.