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These three books are from the collection of Family Doctor Publications,
produced in association with the British Medical Journal. All are priced at
£4.75 and include a summary of the key points at the end of each
section. Each includes details of many organisations the reader might wish to
contact for additional information. The books are also light and small enough
to fit into a handbag, but packed full of useful and relevant information. You
can order these books from
BackCare's shop
Review of Understanding Back Pain
Written by: Professor Malcolm I V Jayson
Reviewed by: Debra Rhodes
(Autumn 2006)
Published by: Family Doctor Publications
ISBN: 1-903474-26-4
Price: £4.75
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As a back sufferer for some years I’ve
read many books and articles on this
subject, but was pleasantly surprised
to find how easy this book was to
read.
The author begins by explaining
how the spine works, gives simple
diagrams to refer to and describes
some common back problems giving
the reader some simple ideas and
suggestions to protect their back.
The difference between acute and
chronic back pain is explained as well
as how the medical profession
determine why back pain is being
caused, using different blood tests
and various x-rays and scans.
Different ideas are suggested in the
book to deal with the treatment of
back pain, explaining briefly the
different types of medications, the
use of physiotherapy, exercises to
strengthen core muscles and the use
of complementary therapies.
Finally, the last section in the book
is about back pain in young people.
However, I felt it was ‘stuck’ at the
back of the book as an after thought!
As we know, it is often during
childhood and teenage years that
back problems start and BackCare is
currently exploring this.
Overall though, a brilliant little book
and I now want to read more in this
series of publications….
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Review of Understanding Arthritis & Rheumatism
Written by: Dr Jennifer G Worrall
Reviewed by: Debra Rhodes
(Autumn 2006)
Published by: Family Doctor Publications
ISBN: 1-903474-299
Price: £4.75
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This book starts with an introduction
explaining the musculoskeletal or
locomotor system, alongside some
simple diagrams. It then briefly
explains what arthritis and
rheumatism is and the importance of
visiting your GP and hospital
specialist to obtain the correct
diagnosis through physical
examination, blood tests and x-rays.
The writer explains the disease and
the associated symptoms of
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,
Gout, other forms of inflammatory
arthritis, such as ankylosing
spondylitis (inflammation of the joints
and spine), other inflammatory
conditions such as Systemic lupus
erhythematosus (SLE or lupus) and
non-inflammatory conditions such as
a frozen shoulder.
The last two sections talk about
treatment for arthritis and rheumatism
and how to cope and live with the
condition using a multidiscipline
approach with the use of more than
one type of treatment such as drugs,
physio, and exercise. The book
includes some simple illustrations of
exercises that can be carried out at
work and in the home.
Another gem of a book in this
series.
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Review of Understanding Osteoporosis
Written by: Professor Juliet Compston
Reviewed by:Beryl Kelsey
(Autumn 2006)
Published by: Family Doctor Publications
ISBN: 1-903474-50-7
Price: £4.75
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Osteoporosis and its treatment is a
complex subject, which is described
quite fully, but simply by the author.
This very informative book, with each
chapter covering a different aspect, is
ideal for anyone newly diagnosed and
wanting to know more, or anyone
interested in preventing what is a very
common condition.
The introduction covers a
description of osteoporosis and the
consequence of having the condition.
The inclusion of some case studies
gives an idea of how different people
can be affected.
A section on how osteoporosis
develops is enhanced by the use of
some excellent diagrams that make
the process really clear. Other areas
covered are the risk factors, the
effects of fractures, how a diagnosis
is made, and general treatment such
as improving mobility, and drug
treatments. The chapter on self help
measurers covers the importance of a
suitable diet, adequate and safe
exercise and the danger of over
exercising, avoiding falls and other
lifestyle advice. The importance of the
individual to be feeling in control is
stressed.
I did feel that the use of the term
‘sufferer’ gave a negative connotation
and thought that having diagrams in
the middle of text could be confusing
for some readers. ‘Continued from
page … might be helpful in the next
edition.
A very ‘readable’ book with concise
information that will increase the
understanding of osteoporosis.
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