|
|
Book
Review ....
 |
Get Back Active - The Back Book (& Video)
Published by: Stationery Office
Reviewed by: Janice Timmins (BackCare Helpline Volunteer
Available from: www.tso.co.uk
|
|
The Back Book: The best way to deal with back pain - Get back active. The title says it all.
This is a short book of 21 pages, extremely well researched, carefully worded in an easy-to-read style,
and full of accurate, effective information. It has pertinent background graphics and memorable quotes,
in the form of 'post-its', such as: 'Back pain need not cripple you, so don't let it', and 'Doctors
and therapists can ease the pain, but only you can get your back going'.
Here are the contents:
The new approach to back pain; Back facts; Causes of back pain; Rest of stay active; Activity is good;
Dealing with an attack of back pain; The risk of chronic pain; How to stay active; It's your back; So
how do I become a coper and prevent unnecessary suffering?
|
 |
It is an excellent little book for anyone with their first experience of back pain, and a good reminder
to chronic sufferers of what really matters. However, those who have been caught in the 'pain -
inaction - "failed" medicalisation / intervention - pain - cycle' will probably need more than just this
much encouragement to 'get back active'. At £1.25 it is excellent value, and it sets me wondering how to
get it to the vast number of individuals who will suffer back pain this year.
I have only one criticism. It explains the role of manipulation and what to expect from practitioners
(doctors, chiropractors, osteopaths, some physiotherapists), but unfortunately it does not include 'self
administered manipulation', also know as Physical Therapy or the McKenzie approach, which is know to be
equally effective but inherently active as the sufferer 'does it' to themselves.
The book has an accompanying video, which is not bad if you can't read 21 pages just now. Maybe it has
its greatest potential on TV, in GP surgeries, occupational health departments, 'Jobs Shops', social
security, hospital, railway, airport waiting rooms or … anywhere!
Again just one annoyance on the video: an osteopath being interviewed whilst almost in the foetal position,
the chair is so unsupportive - what about all the learning of prevention due to ergonomics - any amount of
activity will not stop the disc components exhibiting 'creep' in increased disc loading postures such as
that shown!
|
