Treat Your Own Back

The book is excellent - and printed on excellent quality paper.

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.

Way too much irrelevant fluff and author patting himself on the back. Save your money, search for McKenzie exercises online, you won’t miss anything.

Esta muy practico y facil de leer ademas da consejos muy faciles de hacer y te enseña tanto en momentos de crisis de dolor como en momentos donde tienes que corregir para ya no tener dolor muy buen libro

Bueno para ilustrar pacientes y repasar el método

Livre reçu au bout d'une semaine car provenant du UK. Ayant des problèmes de dos depuis longtemps, je connaissais la méthode McKenzie de nom. Comme préconisé par son auteur, il faut prendre le temps de lire les chapitres introductifs. Je n'ai donc pas encore testé les exercices et pas encore le recul pour parler de l'efficacité. Dommage que ce livre ne soit pas traduit en français. Ceci étant, le vocabulaire anglais utilisé n'est pas ultra médical et le livre étant assez mince, ça ne sera pas si compliqué de bien comprendre son contenu.