Cure Back Pain

Harvey, a kinesiologist, osteopath, and athlete, wrote this extremely useful compilation of exercise techniques in response to his patients' requests for a good back exercise book that didn't just center on one popular method. His spinal training regimen combines a number of exercise methods, such as yoga, Pilates, advanced stretching, rehabilitation exercises, qigong, and breathing exercises, as well as the principles of osteopathy, biomechanics, and the Godelieve Denys-Struyf method (a way to stabilize the spine that combines several therapies, including stretching, manual massage, reflex techniques, and muscle stimulation). Harvey's method does not require any expensive equipment and can be done almost anywhere. The average time to complete a training session is 15 minutes a day, but Harvey writes that even five minutes on a regular basis can be beneficial. The first five chapters provide information about the back: anatomy, causes of pain, diagnoses, posture, and effective training exercises. The next two chapters consist of 80 clearly illustrated exercises and 35 exercise routines. Readers can choose which exercises suit their health issues and lifestyle, though Harvey recommends that readers consult with a doctor first. This excellent book is highly recommended for its frank, thoughtful examination of back pain and cornucopia of spinal training exercises that should suit even readers who can only manage brief exercise. (Mar.)