The Back Book »

Ziya L. Gokaslan, M.D., is the director of the Neurosurgical Spine Program and vice chairman of the department of neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins University, where he is also the Donlin M. Long Professor and a professor of neurosurgery, oncology, and orthopaedic surgery. Lee Hunter Riley III, M.D., is the director of the Orthopaedic Spine Division and an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins University.

The authoritative one-stop resource for understanding back pain and treatment, including:

An overview of the anatomy of the back: bones and joints, muscles and ligaments, the spinal cord and nerves An explanation of the most common causes of back pain and how to avoid or minimize them A tour of the diagnostic process, including x-rays, MRIs, and other tests and studies A comprehensive guide to nonsurgical pain management, including a chapter devoted to physical therapy Advice about how to decide whether surgery is right for you and which surgical option is most appropriate An explanation of what back surgery involves and recommendations to help with a healthy recovery Tips on how to keep your back strong and healthy throughout your life

From causes to diagnosis to treatment, The Back Book is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide for people with back pain.

Janet M. Schneider - Library Journal

Back pain is the second most common reason for doctor visits. Neurosurgeon Gokaslan and orthopedist Riley provide an overview of spinal anatomy and why it is so susceptible to injury. The authors cover common ailments such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and degenerative disc disease as part of the aging process as well as injuries and less common disease processes like cancer, infection, and spondylolysis. They frequently reassure readers that back pain is usually self-limited, without major treatments or surgery, and they offer recommendations for finding authoritative information, including web sites from national spine organizations. Diagnostic and imaging tests are described, as are pain relief and nonsurgical treatments; physical therapy is strongly promoted both as treatment and as prevention. Gokaslan and Riley give a general overview of back surgeries, placing particular emphasis on matching patient and physician expectations of realistic outcomes. A large amount of information is packed into this slim volume. Although the reading level is high, it should be a popular addition to consumer health collections. (Illustrations not seen.)

Introduction: As Common as the Common Cold and Twenty Times More Painful 1

Pt. I What's Causing Your Symptoms?

Ch. 1 Twenty-Four Vertebrae and Twenty-Three Discs 9

Ch. 2 Who Gets Back Pain, and What Causes It? 15

Ch. 3 Things That Go Wrong in the Back 30

Ch. 4 Spinal Tumors and Metastatic Cancer 53

Pt. II Getting a Diagnosis and Seeking Treatment

Ch. 5 What's Wrong with Me, and What Should I Do about It? 73

Ch. 6 Pain Relief and Nonsurgical Treatment 91

Ch. 7 Physical Therapy for Pain, Strength, and Function Kristin R. Archer Archer, Kristin R. 101

Ch. 8 Making the Decision about Surgery 123

Ch. 9 Back Surgery and Recovery 134

Index 145

Illustrations appear following page 70