Back Care Basics.

Schatz MP. Berkeley, CA 94704, Rodmell Press, 1992, paperback, 248 pp, illus, $19.95. Physical movement, breathing, and relaxation are all components of yoga, an ancient practice that continues to be performed today. Self-awareness is the main principle of yoga, with the ultimate goal being the attainment of harmony in health. This manual offers a variety of safe yoga exercises that are designed to prevent and relieve back pain. The book is well written and well organized.

The author is a board-certified pathologist, as well as medical staff president at Centennial Medical Center/West Side Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. A yoga instructor herself, the author has successfully used yoga to heal her own spinal problems.

The book is written as a self-help manual and is intended for individuals who are experiencing back pain. Basic spinal anatomy and dysfunction are presented, with brief descriptions of traditional treatments such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, hot/cold packs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxant drugs, corsets, massage, and chiropractic manipulation. The author also addresses postural alignment, including self-assessments. Relaxation techniques are described, with relaxation being of utmost importance for successful treatment of back pain. Progressive exercise routines follow, with appropriate safety precautions for such conditions as sciatica and spondylolisthesis noted. With these precautions, the author offers recommendations for specific exercises to help avoid injury and on how to alter exercises already being practiced. For normal function, the author emphasizes the importance of full spinal range of motion, especially in flexion and extension. The principles given are sound and are presented in an understandable and readable format. The exercises are well described and have corresponding photographs. The handbook concludes with a chapter on integrating the yoga principles with daily activity and sports. The yoga exercises presented in this handbook are not different from many spinal exercises that are prescribed by physical therapists. The organization and progression of the yoga routines may be of some benefit to the physical therapist, and the variety of exercises may assist the therapist in preparing home exercise programs. The therapist involved in treating patients with back pain may want to have a copy of this book available as a resource for especially motivated patients. This handbook certainly would be helpful to anyone with back pain who is looking for a safe routine of exercises that are easy to understand and are accompanied by excellent, descriptive photographs.