Back Trouble: A New Approach to Prevention and Recovery.

Back Trouble: A New Approach to Prevention and Recovery This book was written for the lay reader with back pain. Although similar in some aspects to many of the other books of this type, this text has a perspective different from the others. It is based on the Alexander technique.

The author first teaches the reader some principles of the Alexander technique that she calls "the four concepts of good use." These involve releasing tense muscles and thinking about lengthening and widening the torso to achieve good posture.

After explaining anatomy and causes of pain in the cervical and lumbar spine regions, the author applies the four concepts of good use of posture correction and activities of daily living. She provides good suggestions for relieving stress on the spine during many common activities, such as shaving and hair combing.

A chapter on exercise describes and illustrates many of the exercises usually recommended for improving spinal muscle strength, flexibility, and relaxation. The final chapters, written for performing artists and pregnant women, provide information for two groups of people not often addressed in books on back pain.

The book has an extensive index, but it is not referenced. It is easy to read, and the written material is well supplemented with photographs and line drawings. Although I am not sure all readers would be able to understand, without verbal instruction and cueing, the concepts of releasing muscle tension and widening the torso, physical therapists may want to recommend this book to some of their patients who have spinal problems, as an adjunct to treatment.