Treat Your Own Back by Robin A. McKenzie
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Book Reviews of Treat Your Own Back
Book Review: physician gives 'thumbs up' for treatment of neck and back pain book
Summary: 5 Stars
It works!!!
I'm a physician and have no conflicts of interest financially or otherwise. My back/neck problems began while moving boxes and furniture in the transition to medical school. It eventually healed, but this started a series of injuries from any significant use of my back. Each episode took longer to heal, and the pain became more severe. An MRI showed bulging discs. Several rounds of conservative treatment and education on exercises by my pcp didn't help. Several rounds of physical therapy (PT) were unsuccessful. Next was referral to the surgeon. The neurosurgeon felt surgery wasn't called for and wanted me to try physical therapy. So I was unhappy about this and told the surgeon how I felt and that PT had already failed. He encouraged me to continue, and he would have me see his PT who specialized in backs.
This new PT had copies of McKenzie's books in the treatment room. The book was used during our exercises. She asked me to get the book and practice at home. Using the book while in the office, MADE IT SO EASY. I never had to return for another session. The pictures made everything so simple to follow. Many of them can be done without any changes to your schedule. I didn't need to go to the gym. The exercises can be done while in the shower, while in the office at a desk, or while watching tv at home relaxing. Many are lifestyle changes like bending at the knees to pick up something on the floor or correct seating/sleeping postures. AND THEY WORK!
I treat many people with chronic pain and ask these patients to get the book. Very few patients will buy a book and follow the instructions when a physician tells them to. People want quick fixes. But there are none. Eventually a few will get the book and half-heartily try it. And when the do, IT WORKS!
These are great resources for any type of clinician/medical provider to educate their patients. Education on proper techniques of posture, sleeping, and any type of movement is the key to preventing problems. Acute problems may need specific exercises based upon the location and type of injury. These books have all that. It's easy to read, not a lot of technical jargon. The pictures make the instructions impossible to make mistakes.
ANYONE WITH NECK & BACK PROBLEMS, PLEASE TRY THIS. ANY MEDICAL PROVIDER THAT HAVE CLIENTS WITH NECK & BACK PAIN, PLEASE TRY THIS. I can't keep a copy for myself. I wind up giving mine away each time I get a new one. That's why I'm writing this. I needed a new copy for the psychiatry office.
Book Review: Helped eliminate need for surgery.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have used this book with great success for almost 10 years; first treating and then preventing serious herniated disc problems. After an MRI indicated several severely herniated discs, my orthopedic surgeon prescribed injections into the spinal area (didn't help) and exercises that were the exact opposite of the simple ones indicated in this book. The book was sent to me by a relative who is a physical therapist. The simple explanations in the book regarding posture, spine alignment, and very easy simple-to-do exercises kept me from having the surgery my doctor said I would need. The relief of severe pain occurred within a few days, and long term daily practice of both the brief exercises and posture suggestions helped the herniated discs to heal enough to not need surgery for now ten years. With herniated disc(s) the key to exercise is to bend the back "backward," instead of forward as many back exercises prescribe (including those provided by my doctor.)
With that said, I can't attest to the effectiveness of this book when the cause of back pain is from a source other than herniated disc(s). The basic information is good to help prevent back problems in general, and for most people shouldn't in any way harm them.
This book is so easy to read, as it is written for the lay person. It also has clear illustrations and photos.
As an RN, I found the information in this book "made sense" and I strongly recommend it.
Book Review: ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!! SHORT AND TO THE POINT!! BUY IT NOW!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the most valuable back book I have ever read: 72 pages and right to the point. Though, I would highly recommend getting McKenzie's 7-Steps to a Pain Free Life for your neck and Back, if you are serious about getting better. It is updated and has loads of great information about the spine and posture in addition to all the material from his Back and Neck books.
I have had low back issues and pain for nearly forty years. I have done everything and anything you can think of to relief pain, gain range of motion, and get back to my daily functionality. This book was recommended by my PT after a recent flare-up, where he quickly proved the value of this book by testing my back, having me doing some VERY simple McKenzie exercises, then retesting my back - an IMMEDIATELY improvement with a immeasurable reduction in pain. I was sold immediately. I bought this book first, and followed the directions for the exercises explicitly.
Within two weeks of using these exercises and regulating my posture, I am pain free. AND now I know what to do in case of an acute flare-up, and have these VERY simple tools at hand to give to my clients. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and treat neck and back issues all the time.
McKenzie's book are it, period. If you have sustained a serious injury involving the spine, PLEASE consult with your doctor first before attempting these exercises.
Book Review: I forgot what it was like to not have pain.
Summary: 5 Stars
I too, had referrals from physical therapists to read and follow the instructions of the two books: Treat your own back and neck by Robin Makinzie. I may have spelled his name wrong, but his techniques are perfect. I am telling everyone about this book and have almost stopped taking ibuprofen. After 14 years in emergency services, I couldn't be in any position without pain and I was losing circulation in my hands. My doctor found that my pulse was disappearing in my wrists so he sent me to a physical therapist. I felt better after two days and after two weeks acutally realized that I had gone a whole day without pain. I cried. I had forgotten what it was like to not have pain in my neck, shoulders, and back. I have real things wrong found by the MRI and had been told by one ortho. surgeon to suck it up, this is how will be from now on. I was 38. Another ortho surgeon sent me to this wonderful PT and his first exercise assignment for me was to read these books. I am now buying them for family and friends. I agree with "so good I'm mad." Thankfully, I do know of one very good ortho who still cares rather than cuts and does what he can to help. I hope anyone who reads this will immediatley buy these books. You will not regret it. If one exercise hurts, he has another that won't. Stick with it and in a couple weeks if not sooner, you will be amazed.Book Review: This really works.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have recommended this book countless times. In 1997 I was disabled due to back pain: could barely walk, was on prescription pain meds, muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, couldn't work, couldn't sleep. I saw more drivel on late night/ early morning TV than you can imagine. Someone loaned me this book. I had tried everything: acupuncture, biofeedback, homeopathy, chiropractic, allergy elimination therapy, MRI, x-rays, hospitalization with morphine, Chinese medicine, energy medicine, Reiki, prayer, tobacco pouches, icing, liquid ice, hot tubs, whirlpools, physical therapy...I was in excruciating pain almost all the time. The exercises in this book began to make a difference. The trouble wasn't bones or nerves with me, it was muscles. If only I had known this months earlier I might not have become disabled. It was practicing the exercises in this book exactly as recommended many times every day that began, along with daily Aston Patterning treatments, to slowly resolve the problem. Essential Oils' "Valor" (YLEO) helped me get off all the meds. Now I stretch, ice, and use ibuprofen immediately when my back becomes sore, which is rare these days. I know what to do now to take care of myself right away, thanks to Robin McKenzie!