“Solidly grounded in the latest scientific evidence, this book empowers readers with proven strategies to reduce pain, restore function, and regain confidence, becoming active participants in their recovery. This book also helps patients navigate the often confusing array of medications, imaging tests, injections, surgery and complementary therapies by explaining when they approaches are—and are not—supported by evidence” —Carolyn M. Clancy, MD, MACP, former assistant undersecretary for Health, Veteran Affairs
Description
A comprehensive whole-health guide to healing low back pain from a leading researcher in lower back pain at Duke University School of Medicine.
Back pain is the leading cause of disability in the United States—yet misinformation about its causes and treatment is rampant. Too often, people default to medications or surgery, even though these approaches can be unnecessary, ineffective, or even harmful.
Christine Goertz, PhD, leading researcher in low back pain at Duke University, was looking for a book to recommend to patients and clinicians but couldn’t find one that encompassed all the most up-to-date research and treatments. So, she decided to write the book herself.
Blending clinical expertise, patient examples, and the in-depth research, Take Your Back Back empowers you to take control of your healing journey. Dr. Goertz explains the physical and psychosocial causes of back pain, debunking common myths, and clarifying pain mechanisms. She explores a wide range of treatment options that start with a holistic, self-care and whole-care approach (including acupuncture, massage, yoga, exercise, spinal manipulation, and cognitive behavioral therapy) before medications and medical procedures. Throughout, she provides questionnaires, charts, and photographs of easy-to-implement exercises in a step-by-step program to help you find what works best for you. She also takes you through finding the right clinician, advocating for yourself, and building a personalized action plan in this “required reading for any person with acute or chronic low back pain” (Chris Shaffrey, MD, chief of the Duke Spine Division).
Reviews
"Required reading for any person with acute or chronic low back pain. Dr. Goertz deftly synthesizes years of clinical research and expert opinion into an easily understandable and actionable game plan. She covers the entire range of operative and non-operative treatments for low back pain and gives practical advice on the advantages, potential risks and likely outcomes of each of these various treatments. An invaluable resource." —Chris Shaffrey, M.D., chief of the Duke Spine Division, professor of neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine.
