Back in Control by Borenstein, David -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Half title Title Copyright Dedication Contents Acknowlegdments Introduction Part One: Taking the Mystery Out of Low Back Pain

Chapter 1. Understanding Why Your Back Hurts

Is It Mechanical or Medical? How Your Back Works How Your Pain Threshold Fluctuates

Chapter 2. Working With Your Doctor

Questions to Help You Find the Cause The Physical Examination Doctors and Health Care Professionals Who Treat Low Back Pain

Chapter 3. What Diagnostic Tests Can—and Cannot—Tell You

Conventional X rays Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Computed Axial Tomography (CT) Myelography Bone Scan Discography Bone Densitometry Electrodiagnostic Tests Blood Tests

Part Two: Knowing Your Treatment Options

Chapter 4. The Basic Back Pain Relief Program

Control Physical Activities but Limit Bed Rest Using Over-the-Counter Medications Applied Therapy Aerobics: Expanding Your Comfort Zone—Gradually Maintain a Positive Attitude If Back Pain is Chronic

Chapter 5. Recognizing and Treating Mechanical Low Back Pain

Muscle Strain, Spasm, and Trauma Disc Degeneration and Osteoarthritis (Lumbar Spondylosis) Herniated Disc and Sciatica Cracked Vertebral Bodies (Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis) Piriformis Syndrome Scoliosis Spinal Stenosis

Chapter 6. Recognizing and Treating Medical Causes of Low Back Pain

Infection Bone Tumors and Cancer Inflammatory Diseases DISH Syndrome (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis) Ochronosis Fibromyalgia Tension Myositis Syndrome Myofascial Pain Syndrome Osteoporosis Blood Disorders and Aneurysms Diabetic Neuropathy Pain from Nearby Organs Back Pain in Pregnancy and Menstruation

Chapter 7. How and When to Use Medications Effectively for Pain

NSAID and COX-2 Inhibitors Muscle Relaxants Narcotic and Non-Narcotic Analgesics Corticosteroids

Chapter 8. Treatment With Exercise and Physical Therapy

Working with a Physical Therapist Flexion Exercises Extension Exercises The “C” and “S” Curves Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

Chapter 9. Complementary Therapies

Manual Manipulation Massage and Other Body Work Techniques Acupuncture Yoga and Other Body, Mind, and Spirit Techniques Mind-Body Therapies Meditation and Relaxation Body Self-Awareness Magnet Therapy Homeopathy Nutritional Supplements

Chapter 10. What to Know Before You Consider Surgery

Understanding the Risks Discectomy Spinal Fusion Spinal Instrumentation: The Hardware Store Emergency Surgery Anterior Spine Surgery Your Hospital Stay Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon or Neurosurgeon After Surgery—The Hard Part Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Future Surgical Treatments

Part Three: Living Without Back Pain

Chapter 11. Lower Your Risk for Back Pain with Prevention

Lifestyle Changes Use Good Body Mechanics Keep Working Keep Your Bones Strong

Chapter 12. Enjoy Sex Without Hurting Your Back

Painless Positions Medication and Libido Sexercises

Epilogue: Back in Control! Glossary Appendix A: Dr. B’s Back School FAQ Appendix B: Medications for Low Back Pain Appendix C: Best Back Resources on the Internet Index About the Author