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Index
Title
Introduction
About This Book
Foolish Assumptions
What You’re Not to Read
How This Book Is Organized
Icons Used in This Book
Where to Go from Here
Part I : Getting Back to Back Basics
Chapter 1: Ouch! The Problem of Back Pain
Defining Back Pain
Treating Back Pain
Chapter 2: Introducing the Parts of Your Spine
Feeling Fine with Help from Your Spine
Touring Your Splendid Spine
Chapter 3: The Root of All Back Pain
A New Idea About Pain: The Gate Control Theory
Understanding Categories of Pain
The Need to Diagnose: Helpful or Harmful?
Understanding the Deconditioning Syndrome
Conditions that Cause Back Pain
Other Conditions That Cause Back Pain
Chapter 4: Out of Your Hands: When to Seek Help and from Whom
Who Treats Back Pain?
Asking Your Doctor the Right Questions
Dealing with Chiropractors and Other Practitioners
Building a Positive Relationship with Your Healthcare Provider
Part II : Conventional Treatment Options
Chapter 5: Home Remedies: First Aid for Your Back Attack
Heading for the Doctor
Using Home Remedies
Chapter 6: Back Pain under the Microscope: Common Medical Tests
Meeting with Your Back Pain Doctor
Examining Your Doctor
Exploring Your Diagnostic Testing Options
Moving from Body to Mind
Chapter 7: Going the Conservative Treatment Route
The Active Therapies
The Passive Therapies
Medications
Invasive Conservative Treatments
Implantable Pain Therapies
Chapter 8: Choosing to Have Back Surgery
Choosing Surgery
Determining When Surgery Is Necessary
Addressing Psychological Issues and Surgery
Finding a Spine Surgeon
Recognizing Red Flags in Working with Your Spine Surgeon
Different Types of Spine Surgery
Preparing for Surgery
The Future of Spine Surgery
Part III : Complementary Approaches: Are They for You?
Chapter 9: Ancient Eastern Wisdom and Contemporary Ideas
Selecting an Alternative Medicine Practitioner
Choosing the Best Complementary Medicine Approach for You
Considering Specific Alternative Treatment Methods
Chapter 10: A Chiropractic Solution to Back Pain
How Chiropractors Think about Back Problems
When to Choose Chiropractic
What to Expect — Diagnosis and Treatment
Possible Side Effects
Stopping Chiropractic Treatment
Chapter 11: All in Knots: Yoga for Your Back Problem
Beginning Hatha Yoga
Using Yoga to Treat Back Pain
Chapter 12: Using the Power of the Mind-Body Connection
Taking Control of Your Thoughts and Emotions
The Relaxation Response: More Than Just Relaxing
Different Types of Breathing
Cue-Controlled Relaxation
Using Imagery Techniques
Biofeedback Training
Here’s a Suggestion: Hypnosis
Part IV : Rehabilitation
Chapter 13: The Importance of Posture
Sizing Up Static Postures
Dealing with Dynamic Postures
Chapter 14: Exercising Your Way to a Healthy Back
Exercise Tips
Exercise Warnings
Your Back Exercise Program
Chapter 15: Products for Better Back Health
For Your Home
While You Are Sleeping
For Your Office
While You Travel
While You Stay Healthy and Fit
Part V : Resuming Normal Activity and Preventing Future Injury: Work, Play, and Sex
Chapter 16: Getting Back to Work
The Purpose of Work
Identifying Risky Occupations
Returning to Work
Preparing to Return to Work
Returning to the Office
Chapter 17: Safely Returning to Your Favorite Sports: The Weekend Warrior
Getting Involved in Sports Safely
Playing Sports with Back Pain
Chapter 18: Sex and Back Pain: Getting “Back” in the Saddle
Understanding Back Pain’s Vicious Cycle
Don’t Be Shy: Communicate
Getting in the Mood
Getting Physical
Back Friendly Sexual Positions, or “Getting Down to It”
Putting It All Together
Part VI : The Part of Tens
Chapter 19: Ten Most Common Questions about Back Pain
Can I Manage My Herniated Disc without Surgery?
What Kind of Doctor Should I See for My Back Pain?
Why Do I Still Have Pain When My Imaging Scans Are Normal?
What About Alternative Treatments for My Back Pain?
Is My Diagnosis as Terrible as It Sounds?
When Should I Consider Surgery for My Back Pain Problem?
Can Stress and Emotions Cause My Back Pain?
How Can Pain Only in My Legs Be Related to My Back?
What Does a Good Medical Evaluation Consist of for Back Pain?
Should I Continue Exercising If Doing So Worsens My Pain?
Chapter 20: Ten Steps to a Healthy Back
Stay in Shape
Do Your Back Exercises
Maintain Your Proper Body Weight
Watch Out for High-Risk Sports
Foster a Positive Attitude
Lift and Move Properly
Don’t Lift and Twist
Don’t Stand or Sit for Long Periods
Use a Good Chair
Avoid Carrying Heavy Luggage
Chapter 21: Ten Reasons to See a Doctor for Back Pain
You’re Weak in the Legs(or Feet)
You Can’t Control Your Bowels or Bladder
Your Back Pain Gives You a Rude Awakening
You Have New Symptoms or Excruciating Pain
You Undergo a Serious Trauma
You Want to Pursue Alternative Treatments
You Need More than Chicken Soup
You’re Not Seeing Improvement
Your Medications Aren’t Working
Your Doctor Recommends Surgery
Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Working Successfully with Your Doctor
Identifying Your Communication Style
Becoming an Assertive Communicator
Planning Your Interview and Doctor Visit in Advance
Preparing Your Medical Fact Sheet
Checking Your Attitude
Allowing the Doctor to Ask Questions First
Making Sure That You Understand the Conclusions
Bringing a Friend
Directing Your Questions to the Appropriate Person
Exploring Other Sources of Information
Chapter 23: Ten Hot Topics in Back Pain
A Revolutionary New Medicine: Celebrex
Back Pain and the Unconscious Mind
The Cybertech Back Brace
MR Neurography: Taking a Picture of Your Nerves
Preparing Psychologically for Your Spine Surgery
Spinal Endoscopy
Preemptive Analgesia
Treating Massive Disc Herniations without Surgery
Advances in Spine Surgery
Advances in Implantable Pain Therapies
: Appendix A
Glossary
Appendix B: Resources for Additional Information
Organizations
Internet Resources
Product Resources
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