The back book

Self-help manual from top rugby celebrity and his osteopath The key to managing low back pain is self-motivation and exercise. The book is a clearly laid-out, highly practical, non-text-heavy manual with photographs of Gavin Hastings demonstrating the exercises to take the patient through the recovery process. There will be sections on: * what causes the pain * explanation of different conditions, including lumbago, sciatica, muscle spasms, slipped disk, trapped nerve * use of pain killers; X-rays and other tests * bad posture; good posture * importance of rest and gentle movement * building up slowly to exercise * use of ice, heat and lumbar support belt * which back specialist to consult * questions to ask your doctor or specialist