Review: Another comprehensive and practical medical guide from John McArthur!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 2, 2013
I don't have huge issues with back and neck pain (at this point in my life!), but like many people I do spend a lot of time sitting in an office chair (and also playing piano), which is an unhealthy and unnatural position to be spending long periods of time in and does cause those minor aches and pains. These could one day turn into something quite debilitating if left unmanaged. I've realized this for awhile, as the aches and pains I experience (though mild) are becoming more frequent, and if it's affecting me at my young age (30's), then to what point will it progress to in later life?As with all John McArthurs books/guides, there is a lot of information here and a lot to take away. Probably the chapters I found most useful (at my own mild stage of neck and back pain) are: the causes of back and neck pain, quick pain relief techniques, posture, symmetry and balance, posture comes first, therapeutic stretches for neck pain relief, lower back exercises and exercises for the neck.I've never suffered from sciatica fortunately, but I've got relatives who have experienced it in their older age, one of whom I witnessed suffering a very severe and sudden sciatica attack (fortunately a one-off). This experience was naturally extremely unpleasant for both me and my relative, and it is also frustrating because I've always been told that this type of condition can be prevented by STRETCHING STRETCHING and more STRETCHING. Stretching is an absolute bore at times (I do try to do pilates on a regular basis but honestly can't say I succeed in doing so!). It is a real pain but if you don't do it, you could be stuck with a lot more pain than just doing stretching exercises (whether at home or the gym).This is a comprehensive and highly detailed guide on back and neck pain. It is definitely a must-have for your medical library. Back and neck pain is a very common ailment amongst humans. We have evolved as bipeds in order to free our hands for making tools (admittedly with astonishing results), but in giving up the speed and stability of being on all-fours, we have also paid the price with back pain.Spines are a marvel of nature, but they are designed for quadrupeds, not bipeds such as humans. We are the only vertebrates that are constantly in an upright position, hence our discomfort and lower back problems. You won't need this guide for your cat or dog - but you will need it, at some stage, for YOU. Highly recommended!!