Review: A must-read for sufferers of neck and back pain
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 15, 2013
As a sufferer of back and neck pain for most of my life, I am always on the lookout for different methods and treatments to try to alleviate the nagging and ever present aches and pains.  Over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) definitely do help, but only an extent.  From there, as far as medication is concerned, you cross over into the scary realm of muscle relaxers and narcotic pain killers.  For me personally, these strong and habit forming prescription medications are not an option.  I would rather endure the pain than to put myself at risk of becoming dependent on prescription medications, or feel that sedated "medicated" feeling.  So, then, what are other options?That's where this wonderful book comes in handy.  And when I say it comes in handy, I literally mean that it was directly helpful and effective for me.  It's called the "15 Minute" program, because everything contained within can be done in that short window of time, and if you keep it up, it will also be effective for you.  Let's take a brief look at the book so you can know what to expectFirst of all, everyone has felt pain.  As my daughter once eloquently put when she was just 5 years old, "Pain hurts."  This guide starts off with an overview on pain itself - specifically neck, back and shoulder pain.  The author dutifully describes what causes these types of pain - from posture, all the way to emotional causes.  If you don't already know, you are given an explanation on the difference between acute and chronic pain.  This is important because the type of pain you have dictates the type of treatment you should be attempting.The author gives some helpful breathing exercises, and techniques to get into a relaxed state.  Relaxation and absence of tension are major contributors to pain relief, and you will find some ways to get there in this book.  The book is full of helpful stretches and exercises that you can do that will naturally help to alleviate your pain, as well advice on prevention (better to not ever have the pain to begin with than to have to treat it after the fact) and posture.  My doctor had already directed me to do stretches similar to those found in this book, and they were helpful then as they are now - the author has only added to my arsenal of non-drug treatments that help me to get through on a day to day basis mitigating my pain.  If you are in the same boat as me, or know someone that is, invest the small amount of time it will take you to read this, and you will come out on the other end at least a little more pain-free!