The Biomechanics of Back Pain

An up-to-date review of the latest research in the field of mechanical back pain. Covers ground not previously covered in books (just published in journal articles and so inaccessible to many practitioners). Written at a level appropriate for clinicians and undergraduates. Fully illustrated with high-quality colour photographs of the relevant pathology as well as line diagrams to illustrate the biomechanics. The book provides the 'missing link' in the wealth of literature available on back pain. Back pain affects a large percentage of the population at some time and its effective management has a significant effect on the health and employment economy and on the workload of manual therapy practitioners and orthopaedic surgeons. In order to plan treatment and management effectively it is important to understand the underlying biomechanics. This book provides the basis for that understanding. Written by four of the foremost researchers in the field (all well known internationally through their research, publications and international speaking). They are a multidisciplinary team representing some of the main market groups.


Features

Addresses a topic of concern to many health professions as well as to the medicolegal profession Presents important research in a way which is relevant to practitioners Brings together four of the leading researchers in the field but from differing professional backgrounds - first time all four have published together Provides the understanding of back mechanics necessary in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan
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What's New

Further improved rigorous interpretation and explanation of spine research literature. Expanded sections on spinal growth and ageing. New chapters - Growth and ageing of the lumbar spine; Spinal degeneration; Biomechanics of spinal surgery; Surgery for disc prolapse, spinal stenosis and back pain; Conservative management of back pain. Expanded colour plate section; 23 new black and white photographs and 21 new line drawings.
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Contents

Plates 1–6
1. Introduction
2. The Lumbar Vertebral Column and Sacrum
3. Muscles and Fascia of the Lumbar Spine
4. Nerves and Blood Supply to the Lumbar Spine
5. Low Back Pain
6. Epidemiology of Low Back Trouble
7. Biology of Spinal Tissues
8. Growth and Aging of the Lumbar Spine—NEW!
9. Forces Acting on the Lumbar Spine
10. Mechanical Function of the Lumbosacral Spine
11. Mechanical Damage to the Lumbar Spine
12. Functional Pathology
13. Spinal Degeneration—NEW!
14. Preventing Back Pain
15. Conservative Management of Back Pain—NEW!
16. Biomechanics of Spinal Surgery—NEW!
17. Surgery for Disc Prolapse, Spinal Stenosis and Back Pain—NEW!
18. Medico-Legal Considerations
19. Summary: Spinal Aging, Degeneration and Pain
References
Index