I found this to be a realistic guide for me-someone with 25+ years of neck and back pain. I have had multiple medical testing to identify the problems, and I always get the same 2 options: 1)surgery or 2)pain medication and "let it heal on it's own". With a herniated lumbar disc, several bulging lumbar and cervical discs, degenerative disc disease and arthritis, some people ask how I can keep at least a fair quality of life (I still work full-time). Although very skeptical at first, I have found that pilates and yoga techniques have strengthened my muscles and "inner core", as long as I proceed with caution and heed the advice of my doctor.
I have also learned the hard way how important it is to stay active-laying in bed long-term only makes pain and rehab worse in the long run. This book is a good tool!

I had a pain in my lower back, right above my buttocks for nearly a year. I couldn't run.. it never went away. I heard a crack when I was hitting a tennis ball against a wall with my racket repeatedly, practicing my very weak backhand. I was sore for 2 weeks and then I couldn't function.

I went to a Chiropractor and they charged me nearly $1000 with treatment.
At least I learned the name of the problem. The Sacro-iliac joints.
Where the Spine meets the pelvis.
I tried a private physical therapist. A couple of rubs and massages... less pain but was no different.

Well, I found this book and followed the Yoga instructions.
I did the warm up procedures. I did the general Yoga and then I did the chapter on my injury... in a month I felt more flexible. After 3 months I was perfect!! Been perfect since. This was nearly 15 years ago!

I've bought this book for 2 people and recommended it to many more.
No one has given me their feedback. However, I know that if you can spend money on a single doctor's visit, than you can afford this book.

My wife picked this book up for our daughter with scoliosis. Needless to say, this book is very technical and full of solid medically sound information. You need to get this book. It helped us understand the vital link to health that our spiine represents. It made me realize that I too had to take better care of my back, being that I have a sedentary job(office). This book is the standard by which all back care books should be judged.

I notice that a few reviewers have mentioned they found exercises in the book too easy and it's true that the book is geared toward those who may be recovering from injury and/or are new to yoga. That said, as a yoga instructor and long-time practitioner I've found this book to be a wonderful resource. In fact, some of the poses in the book have become staples in my lesson plans (and in my own practice) because they serve - for beginners and advanced students alike - as excellent warm-up poses to begin opening the body or cool-down poses to release the lower back. In addition, some of the poses shown using a chair or wall as a prop are useful both for beginners unable to do the full pose and (of equal importance!)for intermediate students who have experience with the full pose, but have never learned, or are still working on mastering correct points of alignment, which are integral to gaining the full benefits of the pose. Finally, I've found one set of exercises - aimed at identifying and correcting pelvic torsion (a slight - and common - misalignment in which the left hip point is drawn a bit too forward while the right is pulled back (or vice versa) - that I've found nowhere else and which has elicited a lot of positive feedback from student in classes where I've used it.

A few words to intermediate students: (1) If you're suffering back pain, it's quite likely that the Iyengar-based exercises in this book, rather than other, more "advanced" or novel asanas (poses) will prove to be better tools for dealing with it. (2) If you have a regular, committed yoga practice and it either is not mitigating or is making your back-associate pain worse you may need to take a closer look at your alignment in the poses, particularly if you began doing yoga in a vinyasa, or flow style and have never received, or have only minimal instruction on how to align yourself in different poses.(It may also be a good idea to seek the advice of a doctor.)

Although yoga studios tend to frown on mirrors in classes (for good reason), occasionally practicing in front of a mirror(s) at home - particularly with a book like this one that includes "simple" poses and poses performed seated in a chair, which can be done safely while watching yourself - can be quite helpful in identifying habitual patterns of movement of which you're unaware - many of which stem from a belief that we can go deeper into a pose than our current range of motion and/or strength allows, causing us to sacrifice key points of alignment - ultimately reinforcing the very patterns of movement that are sources of pain and discomfort. You may be (unpleasantly) surprised to find that the pictures of some of these very basic poses - ones you "already know" and have "moved beyond" - look nothing like the reflection in the mirror when you actually see yourself in the poses.

Three other superior yoga books that I suggest (and I own upwards of 30) are (1) for beginners and people with limited range of motion [i.e., lacking flexibility], "The Runner's Yoga Book" by Jean Couch (2) for intermediate students "30 Essential Yoga Poses" by Judith Lasater and (3) for advanced students, teachers and anyone who wants a thorough physiological and anatomical understanding of the mechanics of yoga, "Anatomy of Hatha Yoga", by H. David Coulter.

I notice that a few reviewers have mentioned they found exercises in the book too easy and it's true that the book is geared toward those who may be recovering from injury and/or are new to yoga. That said, as a yoga instructor and long-time practitioner I've found this book to be a wonderful resource. In fact, some of the poses in the book have become staples in my lesson plans (and in my own practice) because they serve - for beginners and advanced students alike - as excellent warm-up poses to begin opening the body or cool-down poses to release the lower back. In addition, some of the poses shown using a chair or wall as a prop are useful both for beginners unable to do the full pose and (of equal importance!)for intermediate students who have experience with the full pose, but have never learned, or are still working on mastering correct points of alignment, which are integral to gaining the full benefits of the pose. Finally, I've found one set of exercises - aimed at identifying and correcting pelvic torsion (a slight - and common - misalignment in which the left hip point is drawn a bit too forward while the right is pulled back (or vice versa) - that I've found nowhere else and which has elicited a lot of positive feedback from student in classes where I've used it.

A few words to intermediate students: (1) If you're suffering back pain, it's quite likely that the Iyengar-based exercises in this book, rather than other, more "advanced" or novel asanas (poses) will prove to be better tools for dealing with it. (2) If you have a regular, committed yoga practice and it either is not mitigating or is making your back-associate pain worse you may need to take a closer look at your alignment in the poses, particularly if you began doing yoga in a vinyasa, or flow style and have never received, or have only minimal instruction on how to align yourself in different poses.(It may also be a good idea to seek the advice of a doctor.)

Although yoga studios tend to frown on mirrors in classes (for good reason), occasionally practicing in front of a mirror(s) at home - particularly with a book like this one that includes "simple" poses and poses performed seated in a chair, which can be done safely while watching yourself - can be quite helpful in identifying habitual patterns of movement of which you're unaware - many of which stem from a belief that we can go deeper into a pose than our current range of motion and/or strength allows, causing us to sacrifice key points of alignment - ultimately reinforcing the very patterns of movement that are sources of pain and discomfort. You may be (unpleasantly) surprised to find that the pictures of some of these very basic poses - ones you "already know" and have "moved beyond" - look nothing like the reflection in the mirror when you actually see yourself in the poses.

Three other superior yoga books that I suggest (and I own upwards of 30) are (1) for beginners and people with limited range of motion [i.e., lacking flexibility], "The Runner's Yoga Book" by Jean Couch (2) for intermediate students "30 Essential Yoga Poses" by Judith Lasater and (3) for advanced students, teachers and anyone who wants a thorough physiological and anatomical understanding of the mechanics of yoga, "Anatomy of Hatha Yoga", by H. David Coulter.

Dr. Schatz has written an excellent book on back care, integrating a physician and Yoga teacher's viewpoint. Back physiology and mechanics are well explained and illustrated.

Explaining Yoga postures by text/book is hard and one really needs a teacher in person. Short of that video is helpful. Therefore, I wish Dr. Shaatz would either update the book with DVD/Videos or upload the videos on the Internet on sites like YouTube etc. to make her Yoga for Back Care more practical and useful.

Anybody with chronic back pain/problems will benefit from this book and gain understanding of the back pain; and get therepeutic benefit if they do the Yoga.

It's low-cost, effective, efficient, and easy.
I recommend this book for people who always have problems with back or neck pain.
It will not only solve the pain, but also restructuring and reduce stress.

I started experiencing lower back pain when I started a sitting job ... I had to sit for 8 hours straight every day under high stress conditions. Although I worked out regularly (swimming, weight lifting), the back pain stayed with me for months. I went twice to physical therapy, and nothing seemed to work. Then I found yoga. Although the stretches were difficult at first, gradually my back got into better shape and within a few months the pain was gone. This book could have provided me a shortcut to getting rid of my lower back pain. It discusses the causes of back pain and how yoga can both stretch the body and calm the mind. It also shows how you can evaluate your own body -- the way you sit, stand, etc., to see how that contributes to your pain. And it contains instructions for a number of gentle yoga exercises that do actually work in helping you get rid of lower back pain. They don't take long, and they don't hurt. I'm not sure how, but they do work. Finally, the book shows how you can modify the way you can sleep, drive, even brush your teeth to help keep back pain away.


Marina Kushner
Author
The Truth About Caffeine: How Companies That Promote It Deceive Us and What We Can Do about It

I have scoliosis and this book has been a tremendous resource in understanding and caring for my condition. The book is a good start and it eventually got me interested in taking some yoga classes and exploring some of the different practices. I'm so glad I found this book; yoga has been a positive force in my life for some time now.

Lots of back pain books provide exercises, but this one takes them directly from the Iyenger Yoga method; Iyenger revolutionized Yoga from the 1960's to the present by applying contemporary knowledge of anatomy and physiology to the traditional and spiritual aspects of yoga. Teachers trained and certified in Iyenger Yoga are a 'cut' above others from my lengthy experience with Yoga practice. That said, dr. Schatz uses Iyenger's methods (Iyenger also wrote the intro) to design a comprehensive program for all types of back and neck problems; she also provides accurate and clear illustrations of the spine structure and related anatomy. The photos are very clear and easy to understand as are the instructions of asanas and restorative poses.. The book is the right length, size and format. Many back problems can be treated. This book offers programs for many of them; also included is a self-analysis of one's own current posture and alignment. This is no quick fix book; the programs she recommends may take a couple of years to 'work' but it's definitely worth it to live a more vigorous, pain reduced or pain free life.

This is my favorite book for addressing back pain issues. It presents a great foundation in the basic anatomy of the back and then uses this information to develop the concepts that help people understand why back and neck pain occur and how to correct it.

The book contains progressive exercises and workouts of various lengths that use Iyengar yoga to address back pain. Each exercise is carefully explained and includes good tips on how to perform each correctly. I also like that it provides the rationale for each exercise and important points to focus on while performing each movement.

There are also chapters on specific problems. This is definitely a comprehensive reference and it has helped me a lot with my own back problems. In addition, it is an excellent overall introduction to yoga.

The author is a physician who had back problems herself. She is highly credible and treated her own back problems with the methods described. I recommend this book to anyone interested in an introduction to yoga or wanting to learn more about rehabilitating back and neck problems using yoga.

Finally, if you are looking for another book on this topic "The Pilates Back Book" by Tia Stanmore is also very good. It also starts out more gently and is somewhat more accessible. However, it's not nearly as comprehensive or as detailed in describing the exercises. I own and use both and recommend owning both to people who are serious about understanding and working with back issues. (

Personally, I also found Tai Chi helpful before I was ready to do yoga. However, I don't have a book I would recommend that would be a good standalone resource. If you go this route, it's probably best to find a good teacher who is also a physical therapist or at least has some knowledge of dealing with back and neck related issues.

It's low-cost, effective, efficient, and easy.
I recommend this book for people who always have problems with back or neck pain.
It will not only solve the pain, but also restructuring and reduce stress.

The best part of this book is the section on evaluating your own back problems. I learned quite a bit about my own back pain, posture, etc.. I did have a bit of a problem with the section on scoliosis where you have to have a partner help you - if you don't have a partner, you're apparently out of luck. I was also a bit disappointed with the fact that this book assumes no prior experience with yoga. I have practiced yoga at the intermediate level for about 2 years, and was hoping to find a resource that would advise me on what poses would be specifically helpful for my back problems, and perhaps which poses to avoid. For someone at my level, this book is a bit *too* gentle.

The best part of this book is the section on evaluating your own back problems. I learned quite a bit about my own back pain, posture, etc.. I did have a bit of a problem with the section on scoliosis where you have to have a partner help you - if you don't have a partner, you're apparently out of luck. I was also a bit disappointed with the fact that this book assumes no prior experience with yoga. I have practiced yoga at the intermediate level for about 2 years, and was hoping to find a resource that would advise me on what poses would be specifically helpful for my back problems, and perhaps which poses to avoid. For someone at my level, this book is a bit *too* gentle.

I got this book because it came recommended by my Yoga teachers, one of them being one of two advanced Iyengar certified teachers in the world. For the uninitiated: this recommendation comes from someone who seriously knows the body and how the fix it.

This book is great because it starts out with a detailed physiological description of what is going on in your back so that you can approach fixing it in a more academic sense. It then gives you detailed instructions on how you can evaluate the health and structure of your own back, so that you can identify what is wrong with it now, and what could go wrong in the future. Then it moves on to the exercises and targets specific muscle groups and types of pain, showing you how to open, lengthen, and strengthen neglected muscles.

As an 25 year old Iyengar Yoga pracitioner, I consider my back to be reasonably healthy, but still found many exercises in here that I could benefit from doing. For the seriously afflicted patient or their care taker, this book is a wonderful self motivated tool for improvement. Even if you have very mild pain, doing the exercises now will prevent that mild pain from becoming debilitating later on.

Great book!

This book has great information about how to take care of your back. One of the most common reasons people begin a yoga class is to get rid of their aches and pains. I can say with complete confidence that Dr. Schatz book offers very effective, individualized approach to a healthy back. If you or someone you love is suffering from back or neck pain, I encourage you to educate yourself by reading this book. Another important book to read is "Can We Live 150"

(...) I've dealt with scoliosis for over 30 years, and experienced a definite downturn (no pun intended) recently. I've found this book extremely helpful, especially for helping me to understand the principles of yoga and how yoga can help my particular problem--thus preparing me to return to actual yoga classes. It is clearly and thoroughly illustrated, covers the theory of yoga in depth, and gives detailed explanations of how to apply yoga poses to different conditions. I would have liked a better index, but that is a minor quibble. And, of course, the obvious question: why not use spiral binding for a book that will probably be most useful when you're in all sorts of odd positions? Still, I'd enthusiastically recommend it, in particular for someone with some previous knowledge of yoga practice.

I have been an RN for over 25 years, the number one complaint I hear about is back pain. I recommend this book to my clients , becuse it has so many modified yoga poses that help people with back pain move into yoga poses. I also suggest Body Rolling, Miracle Balls and Yin Yoga. Please get a yoga block to help you with yoga. A multi approach to back care pain is the best plan.

very basic introduction to yoga and it's benifits it offers to some people. I tried a class with my girl friends and perk my interest but i was unbale to get into these positions the author suggested without some discomfort may work for others.

I have taken yoga classes for years and it is nice to see the medical doctor values such a art to help back pain suffers.This book is okay for someone new to yoga and has back pain but it is over 10 years old. needs to be updated. I recommend other up to date books on the market today that shows the reader all forms of exercies to use to over come back pain.

I am a big fan of yoga , but this book had very little to offer in new subject matter for those who have taken any type of yoga classes- knos that the instructors always remind us not to do certain positions that may and most likly cause further pain to our necks or backs. I think if you are a beginer then this is a good start but better to try out a class where a teacher can tell you what you are doing wrong.

My sciatic pain had been relieved to some degree by a chiropractor and my general practioner handed me one page of exercises and did not seem to want to deal with my back pain; "Lose weight and walk...have a nice day" It was then that I researched this book and purchased it.

This book is wonderful and has allowed me to assess what exercises I need to do and how to move, lift, and sit to avoid problems. I have read at least 20 books on back care and this is the ONE!! It is not for those who want a "quick read" as you must read several sections in order and then assess your personal condition. However, the results for me have been truly amazing in about 3 weeks time.

This book contains yoga based routines that helped my lower back pain a great deal. The author brings her medical background and her yoga background together to produce a wonderful resourse for the lower back pain sufferer. If you're like most lower back pain sufferers, you'll find that in order to get control of your pain, you need to do more than visit a physical therapist or chiropractor; you need to find a system of therapy that addresses your specific problems. This book is a good place to start.

Someone with serious back problems was good enough to recommend this book on his web site. I didn't have serious back problems but have poor posture and related problems: tilted pelvis the main bugaboo.

Trying to correct this problem for the last umpteen years I've used heel lifts, chiropractic adjustments, orthotics; visited a myriad of specialists--name it, I've seen 'em.

Nothing comes close to this book's (yoga) exercises in providing lasting benefits.

This woman -- Dr. Shatz -- should get a fee for each and every one of us she treats through her book.

Back pain has many causes. Oneway is to observe your own posture.
If you correct your own daily life posture, it should be ease.
This book advises a gentle way for yoga (unlike Acrobat original
Iyengar yoga). Her way is much gentler and it works !!!
If you never do yoga before, and have a back pain, give it a try.
Don't be confused by innocent comment by some other reviewers who say bad about this book.
Finally, I look forward to see her new updated book.
now it is the year 2002!!!

I had heard lots of wonderful things about this book for the last few years. Then I bought a copy. The results have been nothing short of amazing. Dr. Schatz has compiled a book which is a must for anyone with back pain or neck pain.

Her diagnostic tests allow you to immediately identify your problem areas. The recommended exercises are clearly illustrated. You get exercises that are custom-made for your body.

Of course, the magic happens when you actually do the exercises. I saw remarkable results in my posture the very first day I started doing the exercises. The neck and shoulder tightness has also improved.

Dr. Schatz is an expert in this area, and this is not designed as "quick fix." This is a sound program to be followed over time. However, I must admit I was astounded at the speed at which I saw improvement.

If you have any back or neck pain, or poor posture, you absolutely must get this book. It will improve your health dramatically. Thank you, Dr. Schatz for this magnificent book.

Recently having x-rays and an mri because of lower back problems the diagnosis were several ruptured discs. Doctor Schatz's book was everything I needed to know to start my rehabilitation. She leaves nothing to the imagination literally answering all of my questions in the first three chapters alone. Not knowing creates a lot of fear for us back sufferers and fear brings on even more pain. Since gently entering into a stretching routine I found incredible results after the first week. I could move about freely without pain. Her straight forward approach was an 'easy read' for me. Highly recommended!

Suza Francina, author, The New Yoga for People Over 50, Mayor Pro-Tem from Ojai, California, writes:

"I have been teaching yoga to people of all ages for over 25 years. One of the most common reasons people begin a yoga class is to get rid of their aches and pains. I can say with complete confidence that of all the books I've read on therapeutic exercise for back and neck pain relief, Dr. Schatz book offers by far the most effective, individualized approach to a healthy back.

Back Care Basics goes beyond generic exercises and takes into account each person's special circumstances. It is a lifesaver for people caught in the viscious cycle of pain and fear. I have referred to it countless times creating yoga based exercise programs for people in chronic pain. In fact, almost my entire copy is highlighted or underlined!

If you or someone you love is suffering from back or neck pain, I encourage you to educate yourself by reading this book. I also hope that other health professionals working with people with back problems--chiropractors, massage and physical therapists, acupuncturists,etc., will read this book and leave it in their waiting room. Chiropractors tell me that patients who are practicing yoga rarely have acute back pain and their adjustments hold longer. People with back and neck problems benefit more from other therapies if they practice the gentle yoga program taught in Back Care Basics.

Being 24 in shape and healthy I became fed up with my cronic back pain. I have tried many things and finally came across this book. Within a week I noticed the difference. I have been following her program religously and have finally found relief. It is amazing. During the yoga I really don't feel like I am accomplishing anything. Then the next day I feel great. NO BACK PAIN. I plan to continue the program. I am even going to buy the book for back pain sufferers in my family.

I am really learning a lot from this book. I have had problems with my back and neck since I was very young, mostly muscle tension, which was complicated by a repetitive stress injury from working on the computer. The pain has been pretty constant for the last eight years, and I finally had to stop using ibuprofen to avoid toxification. Yikes! I thought I knew something about relaxing, but the breathing technique recommended by Dr. Schatz has given me a sensation of relaxation I had never felt before. The evaluation section helped me to isolate my problem areas and determine which yoga exercises I should do. The exercises are simple and effective: my energy level is increasing and I am not in as much pain.

This book has great information about how to take care of your back. I am a massage therapist/ health educator and I am constantly using this book to refer my clients to it's content about caring for their backs. Back care is something we all need to learn about for a healthier, more comfortable life. As a health educator, I highly recomend this book. Mahalo.