This brand new 2002 book is a great comprehensive review of low back pain! Because it is written by an MD and a DO, it does a great job of explaining thoroughly all the approaches that can be taken for back pain. It is well written and easy to understand. I recommend this book for clinicians and also for anyone who has ever experience low back pain. I bought the one from the 'used' section and it was brand new! Great book - a definite must buy!

IN SUMMARY:
An excellent handbook to improve quality of living in-patients with low back pain and evidence based psychosocial approach.

MY REVIEW:
The book is published by OEM Press. This book has contributions from many physicians, including the two authors Jane Derebery, MD and John R. Anderson, DO. Excellent book, comprehensive, short easy to read and understand. The book has 363 pages and 19 chapters contributed by various authors and experienced physicians.

The book is a convergence of three factors. (1) Near epidemic proportions of low back problems in United States, (2) the recent emergence of clinical guidelines for managing low back pain based on available scientific studies, and (3) our awareness of the slow "trickle down" of new evidence-based information, derived from controlled scientific studies, into routine clinical practice.

Etiology of low back pain is explained well not only including bio-mechanical problem involving bones, nerves and muscles, but also bio-psychosocial model including patients personal life, work psychological factors of depression, fell, somatization, and etc.

The book is written in simple language, easy to understand and talks about treatment of body and soul and holistic available treatment. The book also specifies non-discogenic and discongenic low back-pain various new imaging techniques and described including MRI, labs, and medical treatment. Physical therapy, chiropractic treatment and surgery are described to educate patient employer and physicians. There is sample evidence described for early implementation exercise within an active physical therapy rehabilitation problem and case management model.

I congratualate the both Dr. Derebery and Dr. Anderson for an excellent Project on this subject. Overall I rate this book EXCELLENT with 5 Gold Stars! (From Vimal V. Abhyanker, MD, email address: vimalabhyankermd@hotmail.com)