An internationally recognized expert in nerve and spinal surgery covers everything a back patient needs to know in deciding whether or not to have surgery, discussing the various types of surgery available, the risks of surgery, and the options one may have.

According to Dr. Nathaniel Tindel, there is an alternative to back surgery in 19 out of 20 cases. This authoritative and plain-spoken guide to what back surgery can and can't do reveals behind-the-scenes information on back pain, back doctors, and back treatments delivered candidly, using case studies and clinical evidence. It arms readers with the information and the courage to ask the right doctors the right questions, so that they can make the right decisions. Topics covered include: What causes back pain and sciatica -- Why surgery doesn't always work -- The truth about disc replacement -- The key to successful pain management -- Back-pain emergencies -- Types of surgery and non-surgical alternatives -- Surgical risks--Publisher.

Dr. John E. Sarno's groundbreaking research on TMS (Tension Myoneural Syndrome) reveals how stress and other psychological factors can cause back pain-and how you can be pain free without drugs, exercise, or surgery. Dr. Sarno's program has helped thousands of patients find relief from chronic back conditions. In this New York Times bestseller, Dr. Sarno teaches you how to identify stress and other psychological factors that cause back pain and demonstrates how to heal yourself--without drugs, surgery or exercise. Find out: Why self-motivated and successful people are prone to Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) How anxiety and repressed anger trigger muscle spasms How people condition themselves to accept back pain as inevitable With case histories and the results of in-depth mind-body research, Dr. Sarno reveals how you can recognize the emotional roots of your TMS and sever the connections between mental and physical pain...and start recovering from back pain today.

The acclaimed author of Carved in Sand—a veteran investigative journalist who endured persistent back pain for decades—delivers the definitive book on the subject: an essential examination of all facets of the back pain industry, exploring what works, what doesn't, what may cause harm, and how to get on the road to recovery. In her effort to manage her chronic back pain, investigative reporter Cathryn Jakobson Ramin spent years and a small fortune on a panoply of treatments. But her discomfort only intensified, leaving her feeling frustrated and perplexed. As she searched for better solutions, she exposed a much bigger problem. Costing roughly $100 billion a year, spine medicine—often ineffective and sometimes harmful —exemplified the worst aspects of the U.S. health care system. The result of six years of intensive investigation, Crooked offers a startling look at the poorly identified risks of spine medicine, and provides practical advice and solutions. Ramin interviewed scores of spine surgeons, pain management doctors, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, specialized bodywork practitioners. She met with many patients whose pain and desperation led them to make life-altering decisions, and with others who triumphed over their limitations. The result is a brilliant and comprehensive book that is not only important but essential to millions of back pain sufferers, and all types of health care professionals. Ramin shatters assumptions about surgery, chiropractic methods, physical therapy, spinal injections and painkillers, and addresses evidence-based rehabilitation options—showing, in detail, how to avoid therapeutic dead ends, while saving money, time, and considerable anguish. With Crooked, she reveals what it takes to outwit the back pain industry and get on the road to recovery.

The joint effort of a psychotherapist, a Pilates instructor, and a respected New York back surgeon, this book offers a step-by-step method for gentle rehabilitation and recovery, a proven program for regaining mobility and quality of life.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, or know someone who is, Back in Control could change your life. Dr. David Hanscom, a spine surgeon and fellow sufferer, shares with you what finally pulled him out of the abyss of chronic pain after 15 years--without surgery or addictive medications. Instead, his approach to treatment focuses on an aspect of chronic pain that the medical world has largely overlooked: you must calm your nervous system in order to get better. More than any other book about pain, Back in Control reveals how to quiet a turbocharged central nervous system, relieve the anxiety and depression that often accompany chronic pain, and make a full recovery. Back in Control offers a self-directed healing approach that has evolved from Dr. Hanscom's personal experience, as well what he has learned from successfully treating hundreds of patients. The book: Provides a proven solution to end chronic pain - Dr. Hanscom's treatment model has helped hundreds of patients move from managing pain to becoming pain free. Doesn't require surgery or meds - The approach presented in Back in Control helps you eliminate chronic pain without the risk of surgery or side effects of medications. Puts you in control - Back in Control provides tools for eliminating pain that you can use on your own or as part of an ongoing treatment plan, to take back control of your care and your life. Applies to any type of chronic pain - The principles in Back in Control apply to any chronic pain condition, for example back pain, neck pain, hip pain, joint pain, fibromyalgia and sciatica, to name a few.

Explaining in simple terms the complicated subject of spinal surgery, this volume describes various treatments as well as the risks and benefits of surgery. Over 100 photos are used to explain spinal anatomy and various spinal disorders.

Low back pain is a very common problem that is increasingly being treated surgically. This book aims to evaluate carefully the possible surgical approaches to low back pain, with detailed appraisal of the factors leading to their success or failure. It begins by explaining the scientific basis for surgery and considering the different diagnostic techniques that may be employed, thereby elucidating the surgical rationale, indications, and contraindications. The value of conservative options is also assessed to help the reader weigh the need for surgery. The various surgical modalities, including the most recent, are then fully described and evaluated with the aid of numerous illustrations. The book concludes with a chapter devoted to evidence-based analysis of the outcome of surgery in patients with low back pain. This book will be invaluable to orthopaedic and neurosurgeons, rheumatologists, neurologists, and all who are concerned with the effective treatment of this often debilitating condition.

The definitive reference in orthopedic surgery is back... totally revised and updated to encompass over 1,800 procedures, including 90 that are new to this edition! Dr. S. Terry Canale and 33 other leading authorities from the Campbell Clinic present encyclopedic, in-depth coverage of the field, superbly organized for efficient access. This landmark 4-volume set now includes a CD-ROM containing video clips that demonstrate key surgical procedures.