Treat Your Own Back [Paperback]

Robin A. McKenzie (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0959774661 | ISBN-13: 978-0959774665 | Publication Date: January 1997 | Edition: 7th

Help yourself to a pain-free back. This easy-to-follow book presents over 80 pages of education and clinically-proven exercises. The simple and effective self-help exercises in Robin McKenzie's Treat Your Own Back have helped thousands worldwide find relief from common low back and neck pain. This book helps you understand the causes and treatments, along with a system of exercises that can help you relieve pain and prevent recurrence.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Now in its seventh edition, Robin McKenzie's patient book has probably helped more patients achieve freedom from back pain than any other publication. The McKenzie Method is a conservative treatment protocol that provides daily changes to patient posture, ergonomics and exercises.

About the Author

Robin McKenzie has devoted over 30 years developing a system of examination and treatment of mechanical neck and back pain that is recognized internationally and taught to thousands of clinicians worldwide. Robin McKenzie is an Honorary Life Member of the APTA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Orthopedic Physical Therapy Product; 7th edition (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0959774661
• ISBN-13: 978-0959774665
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,793 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Aging > Back Pain
  • #29 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Musculoskeletal Diseases
  • #70 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Aging > Chronic Pain

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

159 of 168 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So good, I'm mad., January 6, 2001

By 

Randy A Hausner (Phoenix, Arizona United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Treat Your Own Back (Paperback)

The title of my review may confuse you. Let me explain. I found this book to be so effective in eliminating my back pain and actually helping me do it without medication or injections or surgery, that I am mad that every doctor does not recommend this book or at least the concepts and exercises to everyone suffering from low back pain.

I've been diagnosed with a focal disc protrusion in l5-s1. After even 1 hour of work, I would go to extremely painful and moving like I was 98 years old. Sitting was torture too. I couldn't stand, yet I couldn't sit, and I was in agony.I then discovered this book. ( Actually, a physical Therapist recommended I read it.) So, during my routine day, when the pain and discomfort became extreme, I would sneak off by myself, and do these exercises. It was like a shot of pain killer each time I did. At first, it only alievated the pain for about an hour or 2. I was admittedly repeating the exercises about 8 to 10 times a day. Then, the effects became more and more permanent. Today, I worked and only needed to do them twice. I'm on my way to a full recovery. So there you have it. I was suffering BADLY for about 2 months with no noticable improvement. After 3 weeks of doing what this book told me, I not only see the light at the end of the tunnel, I feel the bright rays shining on me. One more thing... I am in no way paid for saying this, and have no connection with the publishers/authors of this book. I'm just a person so happy to be feeling a lot better, that I want to spread the word. . .

87 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author of self-help book gives McKenzie book to patients., September 1, 1999

By 

Robert Uppgaard ([e-mail]) (Pequot Lakes, Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Treat Your Own Back (Paperback)

"I first became acquainted with McKenzie's Treat Your Own Back in 1984 when, as a practicing dentist, I was completely incapacitated with low back pain and sciatica and unable to work. This easy to understand book enabled me to get well and remain well to this day. As a dentist who treats TMJ Disorder, I have recommended this book to hundreds of my patients. Why? Because people who suffer from TMJ Disorder (also called TMD) must understand that proper body alignment, posture and specific exercises are an essential part of their treatment plan. In my recently published book, Taking Control of TMJ: Your Total Wellness Program for Recovering from Temporomandibular Joint Pain, Whiplash, Fibromyalgia and Related Disorders, MeKenzie's work is emphasized. I continue to give copies of Treat Your Own Back to friends and patients who are suffering the crippling effects of low back pain. A friend who recently had suffered back pain and sciatica for weeks sums it up so well:"It's just like magic; relief was almost immediate, in three days I was totally without pain."

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relief at Last!, July 18, 2001

By 

jpughham (Columbia, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Treat Your Own Back (Paperback)

My rheumatologist recommended I read and follow this book before he refers me to a physical therapist. I have arthritis in my spine, degenerative disks, scoliosis. I also have a confirmed diagonosis of fibromyalgia complex, with myofascial pain syndrome. After having to cease taking ibuprofen because of reflux disorder, the problems in my back began to surface, big time. Visits to an osteopath for "manipulation" brought only temporary relief, often only for 24 hours or so.

I received "Treat Your Own Back" the afternoon following the worst night of my life - a really bad flare-up of all the above problems. I began with the First Aid page - following the instructions to the last period, including repeating the exercises every couple of hours. I slept very well that night, and altho it took another three days to obtain significant relief (meaning I didn't have to walk with a cane), the pain did centralize and became very manageable with the prescribed pain relievers. I am totally impressed!

I am an artist who has had to re-think all my methods for producing my art, including standing at an easel or counter to paint or sculpt. Exercise #4 has been a god-send for preventing back problems and re-alignment following an art session.

Obviously, the problems in my back are the kind that "Treat Your Own Back" can resolve. I would recommend using this book with your physician's knowledge and understanding of the exercises.