John Perrier

This book is a fine introduction to the topic of back pain. The author makes it clear that the whole program of getting rid of your problem is a three part process: first, understanding the underlying condition, then classifying your back, before finally learning the exercises and advice to fix it. This book, volume one, achieves the first part only (the other two are in the second volume, which I have also reviewed). It achieves its aims well.

Here's a sentence that I never foresaw myself writing: I really enjoyed reading about the anatomy and pathology of the spine. Normally such subjects confuse me and bore me intently, but Perrier does a good job in explaining them in a simple and engaging way. Some areas were complex, particularly the nerve chapter, but as I have sciatica I persisted, and now feel like I have a solid understanding of my problem.
The tone is friendly. The text is sprinkled with jokes and off-beat humor, which do their part in keeping you interested.

In general, I think this was a good introduction to the medical aspects of back pain, and was a worthwhile read.

… (mais)

I’ve already read and posted a review for Volume 1 of back pain. At the start of volume two, you have to do a quiz, which took about half an hour, but compared to a visit to my chiropractor that was OK. I downloaded the online version, but be aware that it won’t work on a mobile device – I eventually installed it on my PC.
After doing the quiz, everything made sense.

The author explained in simple (and often funny) terms why and how to fix my problem. The exercises were comprehensive, and the strategy of using your back pain category from the quiz to design an exercise program to suit your own problem was clever. This book covers its subject from every angle, and is easy to understand. I’ve read many similar self help books, and this is the best of the lot.
… (mais)