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What readers have said about Treat Your Own Back:
McKenzie Magic
Peter Louisson , NZ Autocar - Jan 2011 issue
The aging process unfortunately is inevitable, and in my case, the old back intermittently packs a sad. It’s the result, predominantly, of a sedentary job – although some of that seat time is spent driving. Sitting hunched over a computer causes a collapse of the lumbar lordosis, the backwards curve that the lumbar spine should exhibit on standing or when properly seated. Driving exacerbates the poor posture, and eventually the lower back pays the price.
Back pain for me is intermittent, but the episodes have been more frequent in recent years. They are a pain, literally and fi guratively. A year ago, I took action, beginning by improving the strength in the abdominal muscles that provide back protection when lifting or bending. Regular sit-ups and attending stretch classes helped but didn’t avert further attacks, because neither was targeting the root cause of the problem: poor posture.
After the most recent bout of back pain, I googled ‘lumbar roll’ and found the www.spinalpublications.co.nz website, from which I ordered the original McKenzie super roll. This is designed for use at a work station, but also provides added lumbar support in any car seat.
Does it work? Absolutely. We drove 1000 kilometres over two days during COTY testing, and I experienced no back pain whatsoever. I won’t drive anywhere without a lumbar roll now, and another is permanently affi xed to my offi ce chair, so I’m no longer slumping at either work location. The cost effectiveness of these products is through the roof. McKenzie also has an instructional book, Treat Your Own Back , which includes helpful exercises both to prevent and treat acute back pain. I’ve been doing the exercises now for a fortnight, and my back has never felt better. The rolls may cost only a few bob but their worth is priceless, especially as they’re virtually indestructible. These products warrant a supreme recommendation.
Immediately, I hit the floor
John Norman, NZ, 2010
My back has been bad since 1980. Doctors were hopeless. Lie down was the message. I saw Robins book in a shop. Bingo, immediate improvement. Then I was diagnosed with scoliosis of the spine. Big deal I thought. I am coming up to 70, look after our 11 acre block of olive and fruit trees . Sure my back gives me hell at times but I immediately hit the floor and do my excercises. When my friends complain of back pain I suggest Robins book and if really bad I visit my local Mckenzie physio when I get a severe attack in associated places.
Thank you Robin you are a legend.
Not a Hint of Back Pain
Peter Louisson - Autocar magazine, 2010
Just back from the Car of the Year testing where I used the Super Roll for the entire time. My back is brilliant, not a hint of back pain. Best $37 I ever spent. So happy about all that. Have been doing extension exercises whenever I have a bit of spare time too, and I think every little bit helps.
Such a Believer
Linda Yerby - Texas 2011
I’m such a believer in the McKenzie Method – it is wonderful to able to treat your own back. I was blessed twenty years ago with a Physical Therapist in Aberdeen, Scotland who taught me your exercises – and I bought your book! I also have Treat your Own Neck – also excellent. Thank you so much for the way your methods are helping me.
I was astounded
Robert Ligon, California, 2009
When I was a young man in the late 1960’s, I lifted a sofa upstairs to my living room and I hurt my lower back. The pain was excruciating. Since I did not like doctors, I thought I would have to live with the pain, which got steadily worse. Then I saw your book, “Treat Your Own Back.” Since my pain was getting steadily worse, I thought I did not have anything to lose, so I bought the book. I tried the Woman’s push-up which you suggested, and my back pain and associated sciatica went away. I was astounded. I am a realist so I did not expect much improvement. Later, both my wife and my son developed back problems and I suggested the woman’s push-up and their back pain also miraculously went away. I told this story to the Director of Physical Therapy, Donna Matsunaga, at the Oakland, California Kaiser Hospital. Apparently, you are revered around our country. Not only had she heard of you but Kaiser hospital uses your exercises in their back treatment program.
I wanted to thank you for your help for the longest time. I am very grateful to you.
Invaluable
Deborah Beck, November 2008, New Zealand
I have found the book invaluable. I have suffered with an intermittently sore back for 7 years, since the birth of my first son. Now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
A benchmark in the field
Alan Mushnick from Voorhees, USA July 29, 2000
This book is a classic. It is used by most physical therapists and is one of the world's foremost authorities on non-surgical treatment of back pain. I have used the program a few times over the years. BIG HELP! This is the place to start to get your back in shape.
Sciatica Gone
Mrs A Andrews, UK, November 2008
I am 79 years old. In 1977 I had Sciatica and could find little relief from the excruciating pain, until I read your book. I tried your exercises with the result that after a time of exercising as you told me, I have not had sciatica pain. Not only me but 20 or 30 friends have had the same results. I still do the back bends if I feel a twinge, but it always works. Recently I have been kept awake with very painful pins and needles. I went to my GP and he said it was Carpel Tunnel syndrome. I thought about it and did not agree with him, so I bought your neck book and after 3 days of doing your exercises it was almost gone.
I do want to thank you so much for your beautiful clear explanations and the very elegant books.
Highly Recommended
Physical Therapist from Chicago, USA, September 29, 1999
I am a physical therapist who uses the McKenzie approach to low back and neck pain. I was introduced to the techniques during one of my clinical affiliations as a student. I can honestly say that there have been very few patients that I have treated that have not been able to find relief with this technique. "Treat Your Own Back" is a wonderful resource that I issue to the majority of my patients in conjunction with their treatment and home exercise program. The book includes a basic, but thorough review of spinal anatomy. Also has very easy to understand text accompanied by pictures explaining the text. I highly recommend this book; however, if one does not achieve relief with this technique, or if their symptoms increase or travel to another area, it is crucial that they consult with their physician and/or physical therapist.
Buy this book!
Robert Blanchette from Arizona February 11, 1999
I have suffered back and leg pain for two years. I tried medication and exercise programs with some success. Unfortunately, my pain would always return. I bought this book after injuring my back again recently. I began following the program and in a few short weeks my pain is gone. This book has given me the tools I need to heal myself for good. I cannot give it a higher recommendation. If you suffer from low back pain or sciatica, you should buy this book. You will be happy you did.
Outstanding book for people with low back pain or sciatica
A reader from Virginia, November 18, 1998
I'm an anesthesiologist who has cared for about 1000 patients with severe low back pain and/or leg pain over the past 12 years. I have had personal experience with low back pain in the past year. A nurse at my hospital told me about this book earlier this year. I bought it, read it immediately, and now feel it is the most practical book for patients I have ever come across. I am now recommending this book to the majority of patients I see with chronic low back pain.
The most practical book for taking care of your own back!
A reader from Washington, Missouri June 21, 1998
This book came across our desk when my wife and I had a family practice several years ago. It was so hard to find after a while that we gave up looking. We are happy to find it again. We have testimonials from patients who swear that by following the exercises in this book, they never had back pain again. It is easy to read and the exercises are easy to do. It includes not only steps to take when your back is hurting, but also exercises to follow to keep your back healthy. I highly recommend this book and will purchase them for my patients.
Deserves full reading and step by step implementation
A reader from San Buenaventura, Ca 93004, May 19, 1998
One of the most effective and well illustrated booklets on low back pain and how to treat oneself effectively. A must-read for chronic back pain sufferers.
This book taught me to manage my back! Pain free!
Carl Reynolds from Rochester, NY , March 27, 1998
My "lower back problem" began when I was 37, and for a couple of years I endured great pain and incapacitating "lock-ups." MDs and chiropractors helped in some instances, but it was a sports medicine chiropractic practice that introduced me to the theory and exercises described in Treat Your Own Back. The advice in this book has allowed me to actively manage this problem. I almost never suffer pain any more, and I can enjoy almost all the sports I always have (I don't jog any more, however). I turned 50 this year, and I say this advice has stood the test of time! Read this book, and DO WHAT IT SAYS!
Thank You
Scott B. Elliott, Australia, 2008
Pain struck me about one year ago…and I found my life becoming more fearful, my days less active, and my mind and body becoming old beyond my years. A man of 33 years should not feel like a 73 year old. I started to develop low back pain which increased week by week and became quite debilitating over the following months.
I was having trouble sleeping. I woke up in the morning and had pain walking, for at least 20 minutes… could not touch my toes to wash my feet. I could not stand for more than about 10 minutes without having to sit down due to pain. I certainly couldn't run and activities like surfing and backpacking were out of the question.
About 9 months into the pain, and having developed a fully unpleasant outlook on life, my future, my lifestyle, I was lucky enough to have an evaluation by a McKenzie therapist, Sandra McFaul. She was able to assess that my pain was coming from a malalignment of the spine…a loss of my lumbar curve and that yes, the disks were being distorted causing the pain. But the key to this meeting was in the instillation of hope and some simple solutions to resolve the pain in the short and long term. The hope was instilled by her assurance that this problem was actually not so severe, that many others have experienced this problem and found relief. The methods were simple for correction: rest, no forward bending, and two simple extension oriented exercises to repeat every few hours. Her advice, treatment, and kindness have helped me to resolve my pain through self-treatment. The relief came quickly and only 10 weeks into my treatment, I was back to running, hiking, and surfing. I could wake up in the morning and wash my feet in the shower.
You know…the McKenzie treatments have worked very well for me. And I'm thankful that I received the treatment I did from Sandra. If not, I don't know where my body, mind, and soul would be today…I have my hope and my life back now.
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