Ending Back Pain

June 2, 2014
Neurosurgeon Stern, a professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, specializes in spinal surgery and is cofounder of Spine Options, a facility committed to nonsurgical care of neck and back pain. He helps readers become their own advocates in a quest to break the “secret code” to their back pain—the second most common neurological ailment in the U.S. Stern emphasizes that an accurate diagnosis is the only way to address the problem, and defines and explains six pain generators. In separate chapters, the author advises readers on how to unlock their “pain code,” prepare to work with health care professionals, ensure a proper diagnosis, embrace pathways to healing, and learn to live a life that supports back health. Stern advocates a holistic, less-is-more approach, and notes that surgery often doesn’t eliminate pain; he encourages readers to equip themselves with as much knowledge as possible. The author also shares his own adventures with back pain and uses anecdotes from his practice to illustrate that back pain can come from many sources (such as kidney stones or a bacterial infection, as well as more obvious causes). Readers with back pain will find this resource rich with valuable information and advice. Agent: Bonnie Solow, Solow Literary.

Starred review from August 1, 2014

Back pain is very common, second only to headache as a neurological complaint and right behind colds and flu as a reason for visiting a physician. The author, a neurosurgeon and spine specialist and a professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, treats back pain and he has also been a patient. He provides excellent advice for those who suffer. This book explains the types and causes of back pain and offers a checklist that readers can use to help pinpoint the types of pain that they have. The author explains how doctors diagnose the condition, taking into consideration the cultural as well as the physical aspects of the problem. He tells readers how to advocate for themselves when working with a health-care professional and explains the diagnostic tests that may be used. He urges them to consider physical therapy and integrative therapies as well as psychological treatment, reserving surgery only for those conditions that require it. He also discusses lifestyle changes that promote a healthy back: good posture, exercise, sufficient sleep, and a healthy diet. VERDICT Highly recommended for public and consumer health collections. This is an excellent book about a common health problem that is very challenging.--Barbara Bibel, Oakland P.L.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2014
In this can-do guide, neurosurgeon Stern puts the power into the hands of people with back pain, the most common cause of job-related disability. It's also the second most-common neurological ailment in the U.S., after headaches, and the third most-common reason for emergency-room visits. Ironically, given that he is a surgeon, Stern advises patients and doctors to consider alternative therapies and not to leap to the knife. He suggests that patients may want to create a get to know your back checklist, a pain diary, and an action plan that may include physical therapy, weight loss, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and ice for spasms. Some of the advice may seem obvious. (Healthy living equals a healthy back, so stay active, sleep soundly, adopt a positive attitude, eat well, and maintain good posture.) But overall, Stern, who is on the clinical faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College, resembles a sensitive, positive coach who is refreshingly open-minded. A useful resource, especially given that virtually every American will suffer from back pain at some point.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)