The Back Book

Self-help manual from top rugby celebrity and his osteopath


The key to managing low back pain is self-motivation and exercise. The book is a clearly laid-out, highly practical, non-text-heavy manual with photographs of Gavin Hastings demonstrating the exercises to take the patient through the recovery process. There will be sections on:
• what causes the pain
• explanation of different conditions, including lumbago, sciatica, muscle spasms, slipped disk, trapped nerve
• use of pain killers; X-rays and other tests
• bad posture; good posture
• importance of rest and gentle movement
• building up slowly to exercise
• use of ice, heat and lumbar support belt
• which back specialist to consult
• questions to ask your doctor or specialist