Review of Simple Ways to Reduce Back Pain
Posted: 10 Oct 2024, 01:13
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Simple Ways to Reduce Back Pain" by Sandra Janocha, physical therapist.]
Many of us who are over our mid-thirties have experienced back pain at varying intensities. Back pain can negatively impact day-to-day functioning and overall efficiency. Sandra Janocha is a physical therapist and has authored the book Simple Ways to Reduce Back Pain Today: A Physical Therapist's Guide to Reducing Your Own Back Pain (at Home). Sandra's 33 years of expertise as a physical therapist add credibility to this book.
The author rightly highlights that many individuals focus on short-term relief and power through all the pain-causing activities till they reach the penultimate stage. Comparing our bodies to automobiles that require more frequent maintenance for optimum output as time passes was a great way to start. The book urges a responsible attitude toward one's health by addressing the concerns on an immediate basis.
Information about the spine and its surrounding structures and the importance of maintaining a neutral position provides a better understanding of the subject matter. The author discusses the wrong practices that cause or aggravate pain when sitting, standing, sleeping, bending, and lifting heavy objects. It helps create awareness about the causes of back pain and guides the readers to incorporate correct practices to improve spinal health.
The book also explains postures and transitions. Topics like stretching, strengthening, observing pain patterns, and correct transitioning have dedicated chapters. Furthermore, it justifies the need to stay under the pain threshold, giving the body enough time to heal. The content helps take control of postures and transitions to reduce any risk of further damage and ensure faster recovery. I appreciate how she anticipates and addresses various aspects in this short read.
I have incorporated a few recommendations: ensuring the knee is not always locked, engaging the abdominal muscles, and maintaining a correct posture. Here, I admit this shift seemed easy, but at the end of almost three days, I realized I had to work a lot more to retain the correct postures. The reduction in pain and a reminder to be kind to myself motivate me to continue. The stretching exercises gave me the confidence that I could help myself. I understand why the author insists on adding time, not intensity, to ensure results. I am glad these practices and the ice packs have helped reduce the pain. The Chinese proverb shared by the author—be not afraid of moving slowly, only of standing still—is a great takeaway. The checklist helped me track my progress.
I liked the compartmentalization of specific topics. The images aid in better comprehension. The quick tips and questionnaire were helpful. Overall, the layout was good, leaving no scope for suggestions for improvement. The editing was commendable, with just one very minor error to report. Considering all the points listed and nothing negative to raise, I rate this book five out of five stars. I suggest this book to readers who are in pain now, have experienced back pain in the past, anyone who is at risk of developing back pain in the future, and everyone else who aims to keep themselves free from back pain.
******
Simple Ways to Reduce Back Pain
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Many of us who are over our mid-thirties have experienced back pain at varying intensities. Back pain can negatively impact day-to-day functioning and overall efficiency. Sandra Janocha is a physical therapist and has authored the book Simple Ways to Reduce Back Pain Today: A Physical Therapist's Guide to Reducing Your Own Back Pain (at Home). Sandra's 33 years of expertise as a physical therapist add credibility to this book.
The author rightly highlights that many individuals focus on short-term relief and power through all the pain-causing activities till they reach the penultimate stage. Comparing our bodies to automobiles that require more frequent maintenance for optimum output as time passes was a great way to start. The book urges a responsible attitude toward one's health by addressing the concerns on an immediate basis.
Information about the spine and its surrounding structures and the importance of maintaining a neutral position provides a better understanding of the subject matter. The author discusses the wrong practices that cause or aggravate pain when sitting, standing, sleeping, bending, and lifting heavy objects. It helps create awareness about the causes of back pain and guides the readers to incorporate correct practices to improve spinal health.
The book also explains postures and transitions. Topics like stretching, strengthening, observing pain patterns, and correct transitioning have dedicated chapters. Furthermore, it justifies the need to stay under the pain threshold, giving the body enough time to heal. The content helps take control of postures and transitions to reduce any risk of further damage and ensure faster recovery. I appreciate how she anticipates and addresses various aspects in this short read.
I have incorporated a few recommendations: ensuring the knee is not always locked, engaging the abdominal muscles, and maintaining a correct posture. Here, I admit this shift seemed easy, but at the end of almost three days, I realized I had to work a lot more to retain the correct postures. The reduction in pain and a reminder to be kind to myself motivate me to continue. The stretching exercises gave me the confidence that I could help myself. I understand why the author insists on adding time, not intensity, to ensure results. I am glad these practices and the ice packs have helped reduce the pain. The Chinese proverb shared by the author—be not afraid of moving slowly, only of standing still—is a great takeaway. The checklist helped me track my progress.
I liked the compartmentalization of specific topics. The images aid in better comprehension. The quick tips and questionnaire were helpful. Overall, the layout was good, leaving no scope for suggestions for improvement. The editing was commendable, with just one very minor error to report. Considering all the points listed and nothing negative to raise, I rate this book five out of five stars. I suggest this book to readers who are in pain now, have experienced back pain in the past, anyone who is at risk of developing back pain in the future, and everyone else who aims to keep themselves free from back pain.
******
Simple Ways to Reduce Back Pain
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon