The Back Book

Neurosurgeon Gokaslan and orthopedist Riley… frequently reassure readers that back pain is usually self-limited, without major treatments or surgery, and they offer recommendations for finding authoritative information, including web sites from national spine organizations. Diagnostic and imaging tests are described, as are pain relief and nonsurgical treatments; physical therapy is strongly promoted both as treatment and as prevention. Gokaslan and Riley give a general overview of back surgeries, placing particular emphasis on matching patient and physician expectations of realistic outcomes. A large amount of information is packed into this slim volume. Although the reading level is high, it should be a popular addition to consumer health collections. Library Journal A complete and comprehensive guide to the back, it provides an excellently researched manual… A must for any who are facing back pain and are evaluating their options fully. Midwest Book Review The authors do a good job of describing the full range of treatments from physical therapy to surgery. Also included are a useful index and an interesting section describing how to choose an appropriate and helpful Web site. Another section on how to talk to a physician should be helpful for anyone who has encountered difficulties. Choice

Ziya L. Gokaslan, M.D., is the director of the Neurosurgical Spine Program and vice chairman of the department of neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins University, where he is also the Donlin M. Long Professor and a professor of neurosurgery, oncology, and orthopaedic surgery. Lee Hunter Riley III, M.D., is the director of the Orthopaedic Spine Division and an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins University.