The biomechanics of back pain

The vertebral column and adjacent structures -- Muscles and fascia of the lumbar spine -- Nerves and blood supply to the lumbar spine -- Back pain -- Epidemiology of back trouble -- Biology of spinal tissues -- Growth and ageing of the spine -- Forces acting on the thoracolumbar spine -- Mechanical function of the thoracolumbar spine -- Mechanical damage to the thoracolumbar spine -- Cervical spine biomechanics -- Posture, creep and ""functional pathology"" -- Sensorimotor control -- Spinal degeneration -- Preventing back pain -- Conservative management of back pain -- Biomechanics rationale for spinal surgery -- Surgery for disc prolapse, spinal stenosis and back pain -- Medico-legal considerations.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Authored by experts of international renown, the new edition of The Biomechanics of Back Pain forms a bridge between the latest research and the effective clinical management of patients with back problems. Now published for the first time in full colour, the volume presents a unique synthesis of the latest research findings and explains its recent changes in emphasis - from trying to understand and reverse age-related spinal degeneration to addressing the soft tissue causes of pain. New chapters are devoted to Sensorimotor Control, and Cervical Spine Anatomy and Biomechanics, while a bonus website contains useful PowerPoint presentations, which include seminars entitled Back Pain and Forces on the Spine as well as an overview of the Psychosocial Flags Framework. Clinically orientated and highly practical throughout, The Biomechanics of Back Pain has become the standard platform by which readers keep abreast of research and developments in the field and is essential for all clinicians involved in the care and treatment of patients with back pain, as well as for those studying its causes and methods of prevention.