Main description:

Low Back Disorders, Third Edition With Web Resource, guides readers through the assessment and treatment of low back pain, providing evidence-based research on the best methods of rehabilitation and prevention of future injury. In this book, internationally recognized low back specialist Stuart McGill presents the research and applications of back anatomy and biomechanics to build effective prevention and rehabilitation programs for patients or clients.

This third edition of Low Back Disorders contains all of the essential tools for those with low back maladies. Strong foundational information on anatomy and injury mechanisms guide readers through the essential functions of the structures of the low back and related tissues, and common misconceptions about pain and discomfort are addressed and corrected. The text provides detailed insights into injury assessment by an extensively expanded set of tests with accompanying instructions. These provide guidance and recommendations for individualized rehabilitation strategies and exercises. Also new to this edition is a web resource featuring 20 fillable Handouts for Patients or Clients that can be edited and printed to suit practitioner and patients' needs. The web resource also contains an online video suite that showcases various exercises and assessments. In addition to offering strategies for relieving and potentially eliminating pain, the text provides insight into the conditions and environments that may initially cause back pain and makes recommendations on reducing these influences so that clients can be pain free.

This book contains more than 500 photos, graphs, and charts on anatomy, biomechanics, and assessments; 50 tests and exercises with step-by-step instructions are available to aid readers in developing successful programs for patients and clients. In addition to the evidence-based foundation of this edition, the following enhancements have been made:

* Completely updated information and streamlined chapter organization ensure that practitioners use best clinical practices.

* Practical checklists throughout the text provide easy access to testing and assessment clinical techniques and information.

* Practical Applications provide clinical information to aid readers in understanding concepts and theory.

* To aid instructors, the text includes a newly added image bank to visually support class lectures.

Low Back Disorders, Third Edition With Web Resource, contains essential research and corresponding clinical applications in a clear and organized format. Part I introduces the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the lumbar spine. It also presents epidemiological studies on low back disorders and dispels common myths of lumbar spine stability. Part II reviews risk factors for low back disorders and common prevention methods, with specific attention paid to reducing workplace risk factors. Part III explains evaluating and diagnosing clients and developing exercise and rehabilitation programs. Specific exercises that are proven to enhance performance and reduce pain are also explained.

Evidence-based research and cutting-edge application strategies from a leading spine specialist in North America make Low Back Disorders, Third Edition With Web Resource, the authoritative text for the examination and rehabilitation of the low back. Its approach to back care will lead readers in developing intervention, rehabilitation, and prevention programs to address the unique needs of each patient or client.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education course and exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.

Contents:

Part I Scientific Foundation

Chapter 1. Introduction to the Issues and Scientific Approach Unique to This Book

Legislative Landscape: The Unfortunate Adverse Impact on Painful Backs

Deficiencies in Current Diagnostic Practices

Inadequacies in Current Care and Prevention

Mechanical Loading and the Process of Injury: A Low Back Tissue Injury Primer

Excellent Clinicians and Excellent Practice

Unique Scientific Foundation of This Book

In Vitro Lab

In Vivo Lab

A Final Note

Chapter 2. Epidemiological Studies and What They Really Mean

Influence of Randomized Controlled Trials and Other Epidemiological Approaches

Misunderstandings of Epidemiology

Multidimensional Links Among Biomechanical, Psychosocial, and Personal Variables

Are Biomechanical Variables and Psychosocial Variables Distinct?

How Do Biomechanical Factors Affect LBD?

Links Between Personal Factors and LBD

Studies of Exercise Intervention

Practical Application: What the Evidence Supports

What Works Clinically

A Final Note

Chapter 3. Functional Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine

Anatomy Trains

Basic Neural Structure

Vascular Anatomy

Vertebrae

Sacroiliac Joints

Intervertebral Disc

Muscles

Ligaments

Lumbodorsal Fascia (LDF)

Quick Review of the Pelvis, Hips, and Related Musculature

Clinically Relevant Aspects of Pain and Anatomic Structure

A Final Note

Chapter 4. Normal and Injury Mechanics of the Lumbar Spine

Kinematic Properties of the Thoracolumbar Spine

Kinetics and Normal Lumbar Spine Mechanics

Dubious Lifting Mechanisms

Other Important Mechanisms of Normal Spine Mechanics

Injury Mechanisms

Biomechanical and Physiological Changes Following Injury

A Final Note

Chapter 5. Myths and Realities of Lumbar Spine Stability

Why Spine Stability Is Important for Everyone

Stability: A Qualitative Analogy

Quantitative Foundation of Stability

Stability Myths, Facts, and Clinical Implications

A Final Note

Part II Injury Prevention

Chapter 6. LBD Risk Assessment

Brief Review of the Risk Factors for LBD

NIOSH Approach to Risk Assessment

Snook Psychophysical Approach

Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM)

Ergowatch

Biological Signal-Driven Model Approaches

A Final Note

Chapter 7. Reducing the Risk of Low Back Injury

Lessons From the Literature

LBD Prevention for Workers

The Question of Back Belts

LBD Prevention for Employers

Injury Prevention Primer

A Note for Consultants

Reducing the Risk in Athletes

A Final Note

Part III Low Back Rehabilitation

Chapter 8. Building Better Rehabilitation Programs for Low Back Injuries

Pain-Reducing Mechanisms of Exercise

Five-Stage Back Training Program

Finding the Best Approach

Stages of Patient Progression

Guidelines for Developing the Best Exercise Regimen

A Final Note

Chapter 9. Evaluating the Patient

Most Crucial Element in Evaluation

First Clinician-Patient Meeting

Assessing Posture and Movement Quality

Some Provocation Tests

Some Functional Screens

Testing Muscle Endurance

A Final Note

Chapter 10. Developing the Exercise Program

Philosophy of Low Back Exercise Design

Clinical Wisdom

Thoughts on Mobility

Identifying Safe and Effective Exercises

Beginner's Program for Pain Control and Stabilization

Exercises That May Be Used in a Stabilization Program

Special Conditions

A Final Note

Chapter 11. Advanced Exercises

Safely Increasing Challenges

Occupational and Athletic Work Hardening

A Final Note