Chiropractic Books

The collaboration between the P.T. and the D.O. is a beautiful thing. This is a nice reference book for the new student to the learned practitioner on the thoracic spine etc. This part of the spine is generally greatly under evaulated and under treated. This user freindly text should aide in more effective treatment.

Touch and emotion in manual therapy, by Bevis Nathan, Churchill Livingstone, 1999, £17.95, paperback, 222 pages, illustrated, ISBN 0443056579

In this astonishingly original and thoughtful book, Bevis Nathan, a practising osteopath, studies the therapeutic and psychological meanings of touch. He explores touch as communicative and expressive, and proposes a `more ethical, realistic, empathic, human' approach to manual therapy based on a holistic concept of the body. He opposes the orthodox medical rationale that types of touches are procedures and techniques, based on a concept of the body as essentially mechanical.

He first explores the existential meaning of touch, and its potent effects. Touch is the ground of all our other senses. It is not limited to a single organ: the whole body is the organ of touch. He emphasises the mother's key role in infant development: her touch is "supremely important in influencing the existential, psychological and physical development of the fetus and newborn infant." Touch deprivation leads to poor physical, social and emotional development, failure to thrive and even death. Flesh is both subjective and objective; it is lived, "but it is also of the earth and therefore willingly succumbs to a certain degree of material analysis."

He then explores what happens when the manual therapist touches the patient. He asks us to "realise the extent to which my body reliably reflects my attempts to integrate my environment, my relationships, my thoughts and feelings." Mind and body form a unity; psychology is indissolubly intertwined with physiology. He shows how over-emphasising either element of this unity leads to a polarised duality, of a disembodied psychotherapy and a mindless body therapy.

Touch contains the potential for the most powerful blend of physical and emotional healing processes; manual therapists can help to resolve psychologically and emotionally generated bodily disorders. He concludes that shattering the belief that manual therapy is only a mechano-physiological discipline opens up extraordinarily creative possibilities. This book presents a powerful and well-grounded rationale for osteopathy, but it should also prove most valuable to all who use manual therapy to care for people.

Will Podmore 348 words

The basic and most important research in the field of touch is being done by Tiffany Field at the Touch Research Institutes. This book is a review of that research through the year 1999. It is a great resource for those in the field and those who want to be in the field of touch therapy.

This book contains the
I. the orientation to the philosophy of science
-explains how chiropractic medicine is a science
-the roles of philosophy in health care
-the metaphors & principles
-a brief history
-practitioner-scientist model
II. Education in the methods of clinical research
-conceptualizing theories
-operationalization of variables
-evaluation of measurements...and this is only what is covered in the first half of the book, it is very detailed and provides numerous examples. It is a great reference and research based book.

This thought-provoking books leads us to believe that we have a brain and we need to put it in use when it comes to our health and the health of those we love. Every household in America needs to read this book regardless of where you stand on alternative healthcare.

Treating Your Own Back looks at"back pain" from a different prospective. Very interesting book.

I've had severe back pain my entire life. I've had several MRIs CAT scans, I have several herniated discs in my lumbar region. I was given the book a few years ago as a gift but I never really followed the exercises like the book explained and stopped all together about 2 years ago. That was probably the dumbest thing I've ever done. For the last 2 years I've been in horrible pain, doing physical therapy, getting cortisone, taking advil almost daily or hydrocodone and muscle relaxers when my back went out completely. Well I just found the book again a few days ago and resolved to follow it to the letter. Within 2 days I went from a 6-8 level of daily pain to 0-1. I'm so disappointed I didn't stick with this years ago. I'm about a week into the stretches and posture techniques and it's totally changed my life. I hope this helps someone who is looking for back relief. Considering I've spent thousands of dollars of treatments, work missed and dealt with constant pain for over 20 years, I think no matter what it's worth trying for the $8-9. Good luck with your back pain, I hope it helps you to!

Great book! My husband has had back pain for over 20 years and he is religiously doing the exercises in the book and has gone from acute pain down to some soreness and the occasion pain when turning and bending wrong.

I like that it is simple, straightforward and gives you the basics of what to do and why, what to do if the exercises hurts you and how to modify them to adjust. I have S-I joint problems along with Lumbar so many back exerices ie twisting are problematic. Mckenzie exercises are just push up without twisting like doing the cobra in yoga. I have incorporated these exercises into my daily regime and I feel they have helped me

I spent hundreds over the last year at a Naprapath (who was really good) after being diagnosed with a bulging disk. But, even he didn't fix me like the 3-step "Emergency" exercise in this book! That's the only exercise I do daily in this book .... and I've been PAIN-FREE since I did that exercise the FIRST time! It's been 1-1/2 months! And all it cost me was 12 bucks. Who knew?! This doc rocques!!! :)

Most of this book gives alot of research info about what is true and not true about back pain. There is actually very little on actual exercises except for the 3 he describes which are excellent as there is one for every level of back pain you are in. I would have liked more exericises but what I do appreciate is that he points out once you reach your level of strength, you don't have to do them every day to maintain it.

I have been doing the exercises for 2 months. My lower back pain has not completely gone away, but has been greatly reduced. Best $10 I have spent in a long time...

You will like this book for what it tells you NOT to do and why more than for what it tells you to do. There is only one exercise (with variations) he suggests. However, he is great at explaining why other approaches may not be effective. He bases everything he says on his years of plowing through documented clinical trials. You will get more from this short book than you will from a visit to most Doctors or PTs. You will also save yourself a lot of running around from specialist to PT to alternative practitioners. Jim Johnson is not a snake oil salesman. This is solid information. I am using his information to help reduce my low back and hip pain, and sciatica. I believe it is having a positive impact.

In addition to using Jim's method other things I have found helpful (I have tried dozens) are: using a high quality, hi density, memory foam mattress topper to sleep on; using a product called "back joy" to sit on when I must sit in a chair or in the car; walking 45 minutes a day or, in the winter, using an elliptical machine (even if there is pain walking it usually goes away after about 15 minutes); doing additional stretching, moderate weight lifting and core work; and perhaps most important getting rid of my office chair and replacing it with a medium size exercise ball. YES that is correct, I sit on an exercise ball (draped in a soft blanket for comfort) instead of a chair. Now my wife does the same and my daughter. Once you get used to it, which takes a few weeks, you may never go back to chairs. Great for keeping your back limber and your mind alert. Why spend a thousand dollars on a fancy "ergonomic" chair when you can spend 20 bucks on an exercise ball that works even better? Best of luck with your back pain.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!! I had back surgery 2 years ago (L1-L2 thru L3-L4 lumbar diskectomy) to relieve severe lower back pain and sciatica pain in the left leg. Although the surgery relieved the sciatica, regularly every 4-6 weeks I subsequently had recurring "episodes" which took 2-3 weeks to subside. I was walking, swimming, stretching, etc., all to no avail. Skelaxin and Mobic became my best friends during this period. A random Google search turned up this book by Jim Johnson (and the excellent 8/23/06 Amazon review by G. Brennan of LA,CA), and I decided "what the hell".... Bottom Line: It works. Period. I bought 2.5 lb. ankle weights, do the recommended exercises < 10 minutes/day every day, and 3-4 weeks later, my back pain has disappeared and the numbness in my left heel has disappeared 80%. BUY THIS BOOK. IT'LL BE THE BEST $10 YOU HAVE EVER SPENT IN YOUR LIFE.

I've been struggling with lower back problems for almost a year. Had an MRI that showed a bulging disc, but my symptoms didn't match that location. Had physical therapy (most of it made me worse), finally had a steriod injection that decreased the inflammation and eliminated the pain (although it is supposed to be temporary). No one (Doctor or therapists) seemed all that interested in helping me determine what to do to prevent a recurrence. I purchased several books -- this one was very helpful (although his focus is on just this one muscle) and I do believe the exercises are strengthing my back. Also helpful was one of the Robin McKenzie books. By combining these two approaches, I think I'm well on my way to preventing another painful flare-up.
I found his explanations of how the back works and his discussion of the research (upon which he bases his approach) to be enlightening.

It sounds like something out of the x-files, but it actually is happening. Nobody is surprised though are we? Chet Wilk has put the comprehensive book on the AMA (ET AL's) attempts to destroy and discredit the chiropractic profession by spreading their bigotry and biased reports. The effects of the AMA's attempts are still felt today and they succeeded in causing every person who hears the word 'chiropractor' to have what we call baggage. What do you think of first when you hear the word??? If it's negative and not openminded, you need to ask yourself how you came to that conclusion and who 'started' that kind of thinking. This book will make you feel duped and cheated by the AMA..the same way that the courts felt.

This book explains the "war" between chiropractic and medicine. The criticism of chiropractic by the medical industry is politically and financially motivated, as proven in this book. I beleive that if MDs read this book, they will take a longer look at the possible benefits of chiropractic, and ignore what their AMA reps are telling them.

As a M.D radiologist i recommand Chiropractic care for every one i have read this book and i allways belive what chiropractor does and i have seen how chiropractic help many cases that M.D's can't do any thing about them.

In this book, Dr. Wilk offers overwhelming evidence that the AMA sought to discredit and destroy chiropractic. Dr. Wilk tells his own story of discovering chiropractic, of building his practice, and of his constant struggle to clear the name of chiropractic, which has been under constant attack as quackery from others in the "healing" community.

Dr. Wilk eventually took the AMA to court, twice, and this book tells the story of those events in a way that should awaken the wary consumer. Perhaps the best thing in this book is the Appendix, in which Dr. Wilk cites numerous studies that have vindicated the use of chiropractic in spite of attacks from detractors.

If you are one of the growing number of people interested in natural healing techniques, or one of those with an inherent mistrust of MD's, read this book!

First of all, thank you Dr. Wilk for such a wonderful and amazing book. I purchased your book while visiting Chicago. I read it at my hotel, on the plane home and never put it down until I finished the book! I am a Chiropractic Assistant in Mt. Pleasant, SC at Dr. Marvin Arnsdorff's office and I thought I had learned a lot about chiropractic, but I didn't know anything until I finished your book. You have changed my life. After reading your book, I realized this is a field I will never leave. I have decided to further my education in Natural Health Care. I am looking into a variety of schools and am very excited! I am a single mom and pretty much have been since age 16. I am now 24. I shared your story with my 8 year old daughter. She has decided on her own to use only chiropractic and Natural "remedies" when she is feeling "yucky" and to keep her from feeling that way as well. If she feels bad, she immediately asks to go get adjusted! If an 8 year old child can get the "BIG IDEA" how come these so called intelligent adults can't? My daughter has her own chiropractic story as does my father, and many of my friends and family. I have shared this book with everyone! And will continue to share it with even more people. I would recommend this book to everyone. And I mean everyone! Thank you again Dr. Wilk! Katherine Donald

This is a great source of information for patients and doctors in the journey to better health and improved function for the patient who is willing to work at becoming healthier. A program can be created for a patient to achieve a much better level of functioning no matter what their age. Chiropractic care and proper rehabilitation can change lives for the better!!

This text is the "sine qua non" for spine physicians and therapists who focus on rehabilitation. It establishes a firm foundation for spinal stability and how this process becomes dysfunctional, discussing the neurophysiological, pathophysiological, and biopsychosocial dimensions of the patients we treat. Additionally, more information is provided for the cervical spine and upper and lower extremities. Moreover, the treatment procedures and accompanying DVD are excellent resources for the practitioner. Dr. Liebenson is to be praised and thanked for this needed update to the first edition. The international experts, including Dr. Liebenson, have provided an outstanding text. Many thanks!

As a Licensed acupuncturist focusing on muskuloskeletal pain, I am always looking for pragmatic, integrative data to increase the wellbeing of my patients and their resiliency to injury. Dr. Liebenson did an excellent job in combining top of the line clinical pearls that are ready to melt into one's practice essentially the next day. The DVD is great in adding visual cues to enhance the learning experience acquired throughout the textbook. Excellent work.

Tarek Adra, L.Ac
Los Angeles, CA

One of the remarkable aspects of this text, and there are many, is that Dr. Liebenson has added so grandly to his original book. New and re-written chapters reflect the continued evolution of the current biopsychosocial model of lower back pain. New authors have been added and contribute further depth to this updated gem.

The chapters are written by many of the giants of the field, and they don't disappoint. Contemporary perspectives, evaluation and treatment techniques are frequently presented by the researchers whose studies have continued to bring light to the current approach.

This text is appropriate to the practioner who is getting his first exposure to this information as well as the seasoned student. Introductory chapters explore, in great detail, rationalle for current approaches in spinal care. Essentially taking the most current research of the past decade and giving it perspective. Sections on basic science, assessment and treatment all are made contemporary and vibrant as they are taught from the perspective of a multifaceted approach.

This text is NOT a re-tread of basic anatomy, common orthopedic tests(of questionable validity), and treatment options that have not been properly scrutinized. Treatment, including practitioners techniques as well as patient driven active exercise prescriptions, tissue sparing techniqies and behavioral modification are based on specific patient assessment consistent with the biopsychosocial model.

In studying this book you will be challenged to re-evaluate your perspectives and treatment options, and will be exposed to new information and approaches. Scientific evaluations that elucidate the most common generators of lumbar pain are presented in aggressive and compelling fashion. We all must rise to the challenge of incorporating these facts into our understanding of the problems of the spine.

In contrast to a text with only pictures, the enclosed DVD is a tremendous training tool that allows you to see the new techniques and study them repeatedly.

Reading this text is invigorating and will be a wonderful present to your patients.

Liebenson, Craig. Rehabilitation of the Spine: A Practitioner's Manual, 2nd edition. 2007.
By Ron LeFebvre, DC, Dean of Clinical Education, Western States Chiropractic College.

Because busy practitioners often rapidly skim articles, especially book reviews, let me start with the bottom line. Dr. Liebenson's second edition of Rehabilitation of the Spine is a "must" book. Any practitioner or student interested in physical rehabilitation of the spine must own and must read this book. The contributing authors represent an impressive array of some of the most notable experts across multiple disciplines, including Nikolai Bogduk, Paul Hodges, Vladimir Janda, Gwendolen Jull, Karel Lewit, Steven Linton, Stuart McGill, Robin McKenzie, Don Murphy, Vert Mooney, John Triano, and Howard Vernon. The cast is much larger yet, is international in reach, and represents some of the most important schools of thought in rehabilitation today. The second edition significantly improves upon the first, which was itself, a watershed document. Every chapter has been re-written and updated. The basic science chapters offer an exceptional overview for the clinical practitioner of what we have learned about the mechanics of the spine over the last 10 years. It re-establishes the foundation upon which so much of our practical rehabilitation lies. It also gives us a lens through which to judge both old and new approaches and techniques. But above all, this is a practitioner's manual, replete with a level of detail that is essential for actual application. In many of the chapters, one can almost hear the voice of an experienced workshop instructor correcting common errors in technique and imparting expert advice. The inclusion of the DVD-ROM is a huge leap forward, taking a lot of the guesswork out of trying to interpret what is written on the printed page. It also has the potential to standardize at least some procedures across multiple disciplines. This could have positive implications for co-treatment within or across professions and could provide a common therapeutic and assessment language for research.

The lay out of the book re-enforces the clinical strategy espoused, having sections devoted first to assessment, then the first 4 weeks of acute care, followed by later recovery care. Then the whole strategy is again re-packaged by region.

Having a keen interest in the field myself, I specifically perused the book for a few specific "bell weather" indicators. I was pleased to see a chapter devoted to manipulation of the spine, an omission which I thought was a weakness in the first edition. For those steeped in some of the current controversies in lumbar stabilization, I found it very interesting to compare the arguments posited by McGill and Hodges regarding the relative value of teaching patients to perform abdominal bracing versus abdominal hollowing. I was pleased to see that the simple and elegant three question Patient Specific Functional Scale was contained in the chapter on Outcome Assessment. And that DeFranca's section on pre-manipulation procedures for the cervical spine abandoned the recommendation to perform DeKleyn's maneuver and or any other extreme positioning of the neck--procedures which have a good sold base of evidence holding them to be worthless. I also noted that Janda's interpretation of the muscle firing pattern associated with hip extension has been abandoned (because of subsequent research findings).

The book also has welcome additions in the arena a neuromobilization, a much improved chapter on breathing, and many interesting additions from the Czech school of rehabilitation. Although not all of these schools of thought work together in complete harmony and although there are often significant differences in practical application, Dr. Liebenson has a real knack for organizing them into a coherent organization that suggests more agreement than disagreement in their overall strategies. The three great strategic pillars support the grand "unifying theory" behind the manual: a variety of approaches to hands-on manual therapy, specific low tech exercise prescription, and focused activity modification for the patient.

I read this to help with pain. As we all know, for "pain go to a chiropracter for help". Well, this got me interested in the scientific evidence to support chiropractic care. The support is not there - basically a faith based treatment for pain, which will work 30% of the time, as good as a sugar pill. There is no scientific evidence to support this book. Nothing helped my pain, so I'll look elsewhere. Sorry I couldn't be positive.

This book was very well written and was a great learning tool. I think everyone who is seeking chiropractic care should read this book first in order to gain an understanding of chiropractics and to understand the process of chiropratic care.

Dr. Lenarz cuts through all the bull and gets to the point of chiropractic. He puts it in terms that anyone can understand and doesn't waste words on the chiropractic system of staying healthy.

This is the most definitive book I have read on Chiropractic. Very informative and it hits the nail on the head. It explains many popular misconceptions about Chiropractic. I understand how Chiropratic is much more than what you might hear on the street or worse from your medical doctor. It also explains the role of Chiropractors and how they work with medical doctors and their role is different from medicine instead of opposed to it. Great book!

In Early 1988 I was rear ended by a Semi Truck. I walked away. By that evening I was in a neck brace and stayed in it 2 weeks.

I went to the Medical Docs and they X-rayed, they did this and that, they said soft tissue injury to me a hundred times, but acted like they were looking into a glass darkly. They said lets try this and that too, and so we tried some of their favorite therapies and sent me to a Physical therapist too. They really had no clue and it showed.

At the PT I was doing as I was told, But It still hurt and it was not getting easier... My left arm had lost strength and dexterity despite all the treatment, Worse yet, the PT was not making things better in the real life I was accustomed to living, and I know my story is a lot like other peoples.

Dr. Lenarz became my Chiropractor. He told me that he felt I could be helped and that I would not have to become a slave to a medical procedure forever. He was very adamant about being Thorough and Accurate. He asked me to try his approach to becoming healthy and so I did. He was right. I got my arm's strength and dexterity back, I don't have problems with pain as I did, and I am not a slave to a medical procedure. No Pills. My Spine was helped back to health and I was too, It all works together.

I am not saying I am free of Chiropractors, I may need to check in with them a few times a year but we all go to dentists regularly too don't we? It is all part of staying Healthy.

My only regret in this story is that I moved away from where Dr. Lenarz has his Practice, and didn't persuade him to come along. He is a good, caring Doctor, and one of the straightest shooters you'll meet in any profession. 17 years later, thinking back, in my life he still is. You won't go wrong with his book.

Buy His Book, Listen to what he has to say. Take what ever action you like. He won't disappoint.