In review: books, web resources, videos

This book does what it says on the tin and is aimed at those patients with early, non-complex low back pain. It becomes apparent that the author purposely (possibly wisely) avoids going into great detail about chronic low back pain and other chronic pain syndromes that can involve the back. Fibromyalgia, for example, warrants a brief mention and signposting to, possibly less wisely, the internet.  

 

The author takes the reader through basic anatomy of the spine, a consultation, X-rays, diagnosis, treatments, posture and mattresses, before paying some attention to the ‘government approach’ (is there such a thing?) and the holistic approach.  

 

Some inaccuracies are noted in the explanation of major guidelines. For example, the National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines were, in fact, developed for different pain ‘populations’. The SIGN guideline was developed for the management of chronic pain in non-specialist settings, and is not specific to low back pain or to those with low back pain lasting more than six weeks and less than one year, which was the target of the NICE guideline. Indeed, NICE and SIGN discuss the development of new guidelines precisely so they do not duplicate work that has already been done by one or the other. 

 

The book ends with ‘Your approach’ and discusses a checklist for a patient to go through. Sadly, should a reader’s back pain not have improved following the advice in the book, the author then admonishes him or her for not ‘doing the exercises or stretches’ detailed in the book ‘properly’.

 

I asked myself if I would let my relatives read this, and the answer would have to be ‘yes’.

 

I would always recommend that a relative is assessed by a professional first (something the author also recommends), as a book can’t cover all eventualities and things can be missed.  

 

This book challenges conventional thinking on autism. It suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who ‘think differently’.

The author explains how the yoga offers guidance and coping methods to those who have experienced bereavement or loss. She looks at some emotional, spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga. 

This book offers an introduction to best practice.

Do you have any unmet needs in your service, or would you like to share an innovation? If so, the NHS England Innovation Team would like to hear from you. The team is based at the Innovation Exchange, which is run by NHS England. It includes Innovation Connect, a platform for sharing and developing ideas.

 

This book and web resource presents injury examinations in on-site, acute and clinical settings and is aimed at athletic trainers. The latest edition has been updated and includes more than 40 online videos.