The Back : Functions, Malfunctions and Care

Back pain of one kind of another accounts for the greatest loss of work hours. The majority of people experience back pain at some in their lives. Nurses form the largest professional group within the health service and have the greatest influence on patient self-care. Written primarily for nurses and health care assistants, this book emphasizes the understanding of one's own back in order to appreciate the care of other backs. This readable and informative journey ranges form the examination of the structures and functions of the healthy back, through to causes of pain, results of injury, treatment of damage and preventative measures (including simple exercises). It contains up-to-date information based on research findings, and is backed up by the author's own experience of running a back school. Through the understanding of bone, muscle, joint and nerve mechanisms, and how these react to injury and pain, nurses should improve their own self-care and be able to relate good self-care to patients and clients.