Back Pain Understood by Dr. Brian Hainline - Book Review

Back Pain Understood is a concisely written handbook of nearly all types of back pain. It provides a pleasant reading experience and has many clarifying illustrations. It is both a reference manual and the type of book you would read from cover to cover. The author does a good job of representing both medical and holistic approaches to back pain.

I like this book because it provides a comprehensive overview of treating back pain without sacrificing the depth of coverage necessary for the information to be meaningful. Author Dr. Brian Hainline has a wealth of knowledge to share with the reader. His extensive background as an athlete, neurologist, sports medicine doctor, pain physician, clinic administrator, integrative medicine practitioner and med school professor is combined into a succinct little book power-packed with useful information.

The book begins with a discussion of the various types of pain: Nocioceptive, neuropathic, acute, and chronic. There is a chapter on low back anatomy with very clear illustrations. This chapter also has sections on anatomical and physiological causes of pain, which give an insider's view on the way in which medical imaging tests are used to determine the origin of pain.

Back Pain Understood presents all types of treatments for back pain, from medications to back surgery. It discusses pain management therapies such as drug pumps and spinal cord stimulation. It does a remarkable job of providing detailed information in a small amount of space.

The excellent use of space also extends to Hainline's description of holistic therapies and core strengthening exercises. He lays out a short exercise sequence with pictures and captions. He discusses little known but very effective CAM therapies including Feldenkrais and myofascial release.

The book has chapters on common back problems, so that you can read about yours. Each chapter has illustrations and a case study.

In many of the sections of Back Pain Understood you will find more information than is usually contained a typical overview book. The book's structure and the insider's knowledge Hainline brings provide the context for everyone to grasp the complex medical concepts that are presented.