Fixing You: Back Pain Paperback – November 2, 2009

I've been to doctors and physical therapists who gave me these same exercises (and a lot more than anyone could manage) but they failed to explain what my problem was which left me without the hope, knowledge and motivation I found in this little book. Rick's explanations require some effort to fully understand but he knows that all the anatomical info is essential to give back sufferers a sense of control and the knowledge to choose the right treatment; we've all failed before with dozens of 'healers'/books/exercises/gadgets. I've read books by back surgeons and done all their exercises without effect because I was doing as many wrong things as right for my issue: intractable lumbar aching for three years after a foot injury/operation caused hip rotation and excessive lumbar extension along with disc starvation/degeneration by too much bed rest. I only know this from reading this book, doctors were clueless how it came about but Rick's few case studies helped illuminate cause and effect. Two simple stretches done 2-3x a day and watching my posture caused 75% improvement in two weeks (I do keep referring to the book/video since perfect execution is crucial.) I can believe working a little harder and longer will take me back to or very near normalcy, but there's a limit and that's OK. Somehow he makes you feel that being partly or mostly pain free by working simply at it every day is as good as cure (and it's what most of us can accomplish) which helps banish the fear and depression that also erodes our quality of life. One must make these moves a matter of simple daily maintenance like brushing your teeth, but the results are so helpful it's not really a choice.

An update: A year after studying Rick's book and relentlessly following his advice, I have my life back! I can go and do whatever I need to - gardening, walking, bending, lifting, etc. without pain! I now know what I was doing wrong all those years before. Don't give up - persevere in changing bad movement habits and FIX YOURSELF!Original review:I've been without those sciatica "zingers" down the back into the legs for about two weeks now. I'm not totally free of pain in the morning, but a few stretches, some ice, and I am pain-free all day. WOW! And I thought I was headed for a wheelchair! Being in pain for over a year, I've spent money on doctors, physical therapy, aquatics therapy, exercise videos, pain medication, etc. and was still thinking as the pains shot down the back of my legs, "What am I doing wrong?" Rick's inexpensive little book has the list of questions for self-diagnosis, the explanations of the anatomy of possible causes of pain, the clear instructions for easy stretches to alleviate the pain, free accompanying videos on his website that demonstrate proper self-diagnosis and treatment, and he even answers email questions promptly. PRICELESS! Don't go to a surgeon until you try the easy self-treatments in this book! Research shows that surgery may only create new pain. Rick will explain why. Who knew?! All I had to do was change the way I sit, stand, walk, and especially rise to standing from a stooping position, and I'm pain free! The techniques in this book should be taught to all physical therapists. Thanks, Rick. You are a hero!

If you are suffering from back pain, then I highly recommend this book. Rick does a good job making the distinctions between different sources of back pain and then gives stretches and exercises to specifically address each source. I read and re-read parts of the book to better understand what might be the source of my back pain. If you are like me and not very familiar with anatomy, then there are some new words that you need to learn. The book has a glossary in back with definitions, so that helps along with re-reading sections of the book. After a short while doing some of the stretches, I have already noticed a reduction in my back pain. This is very encouraging to me. In the past, I bought some other books (including "The 7 Minute Back Pain Solution") and I diligently tried to follow the exercises and stretches, but even after a few months of trying it, they did not do much for me. "The 7 Minute Back Pain Solution" book just offers a cookie cutter approach to all back pain and does not distinguish between different sources of the pain and specific ways to address those sources. All the stretches and exercises are the same for all situations in that book. Rick's book was much better to help pinpoint specific causes of back pain. I was also encouraged to read in this book that even with structural damage to the spine, it is still possible to reduce or even eliminate back pain. I even e-mailed Rick to try to get some suggestions for my specific situation and he responded back promptly with more information to try to help me. I was really impressed! He seems to be a caring person who is sincerely trying to help others who are suffering. I also plan to buy his book on hip and knee pain.

When I bought the book I expected some specific selections on herniated disks, bulging, etc, but rather I found explnations on various sources of pain, common parts involved and different aspects regarding posturing and others. Not much is focused on providing specific direction to fix/alleviate pain in a bulging or herniated, or descicated disks. Good starting point, but wish there was something more specific as the title states. Also note that this is a tiny book.

Great book. I have had chronic lower back pain for years due to spinal stenosis. This is the first book or reference material of any type that I have been able to get results from. If you are suffering this may give you another option besides these doctors who seem to be more interested in cashing your checks than providing effective treatment. Very good book and supported by online videos as well.

Great book, but I would have given it a 5 if I had received the updated edition, which matches online software.

I found this book of little help personally in understanding my own sciatic pains ... but read widely and research the internet for related scholarly articles ... you may get to understand how to avoid surgery ...

Fast & effective service ! Interesting exercises ! Helped me to some extend ! Can help other people out that had a similar problem !

Speedy Seller,Great book ,well illustrated,Good Advice *****

good.

Didn't do it for me but may for many others. Have given up trying to find the solution in a book.