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Back Care - An illustrated guide by Jean Oliver. Buttewoflh Heinemann, Oxford. 1993 (ISBN 0 7506 0191 4). 161 pages. Illus. f 19.99.

This book provides a practical working manual for physiothera- pists dealing with neck and back

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problems. It aims with clear concise illustrations to help the therapist explain to patients the underlying cause of their pain, and how they can best manage their condition to help recovery and prevent recur- rence.

I t also serves as a valuable link between ‘hands on’ treatment in the department, and the longer self- management of back pain.

The book is divided into oeven chapters, and follows the format ofa leRhand page of text paired with a right-hand page of pertinent illue- trationa.

Chapter 1 consista of a summary of functional anatomy and biome- chanics of the spine. Chapter 2 d e b with syndromes, giving comprehen- sive descriptions, pathology and back care emphasis for the main syndromes aeen in clinical practice. It also offers many practical t i p for avoidance of pain in each syndrome.

Chapter 3 examinee correct spinal balance and posture, from lying through sitting and standing. I t covers many aspects including comfortable resting positions, re- education of posture and gives further handy tips on seat design and supports including VDU work.

A shorter chapter on lifting is fol-

Musculoskeletal and Sports Iniurks by Brian Com’gan and G 0 M a W . But- t e w r t h Heinemann, Oxfonl, 1994 (ISBN 0 7506 1485 4). 237 pages. Illus. fY5.

This book is essentially a new edition of Practical Orthopaedic Medicine by the same authors with an increased emphasis on the adap tations in the treatment of sports injuries.

The format is similar to the previ- ous text with an introduction to the principles of the Maitland concept of treatment and an extra chapter cov- ering the management of soft tissue sports injuries. Each joint is then systematically reviewed. Only peripheral jointa are covered in this edition whereas the original version also covers spinal problems. How- ever, the peripheral joints are covered in somewhat more depth and with more up-to-date references to recent literature at the end of each chapter.

Each peripheral joint or group of joints is devoted a chapter of easily readable text broken down into relevant anatomy, examination, dif- ferential diagnosis and discussion of various treatment modalities. The emphasis is predictably towards joint mobilisations but other approaches are mentioned briefly. The general layout and index allow quite easy reference for any speefic condition without having to wade through pages of text.

The soft cover packaging of the book makes it more affordable for an individual and it would be suitable for students and an introduction to qualified physio- therapists starting work in the fields of orthopaedics and sports medicine. I t would also be a valu- able reference in department libraries if the original edition has not already been purchased.

Nicola Phillips MCSP

lowed by a chapter on baoic spinal exercises for pain relief, mobility and strengthening. These am linked well with the Syndromes d i s c d earlier.

Two final chapters on ‘Children and teenagers’ plue ‘Pregnancy’ completes this thorough aelf-help approach to care of the spine. The entire tart is extensively referenced and where further detail t.llr beyond the reope of the book, suggestions for further d i n g areiacluded. My overall impmaah dtbir text

is of well-written practical sensible advice, ueually aesimilated after years of clinical practice. Thin advice is oRen given only a cursory mention in other texta of similar nature, and yet it remains a funda-

Line drawing8 fkfl and about) from ‘Back Cum-Anillwtmtedguide’am an essential feuture to help themputa =plain to pcrlients the uderlying muse of their pain

mental cornerstone in the successful management of spinal disorders.

Overall the book is well suited to its purpose, and offers clinicians a readable, well illuetrated manual for everyday use with patients. It would therefore be a valuable addi- tion to physiotherapy departments and I would especially m m m e n d it to physiotherapista new to the spe- ciality of spinal diafunction.

Greg Retter MNZSP Mcsp