Backache: its Evolution and Conservative Treatment: Its Evolution and Conservative Treatment

1 The Normal Back.- Section I The Vertebral Column.- 1 The locomotion of fish.- 2 The escape from the seas.- 3 The biomechanics of quadrupeds.- 4 From four legs to two.- 5 The uniqueness of man.- 6 The anatomy of posture.- Section II The Motion Segments.- 7 Building blocks.- 8 Spinal mobility.- 9 The role of the discs.- 10 Stability and strength.- 11 The biomechanics of backache.- 2 The Abnormal Back.- 12 Spinal stenosis.- 13 Prolapsed intervertebral disc.- 14 Osteoarthritis of the facet joints.- 15 Facet joint malfunction.- 16 Lesions of ligaments.- 17 Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.- 18 The sacroiliac joint.- 19 Muscle spasm.- 20 Muscle fatigue.- 3 Conservative Treatment of the Abnormal Back.- 21 Bed rest, psychoactive drugs and epidural injections.- 22 Analgesics, acupuncture and TENS.- 23 Posture correction and exercise.- 24 Spinal manipulation.- References and further reading.