How many other people suffer back pain besides yourself? Almost everybody, experts say. And, like the common cold, there seems to be no cure for back pain, but there are many ways you can relieve its effects. While back pain is the most common reason people see a physician, conventional treatments very often are not enough. Thus back pain is also the most common reason people seek out alternative, or complementary, therapies. Find out about the most effective mainstream approaches, and also the most promising complementary ones. The extraordinary color illustrations make it easy to follow. Learn the ways your back is related to your other physical systems, as well as how easily it is affected by stress, anxiety, boredom, and other social and psychological factors. Study the complete description of the strengths and limitations of the most common conventional treatments, such as spinal supports, painkilling medications, muscle relaxants, traction, and surgery. The comprehensive section on complementary preventive techniques ranges from electrical stimulation to supervised exercise, and includes chiropractic and osteopathic treatments, acupuncture, massage, the Alexander technique (posture correction), spiritual healing, herbalism, homeopathy, reflexology, rolfing, tai chi, and yoga. 96 pages (all in color), 4 3/4 x 7 1/16.