Back Mechanic by Dr. Stuart McGill (2015-09-30) Paperback – 1 Jan. 2015

This comprehensive book was purchased for my husband on recommendation of a friend. Although the book did not have the fine details of his particular rare problem it has given an enormous amount of detailed helpful information regarding all aspects of the back written in easy to understand language with good clear diagrams

Very useful! Some obvious information but it gave me a sense of empowerment/ direction

Explains why you have pain. Explains why what most of what you’ve been told is rubbish and most importantly explains clearly and simply what to do to stop the pain and get your life back.

I don't usually write reviews but this book definately needs one. I'm 5 months into my journey of a herniated disc at L5/S1 with sciatic pain and numbness down my leg. I've seen 3 physios, many GPs and 2 spinal consultants and none of them have asked about my pain triggers, things that eleviate my pain nor advised on modifications to activities of normal daily living. This book has empowered me to self assess, plan a type of rehab and recognise ways to reduce my pain, increase my mobility and ability to do normal things such as sitting, standing, walking etc. It's helped me to feel validated when everyone was telling me I was in a bad way, that the only thing to help was surgery and its "just waiting game of X amount of weeks". The physical, emotional and social toll sciatic pain has taken upon me personally has been horrendous and if you're reading this you probably know this all too well. Whilst I have a long way to go before being fully back to normal functioning, now feel hopeful, armed with the advice in this book and have already seen improvements since buying this a week ago. The book is my daily go to and has given me hope when I felt I'd ran out of options. Within a week I have increased my sitting from 10-15 minutes to 30mins. My walking is also increasing and more importantly, my fear and anxiety about that pain rushing back is somewhat quieter. You obviously only get out what you out in and you have to implement what's in the book but I would urge anyone with this dreadful pain to invest in its purchase.

If you are experiencing back pain or it continues to reoccur this book is essential reading. I came across Dr McGill on a podcast and it was (no exaggeration) life changing. Back Mechanic does what it says - it gives you the tools to help yourself and I can now see that certain “good” habits and exercises were actually making me worse. I suspected this, but it is comforting to have a specialist set out why certain exercices are better than others for those with back problems. The book is succinct but comprehensive with clear diagrams and explanations.It also gives more than practical advice, it is filled with positivity and gives hope to those of us who think we will never be better than just ok. I would highly recommend - it is an incredible resource for the money.

A treasure trove of common sense help and guidance.

Having lived for many years of back pain (several lower back herniated discs), this book has pretty much included all of the best of the best practices and behaviors one could look for.The only downsides is that the illustrations are not always the clearest, and I had been required to review youtube content to properly understand some of the movements.

I really believe this book gives you the best chance of being able to understand your back, if you suffer with back pain, what could be causing it and what you should do to build resilient recovery! All of this is achieved by Professor McGill guiding you through how the back works, how to assess your pain triggers and then what to do about it.Professor McGill may have over 30 years of research and clinical investigations to draw from, but the book is written in such a way as to be understandable and accessible to everyone – it is that simple!I am so glad I made the purchase, I feel empowered and am confident the changes it has encouraged me to make are making a difference.I bought the book through Amazon, but then decided I would like the supplementary video, (it gives more visual cues regarding some of the exercises). I think the video can be purchased with the book through Amazon, however if you decide you just want to take a look at the book first, you can do so and then make a subsequent purchase.....I did this directly through the Backfitpro website.