Low Back Disorders

Part I Scientific Foundation Chapter 1. Introduction to the Issues and Scientific Approach Unique to This Book Legislative Landscape: The Unfortunate Adverse Impact on Painful Backs Deficiencies in Current Diagnostic Practices Inadequacies in Current Care and Prevention Mechanical Loading and the Process of Injury: A Low Back Tissue Injury Primer Excellent Clinicians and Excellent Practice Unique Scientific Foundation of This Book In Vitro Lab In Vivo Lab A Final Note Chapter 2. Epidemiological Studies and What They Really Mean Influence of Randomized Controlled Trials and Other Epidemiological Approaches Misunderstandings of Epidemiology Multidimensional Links Among Biomechanical, Psychosocial, and Personal Variables Are Biomechanical Variables and Psychosocial Variables Distinct? How Do Biomechanical Factors Affect LBD? Links Between Personal Factors and LBD Studies of Exercise Intervention Practical Application: What the Evidence Supports What Works Clinically A Final Note Chapter 3. Functional Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine Anatomy Trains Basic Neural Structure Vascular Anatomy Vertebrae Sacroiliac Joints Intervertebral Disc Muscles Ligaments Lumbodorsal Fascia (LDF) Quick Review of the Pelvis, Hips, and Related Musculature Clinically Relevant Aspects of Pain and Anatomic Structure A Final Note Chapter 4. Normal and Injury Mechanics of the Lumbar Spine Kinematic Properties of the Thoracolumbar Spine Kinetics and Normal Lumbar Spine Mechanics Dubious Lifting Mechanisms Other Important Mechanisms of Normal Spine Mechanics Injury Mechanisms Biomechanical and Physiological Changes Following Injury A Final Note Chapter 5. Myths and Realities of Lumbar Spine Stability Why Spine Stability Is Important for Everyone Stability: A Qualitative Analogy Quantitative Foundation of Stability Stability Myths, Facts, and Clinical Implications A Final Note Part II Injury Prevention Chapter 6. LBD Risk Assessment Brief Review of the Risk Factors for LBD NIOSH Approach to Risk Assessment Snook Psychophysical Approach Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM) Ergowatch Biological Signal–Driven Model Approaches A Final Note Chapter 7. Reducing the Risk of Low Back Injury Lessons From the Literature LBD Prevention for Workers The Question of Back Belts LBD Prevention for Employers Injury Prevention Primer A Note for Consultants Reducing the Risk in Athletes A Final Note Part III Low Back Rehabilitation Chapter 8. Building Better Rehabilitation Programs for Low Back Injuries Pain-Reducing Mechanisms of Exercise Five-Stage Back Training Program Finding the Best Approach Stages of Patient Progression Guidelines for Developing the Best Exercise Regimen A Final Note Chapter 9. Evaluating the Patient Most Crucial Element in Evaluation First Clinician–Patient Meeting Assessing Posture and Movement Quality Some Provocation Tests Some Functional Screens Testing Muscle Endurance A Final Note Chapter 10. Developing the Exercise Program Philosophy of Low Back Exercise Design Clinical Wisdom Thoughts on Mobility Identifying Safe and Effective Exercises Beginner’s Program for Pain Control and Stabilization Exercises That May Be Used in a Stabilization Program Special Conditions A Final Note Chapter 11. Advanced Exercises Safely Increasing Challenges Occupational and Athletic Work Hardening A Final Note