Do you have trouble with your back? Do you have a family history of back problems? Are you in a job with a high risk of back injury? This practical guide to protecting and strengthening your back together with determining what treatments will be best for your individual problem will help you understand the causes of the condition, the possible range of treatments, and how best to avoid future episodes. Back pain is a silent epidemic, affecting thousands of people every day. With an emphasis on prevention, Janet Wakley shares the knowledge gleaned from her long experience of training fellow nurses in caring for their own backs, applying this to everyday life, especially in the home. Prevention of back pain Causes and consequences of back pain Assessing risk The principles of 'moving and handling' objects Nutritional guidelines and treatment of back pain Exercises to strengthen back and abdominal muscles Orthodox and complementary therapies available Myths and misconceptions The difference between acute and chronic back pain