I've been diagnosed with a focal disc protrusion in l5-s1. After even 1 hour of work, I would go to extremely painful and moving like I was 98 years old. Sitting was torture too. I couldn't stand, yet I couldn't sit, and I was in agony.I then discovered this book. ( Actually, a physical Therapist recommended I read it.) So, during my routine day, when the pain and discomfort became extreme, I would sneak off by myself, and do these exercises. It was like a shot of pain killer each time I did. At first, it only alievated the pain for about an hour or 2. I was admittedly repeating the exercises about 8 to 10 times a day. Then, the effects became more and more permanent. Today, I worked and only needed to do them twice. I'm on my way to a full recovery. So there you have it. I was suffering BADLY for about 2 months with no noticable improvement. After 3 weeks of doing what this book told me, I not only see the light at the end of the tunnel, I feel the bright rays shining on me. One more thing... I am in no way paid for saying this, and have no connection with the publishers/authors of this book. I'm just a person so happy to be feeling a lot better, that I want to spread the word. . .
I received "Treat Your Own Back" the afternoon following the worst night of my life - a really bad flare-up of all the above problems. I began with the First Aid page - following the instructions to the last period, including repeating the exercises every couple of hours. I slept very well that night, and altho it took another three days to obtain significant relief (meaning I didn't have to walk with a cane), the pain did centralize and became very manageable with the prescribed pain relievers. I am totally impressed!
I am an artist who has had to re-think all my methods for producing my art, including standing at an easel or counter to paint or sculpt. Exercise #4 has been a god-send for preventing back problems and re-alignment following an art session.
Obviously, the problems in my back are the kind that "Treat Your Own Back" can resolve. I would recommend using this book with your physician's knowledge and understanding of the exercises.