The Multifidus Back Pain Solution: Simple Exercises That Target the Muscles That Count by: Jim Johnson

152 pages

When physical therapist Jim Johnson reviewed the double-blind back-pain studies published in peer-reviewed journals in the past 15 years, he found that about 90 percent of back pain sufferers have underdeveloped multifidus muscles. These muscles connect the spinal vertebrae, and are involved with the back bending and twisting motions. This simple series of exercises with accompanying line drawings will help anyone quickly learn how to strengthen these muscles to prevent and overcome pain.

 
 

$27

“DON’T LISTEN TO what people are saying  Listen to why they’re saying it.”

 

 Why does physical therapist, Jim Johnson say that the multifidus muscles play a key, and under-recognized, role in most back pain? Because it’s been demonstrated in the hundreds of peer-reviewed journals he’s studied.

Even if you’re a chronic back pain sufferer chances are your next question is “the multi-what-ifus?” The multifidus (mull-TIFF-i-dus) is a set of muscles that connects the spinal vertebrae together and is involved with bending and twisting motions of the back. If these muscles are inflamed, weak, or in spasm they can trigger lower back pain.

When Johnson scoured journal articles published in the last fifteen years he discovered that abnormalities in the multifidus were a common thread in patients with lower back pain. Armed with this breakthrough information he created a simple, quick, and effective plan to strengthen the multifidus. This includes easy floor exercised that have been shown to alleviate pain.
In the course of his review, the author also turned up some surprises. For
example the usual suspects like abnormal disks and nerve compression have been routinely found in those who are free of back pain. In addition, excess weight and structural abnormalities have very little to do with back pain according to the research.

The Multifidus Back Pain Solution offers readers a no-nonsense strategy for relief and an eye-opening explanation of their pain. Johnson has blazed a new trail that promises to lead readers out of discomfort.

From the author: Over time, I have learned to rely heavily on the scientific back literature to guide my treatments of low back pain instead of doing something because it "seems to make sense," "I learned it in school" or "I tried it once and it worked." The simple exercises described in this book, that anyone can do at home, have been supported by multiple, randomized controlled trials- the highest proof of efficacy in the scientific community that a treatment really works- unlike most treatments for back pain such as stretching, heat, massage, etc. I have seen far too many back pain patients struggling along using treatments that haven't a shred of evidence to them to report anything less to you. I have intentionally made the book short so you can get the facts fast and get on with the treatment. Furthermore, I have set the book up so it is as if you are actually attending therapy- complete with a question and answer section of the most common questions I hear from patients practically every week in the hospital. I think you will find that what you invest in "The Multifidus Backpain Solution" learning about an evidenced-based treatment for your back pain that you can readily use, will be time and and money well spent.

 

Suggested Interview Questions for
The Multifidus Back Pain Solution

 1. What is the multifidus and how does it aid movement?
2. Before writing this book you reviewed hundreds of scientific studies on back pain patients.
What were some of the common multifidus abnormalities that were seen in those with low back pain?
3. In you book you say that many of the conditions thought to be the source of back pain were found in those who didn't suffer from it. Can you tell us a little about this?
4. You suggest a series of simple exercises to strengthen the multifidus. What are some facts about strength training that people should know?
5. Can the exercises you recommend be done by anyone?
6. How do you motivate people to keep doing the exercises regularly?
7. Are there any commonly held beliefs about back pain that you found to be unsupported by the data?
8. What are some common questions that you hear from back-pain sufferers and how do you answer them?
   

Read an article on Multifidus by Doug Alexander http://www.massagetherapypractice.com/Text/1197217922296-9070/pC/1164930096301-0119/

 

 

About the Author

 

Jim Johnson, P.T., is a physical therapist who has spent over fifteen years treating both inpatients and outpatients with a wide range of pain and mobility problems. He has written many books based completely on published research and controlled trials including Treat Your Own Knees, The No-Beach, No-Zone, No-Nonsense Weight Loss Plan: A Pocket Guide to What Works, The Sixty-Second Motivator, and Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff. His books have been translated into other languages and thousands of copies have been sold worldwide. Besides working full-time as a clinician in a large teaching hospital and writing books, Jim Johnson is a certified Clinical Instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association and enjoys teaching physical therapy students from all over the United States. See Jim's website http://www.bodymending.com/

 

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