Back Care Basics: A Doctor's Gentle Yoga Programme for Back and Neck Pain Relief

"I've been plagued with severe migraines for the last 20 years. Typically I wake up with a migraine first in the morning, and my symptoms include a stiff and very painful neck. In despair, I bought this book and it's worked for me - pretty much instantly!

I started with the exercises in chapter 9 for neck pain - these are gentle and easy to do. They include guidance on how to better support your neck during sleeping, which have reduced the frequency of the migraines. When I have slept incorrectly and woken with one, I've found that doing the exercises have got rid of it.

I do need to repeat the exercises each day for best benefit but, as they're easy to do, this isn't a chore.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough if, like me, you suffer with headaches or migraine that seem to be associated with neck problems. "
~ Written on 2008-06-15

"Aged 32, I would wake up a broken man every morning, due to musscle tension in the the upper back and neck. Also, I would suffer from debilitating headache from time to time. This book taught me simple and safe stretching techniques. I'm now virtually painfree if I do my daily exercises... I'd recommend an other title for those who are desperate: Yoga, the paht to holistic health, by BKS Iyengar. This man was Dr. Schatz's yoga-teacher, and this book in particular is a must have."
~ Written on 2001-08-26

"Suza Francina, author, The New Yoga for People Over 50, Mayor Pro-Tem from Ojai, California, writes:

"I have been teaching yoga to people of all ages for over 25 years. One of the most common reasons people begin a yoga class is to get rid of their aches and pains. I can say with complete confidence that of all the books I've read on therapeutic exercise for back and neck pain relief, Dr. Schatz book offers by far the most effective, individualized approach to a healthy back.

Back Care Basics goes beyond generic exercises and takes into account each person's special circumstances. It is a lifesaver for people caught in the viscious cycle of pain and fear. I have referred to it countless times creating yoga based exercise programs for people in chronic pain. In fact, almost my entire copy is highlighted or underlined!

If you or someone you love is suffering from back or neck pain, I encourage you to educate yourself by reading this book. I also hope that other health professionals working with people with back problems--chiropractors, massage and physical therapists, acupuncturists,etc., will read this book and leave it in their waiting room. Chiropractors tell me that patients who are practicing yoga rarely have acute back pain and their adjustments hold longer. People with back and neck problems benefit more from other therapies if they practice the gentle yoga program taught in Back Care Basics."
~ Written on 1999-07-05

"Being 24 in shape and healthy I became fed up with my cronic back pain. I have tried many things and finally came across this book. Within a week I noticed the difference. I have been following her program religously and have finally found relief. It is amazing. During the yoga I really don't feel like I am accomplishing anything. Then the next day I feel great. NO BACK PAIN. I plan to continue the program. I am even going to buy the book for back pain sufferers in my family."
~ Written on 1999-02-24

"I am really learning a lot from this book. I have had problems with my back and neck since I was very young, mostly muscle tension, which was complicated by a repetitive stress injury from working on the computer. The pain has been pretty constant for the last eight years, and I finally had to stop using ibuprofen to avoid toxification. Yikes! I thought I knew something about relaxing, but the breathing technique recommended by Dr. Schatz has given me a sensation of relaxation I had never felt before. The evaluation section helped me to isolate my problem areas and determine which yoga exercises I should do. The exercises are simple and effective: my energy level is increasing and I am not in as much pain."
~ Written on 1998-09-07