Book excerpt: Annotation Written by three psychologists and one orthopedic spine surgeon, this book demonstrates that surgery to relieve chronic back pain can be greatly augmented by the inclusion of psychological components in the assessment and preparation of patients for spine surgery, as well as in post-operative rehabilitation. It offers specific techniques for screening out patients who will not benefit from surgery, preparing patients to undergo surgery, and improving rehabilitation outcomes. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).