Book excerpt: Between 75 and 85 percent of us will experience some form of back pain during our lifetime--31 million people in the U.S. alone. Back pain is often unspecific and difficult to diagnose, and it is the second most frequently reported reason for visiting a doctor. The Back Bible is a must have health reference packed with proven, practical approaches to treating back pain and caring for your back. It offers one-stop shopping advice on the both traditional and modern treatments of back pain, and how to keep it from interfering with enjoying life. Also included: Clear and simple explanations of how the back functions, and the causes and complexities of back pain Each chapter focuses on a different pain-causing condition and how to feel better New ideas on accepted treatments are revealed Sidebars spotlight real-life case studies with conditions and treatments Great advice and tips, including 10 Ways to Beat . . . features Detailed look at conventional treatments and therapies Step-by-step exercises and routines At-a-glance diagnostic back pain flow chart The Back Bible is the most complete and up-to-date resource now available to people with acute or chronic back pain.