Back Mechanic by Dr. Stuart McGill (2015-09-30) Paperback – 1 Jan. 2015

If you are experiencing back pain or it continues to reoccur this book is essential reading. I came across Dr McGill on a podcast and it was (no exaggeration) life changing. Back Mechanic does what it says - it gives you the tools to help yourself and I can now see that certain “good” habits and exercises were actually making me worse. I suspected this, but it is comforting to have a specialist set out why certain exercices are better than others for those with back problems. The book is succinct but comprehensive with clear diagrams and explanations.It also gives more than practical advice, it is filled with positivity and gives hope to those of us who think we will never be better than just ok. I would highly recommend - it is an incredible resource for the money.

After years of back pain from sitting at a desk and trying all sorts to fix it, this is the only thing that has completely sorted my lower back pain! Obviously I can't say it will completely solve your back pain too but it will definitely help if you put the effort in. It's very in depth so can be a bit of a boring read but that's not why you buy it. Just force yourself to read it (making notes as you go) and stick to the postures and exercises if you want to have a better quality of life. One of the most helpful books I've ever read!

I really believe this book gives you the best chance of being able to understand your back, if you suffer with back pain, what could be causing it and what you should do to build resilient recovery! All of this is achieved by Professor McGill guiding you through how the back works, how to assess your pain triggers and then what to do about it.Professor McGill may have over 30 years of research and clinical investigations to draw from, but the book is written in such a way as to be understandable and accessible to everyone – it is that simple!I am so glad I made the purchase, I feel empowered and am confident the changes it has encouraged me to make are making a difference.I bought the book through Amazon, but then decided I would like the supplementary video, (it gives more visual cues regarding some of the exercises). I think the video can be purchased with the book through Amazon, however if you decide you just want to take a look at the book first, you can do so and then make a subsequent purchase.....I did this directly through the Backfitpro website.

I purchased this book after watching a very convincing interview with McGill and Attia. The book is well written and very east to follow. The exercises are well documented, thoroughly explained and, in my opinion better than a video. It gave clear instructions of a very achievable pro-back exercise plan. My only criticism is that he writes a considerable amount of pages on the dismissal of surgery and no pages on what to do if you have had surgery. I made the decision, without any pressure from the medical profession, to have surgery and like most people I have spoken to, I have no regrets. I completely respect and to a certain extent agree with Dr McGill's argument but think that in his total belief and enthusiasm for his own approach, he has not presented a balanced argument. Therefore, there is no information on post-operative rehabilitation or back care. However, I am using his exercise program and its seems to be going well so maybe specific post op advice after 6 weeks is not necessary.

I’ve suffered from back problems for the past 20 years. These got progressively worse over recent years. And the last three years have been particularly bad; I’ve had to miss holidays and I’ve often been unable to do simple things like go for a walk or play football with my six year old son.I have bulging discs and had (yes, past tense) problems with my hips. I’d seen physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, doctors and neurologists. None of them were able to help. And in some cases the advice I was given made the symptoms worse.Then I bought this book.Within a few weeks I was comfortably walking a couple of miles a day. And after a couple of months (if it was even that long) I was able to play football with my son. In fact, he now says to me “do we have to play football again dad”.This book is written by a world leading expert who has spent over 30 years researching the mechanics of the spine and how loads and movement affect it over time. You just don’t get that level of expertise when you walk in to see your physiotherapist or doctor.The book offers clear advice on how to diagnose the cause of your problem and the steps you need to take to avoid causing the problem in future.The underlying problems haven’t completely gone (and probably never will). But I’m now able to manage them so well that they are as good as gone.I really cannot recommend this book highly enough.