The best part of the book for me, though, was Part III, where Dr. Lipoff includes many of the everyday activities we all do — sleeping, waking up, traveling, work and household chores, play, sports — and how to do these the right way. It's these routine activities that are most often responsible for minor injuries. For example, the next time you go on a trip and have a large rolling suitcase, load it up with your other bags and push rather than pull it. Sure, you'll look dorky but you'll arrive at your destination limber and pain-free. He shows us everything from the proper way to position your pillows in bed, to how to pull a golf cart or even play the cello. You'll discover the best way to carry a toddler, read a book, and have a long phone conversation. There's even a great section on how to protect your child's spine by making adjustments to his or her car seat, school backpack, and play equipment.
Although the emphasis in Back at Your Best is on prevention, Dr. Lipoff also details treatment options for those who suffer from headaches (yes, these can be caused by improper head and neck positions), sore backs, stiff necks, spasms, pinched nerves, and many more painful conditions related to the spine.
Dr. Lipoff has taught at universities, lectured before professional audiences, and appeared on national radio and TV with his messages on health and injury prevention. An executive board member of the ICA Council on Fitness and Sports Health Science, he also hosts a radio segment on Mix 96.1 WVLF-FM on Fridays at 8:20 AM called "Back at Your Best in 5 Minutes or Less."
Article comments
1 - Kimberly Davison-Fujioka
Very thorough review. I have had hip pain for years and recently have back pain. Maybe I could learn more about positioning on the pillows in bed since I do get up with a headache a lot. I was surprised to hear that the author of the book talks about headaches and back pain.
Kim