Injuries Books

The appointment with the surgeon about the pending back surgery of my husband let us confused, as the information blended together. By reading Dr. Filler's book, we were able to inform ourselves, and understand the procedure which had been recommended. It was a great help, and obviously written by a professional. Thank you, Dr. Filler!

This is a pretty comprehensive guide for understanding the workings of the human back. The author takes you through an anatomy lesson where you learn about the different sections of the human spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrum. The structure of the individual vertebrae and the differences among the vertebrae in the various sections are described. Then he goes into the actual spinal cord and nerves and how they are affected by problems in the vertebrae. Various back pains are discussed including 'referred pain' which is where you feel pain in one of the body's extremities that is actually caused by nerve trauma in the spinal cord or one of the nerves that branches out from the spinal cord to that extremity. All facets of spinal health are presented in easily understandable terms.

The second half of the book proceeds by discussing the various surgical methods that can be utilized to treat spine related problems. Historical procedures are included along with current medical trends for treating spinal problems so that you can see how back surgery has progressed over time. Even future directions and experimental techniques are discussed to give you a feel for what is up-and-coming in the field of spinal surgery. Risks are discussed as well so that you can make an informed choice to have a particular operation and understand the related consequences.

There are even chapters that discuss types of pain, pain medications and their associated complications, non-surgical methods for treating back pain and their effectiveness and potential consequences, genetic spinal disorders, recovery from spinal surgery, and even cost and health insurance matters. In fact, the health insurance chapter has valuable information describing the differences among the various type of insurance available such as HMO's, PPO's, and PSO's and explains the difference between 'contracted' and 'uncontracted' providers so that you'll know what to ask when seeking surgical help and how to control your costs.

All-in-all the book was worth the price for the information you will gain. However, I found that there was little discussion about 'degenerative' spinal problems in specific though I could imagine some of the techniques described might be useful for these situations such as transpedicular kyphoplasty. I would have liked to see the book spend some dedicated time discussing this particular type of spinal condition with, perhaps, some information about technologies that are on the horizon. Perhaps a few references to internet sites where one could find information on specific disorders would be nice as well.

I am a physician who specializes in interventional spine procedures. I suggest this book to my more educated patients. Very good,well written overview of spine anatomy,physiology,and repair. Another reviewer suggested that there is not enough info in this book on disk replacement technology and kyphoplasty. My response is that understanding everything in this book will put you ahead of 99% of laypeople. This is not meant to be a textbook on cutting edge medical procedures.

I especially enjoyed the section on understanding health insurance. I have found the "Dummies" and "Idiots" books useless in helping patients understand back problems. Five stars.

Facing the prospect of a cervical spine fusion, I wanted all the information I could find. Dr Filler's book is a very easy and enjoyable read. The book has general chapters on spine health, conditions and diseases that may necessitate surgery, and diagnostic and surgical procedures. Dr Filler then dedicates chapters to specific conditions and specific areas of the spine. He concludes with postoperative considerations and the future. I'm no stranger to major surgery. This is the best book of its kind that I have read. I shared the book with family members. It helped me understand my condition and better communicate with my surgeon.

After a few years of worsening spinal stenosis I recently had to have a multiple laminectomy. There have been some post-operational complications or further problems, and I am trying to sort things out. I may have to decide to have further surgery or not.

Dr. Filler's book has been very helpful to me in understanding my situation regarding my spinal problems and my possible options for addressing them. The book presents basic, practical information in a comprehensive, well organized, and detailed manner. The writing is clear and straight forward. Dr. Filler clearly has a lot of knowledge and experience, and he shares it in a way that is very useful for patients.

This book that will lift your spirits and warm your heart!

Willy was once an abandoned, handicapped chihuahua puppy dumped on the streets in a cardboard box.

Thanks to his adopter, who discovered the world of wheelchairs for dogs, Willy learned to fly!

Adults and children adore this book, and it is especially significant to the handicapped who share a special bond with Willy.

Make sure you also read How Willy Got His Wings

I find that the best inspirational tales come from real life - and this book is no exception. I saw the owner of Willy (yes, there actually is a real Willy) on Animal Planet and knew I just had to buy the book. It is as charming as expected and not just because of spunky little Willy, whose back legs are paralyzed and who has to learn to "walk" again, with the help of a special wheel-cart. It is just as inspiring to read of his owner's attempts to find a way to get him walking - using everything from acupuncture to helium balloons to hold up the back legs. A great read for the entire family!

This is the perfect book to teach empathy to children. The kindness that author Deborah Turner demonstrates towards her pet dog can be extended to humankind as well. We need to accept and love animals (and people) despite their weaknesses and frailties, focusing instead on their strengths and the love that comes back to us.

I read the book after hearing about it on tv, and have sent it to my great nieces. You see I am like Willy I am also in a wheelchair. I have never gotten to see my great-nieces in person and hope that when they reed the book and their mom explains to them that I am (like Willy) in a wheelchair that they cn understand why I haven't been able to come see them (they are in Oregon and I am in Missouri). Willy is a courageous pup and we can all learn from him how to face life's adversities.

Willy the Chihuahua lives at an animal hospital, because his back legs don't work. He dreams of having a home and a family and playing with other animals and chasing sticks. Then one day, a pretty lady comes and takes him home with her! Willy meets his new brother, another Chihuahua named Sweet Pea, and his new sister, a fluffy silver cat named Marshmallow.

Willy still can't walk or run, and has to use his front legs to drag himself from place to place, until his new mother tries some different ideas to help him get around--with often humorous results.

Filled with bright, gorgeous watercolor illustrations that even pre-readers can appreciate, HOW WILLY GOT HIS WHEELS is the story of a loveable and courageous little dog. Written for age levels 5-10, it's a book that everyone from toddlers to adults can enjoy on many levels. Authors Turner and Mohler have done a tremendous job of showing life from a physically disabled viewpoint without preaching or patronizing. Here's hoping we will get to hear more of Willy's adventures in the near future!

Kimberly Borrowdale Under the Covers Book Reviews

Having children and reading anything about pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum has lead me to investigate labor, especially during my fifth pregnancy. I have also sat in with a few friends and family members during labor and really wanted to read more. This was a great book and I'm sure I will continue to look back to it.

I own the last edition and find it invaluable in my practice. Can't wait to see what's new and exciting here

The Labor Progress Handbook, though a bit pricey, is an excellent book. It contains a tons of labor information and is complete with many illustrations. It's a nice compact size, which makes it easy to carry with you (great for doulas, midwives, etc.). I love it!

This book is wonderfully full of information, however, as it is called a "handbook", I expected it to be more concise, and so more quickly usable in a labor setting - more of a quick reference book. It is more of a textbook than a handbook. I think I've read everything that Penny Simkin has had published. I am a fan of her writings, just disappointed that this was not more concise.

It's clear that the book is writen for professionals because of the jargon, and in my opinion every professional should read it! I am on my way to become a doula and unfortunately this book is not on the required reading list, I think it should be. It is an important tool for when labor doesn't progress 'as it should', and offers options and ideas to try before the drugs and machines are introduced to speed up labor are introduced.

A fantastic insight to the what the Search & Rescue volunteers go through to aid and assist the common and, not-so-common, adventurers. Exciting read where every chapter addresses a different rescue, different aspect, and different experience of Dr. Van Tilburg's.

With this insider's view of mountain rescue and wilderness medicine, Chris van Tilburg takes the reader along on some exciting missions. Along with the gripping tales, Dr. van Tilburg has included many thoughtful discussions of the issues involved, such as how some of the victims ended up in trouble in the mountains. He also shares a personal view of how he balances mountain rescue, medicine, and family life with a wife and two young daughters. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in mountain rescue, especially as a member or potential member of a rescue group. For doctors and other medical professionals who are interested in wilderness medicine, this is a must read.

I read this book in less than a week. Even though I am not part of the medical profession, rescue profession, or familiar with mountain climbing, I found it both fascinating and entertaining. Dr. Vantilburg relays his experience as a rescue doctor in a manner that is technical and interesting, but not too weighty in medical jargon. The stories are fascinating recounts of local rescues that balance tension with eloquent descriptions of natural beauty. I wanted to keep reading after the last story ended.

Our community is fortunate to have the Crag Rats as a rescue team, and I am grateful Dr. Vantilburg made me aware of this fine group of men and women. The book carefully describes the dedication, skill, and fitness each member must maintain so that we can be a little safer exploring the wilderness. It also brings to light the ongoing discussion as to who should be financially responsible for rescues that tax local resources and funding.

I recommend this book to anybody who is interested in outdoor recreation as it captures the wonder of the outdoors, but also delivers a cautionary warning as to what can go wrong if one is not prepared.

Wilderness medicine is the art and science of practicing medicine in unpredictable and sometimes extremely harsh environments, as found in the mountains at high altitude, at sea during expeditions to remote reefs or under the harsh sun of an equatorial desert. It is not for the faint of heart and requires a willingness to endure isolation, limited resources and physical and emotional hardship.

Most tales of search, rescue and wilderness medicine begin with an account of how the victims got into trouble. Sometimes they venture into inclement weather without having thought about how to prepare a shelter or what to do if they become injured or lost. Sometimes it's just plain bad luck, as the forces of nature conspire to produce an unanticipated storm or avalanche.

Christopher Van Tilburg, M.D. offers a collection of tales about mountain rescue in Oregon, where he is a member of the Hood River Crag Rats, reputed to be the oldest mountain rescue team in the United States. As an emergency physician and an expert in many aspects of wilderness medicine, he is well qualified to be part of such a team; as a skilled writer, he engages, informs and entertains the reader.

Van Tilburg's stories are highly personal, each describing the setting and events of an actual rescue. In river parlance, that is the main run - but as anyone knows who has floated the Colorado River within the Grand Canyon, there is much to be learned from the side hikes. Brief literary forays are scattered throughout Mountain Rescue Doctor as Van Tilburg shares his thoughts on what it means to be a physician, how he became an aficionado of wilderness medicine and how he depersonalizes rescue situations. He discusses topics such as injury prevention, rescuer and physician liability, and the risks, rewards, appropriateness and ethics of rescues. One of the questions I am most frequently asked by medical students and residents-in-training is how they can work wilderness medicine into their future as busy clinicians. Now I can suggest this book as an example of how one doctor answered his calling. Mountain Rescue Doctor is a useful addition to the literature of wilderness medicine because it sheds light on one doctor's motivation in devoting a large part of his professional life to this dynamic and essential specialty.

As an EMS volunteer, I've participated in a few rescues myself, but none as difficult or dangerous as described in this book. Van Tilberg's stories make for compulsive reading. He does an excellent job of explaining the difficult thought processes behind the amazing number and variety of life-and-death decisions that rescuers must make on every mission. This is a worthwhile and exciting read.

Dr. Brandenburg has written a very informative and straitforward guide on keeping children safe. I'm thankful I received it (as a gift from Dr. Brandenburg himself) and now give it as a gift to every new parent I know.
If you are serious about keeping your children safe, then this book is a must read.

Dr. Mark Brandenburg--man or medical prophet? BOTH! As this book proves, Dr. Brandenburg is quite simply the Dr. Spock for the 21st Century. With hypnotic prose and horrifying cautionary tales, Dr. Brandenburg has crafted the parents bible for the millenium. This man is truly what doctors should be- a leader, father figure, and saint in surgical garb. God bless Dr. Brandenburg. I plan to journey to Tulsa to personally ask for Dr. Brandenburg's blessing. The holy power of this modern day mystic cannot be overestimated. His scalpel is guided from above. Read this book EVERYDAY.

Child Safe covers virtually every area of child safety and all age groups in an easy-to-read, approachable style. Written by an emergency room physician, it is filled with common and not-so-common hazards and ways to prevent the calamities that can result from these dangers. The information is sobering, but indispensible, for parents, caregivers, and relatives. We gave copies to both sets of grandparents so that they would understand how much more we know since they raised their children, and to give them a resource for learning how to make their own homes "child safe." This kind of information can be received much better by a mother-in-law, for example, when it comes from an "expert."

When it comes to keeping children safe, there is no limit to the amount of information that parents can receive.

At first glance, you may think that "Child Safe" is just another book about child safety hazards. But you'll be pleasantly surprised. From the moment you begin reading, you'll discover the wonderful gift that Dr. Mark Brandenburg has shared - a gift of simple, yet effective preventive measures you can take to help protect your children.

"Child Safe" is full of facts and safety information that is categorized into easy-to-read sections. You'll learn about the numerous safety hazards that exist for your children, as well as find a list of product recalls. Also included is a list of Child Safety Resources.

I particularly enjoyed the many personal comments and opinions made by Dr. Brandenburg throughout the book, which he supports with his experiences as an emergency room physician. His writing style is that of a close friend - direct, friendly, and easy-to-understand.

My ParenTime highly recommends "Child Safe" to parents and anyone concerned about children. Not only is it well-written and easy-to-read, you'll find it a wonderful guide that will be referred to often.

If you're concerned about Child Safety (as you should be), but you're not exactly sure how to prevent your child from getting injured, then you've come to the right place.

Part I of this book is Non-Age Related Injuries where you will learn about the various dangers that are present in everyday life, and what you can do to prevent your child from getting injured. Everything from the safest automobiles to how to prevent home fires is covered.

Part II is Age-Related Injuries, where the chapters are conveniently broken down into: Infants (0-12 Months), Toddlers and Preschoolers (1-5 Years), and School-Age Children (6-13 Years). This section gives specific information on the types of dangers that are relevant for each of the aforementioned age ranges. The author highlights the most common ways that infants, toddlers, and preschoolers get hurt, and what you can do to prevent these injuries.

You may be surprised to learn how many potential dangers are lurking in your house, car, garage, playground, etc. Did you know that at least one child drowns in a bucket of water each week? Or that swallowing furniture polish can be deadly? The good news is that this book will help you to eliminate most of the dangers and make it less likely that your child will get hurt.

Child Safe is an excellent book and an invaluable guide for all parents, grandparents, and day-care providers. I highly recommend it!

This book is awesome - I cannot imagine the value this book will add to your very next case. It's worth every penny, and then some.

Without a doubt, the very best guide to meeting the propoganda of the insurance industry with techniques that help the jury to focus on the case, rather than someone's irrelevant personal agenda. Required reading for all attorneys who represent injured people.

This book is amazing - doesn't matter if you are plaintiff or defense. Its an easy read, creative and entirely worth the money if you want to improve your trial techniques.

There is nothing more difficult for a plaintiff's attorney to do than to decide whether or not to ask the jury to return a specific dollar amount in damages or leave the decision up to the jury. The second most difficult question he/she has is determining how to motivate the jury to return as big a verdict as possible.

Ball does not disappoint in answering these questions. In short, he teaches plaintiff attorneys how to maximize the verdicts they get. For example, he devotes a whole chapter on describing jurors' motivations for giving and how you can get them to do so. Even if you are a defense attorney, this book is essential reading so that you can learn what jurors are interested in and what causes them to reach the decisions they do.

David Ball on Damages is the best book I have ever read on the subject. I have been practicing for 20 years. This book has changed the way I will approach personal injury trials in the future. Other lawyers in my area are just starting to use Mr. Ball's techniques with sucess.

Great book - will be put in my barn for immediate reference. Very graphic pictures but really helpful.

This book is a must have for any equine first aid kit and horse owner. It allows the reader to quickly find and reference relevant information regarding a number of equine emergencies.

Wonderful buy for to have on hand for emergencies. This book is very concise and easy to read and understand. The topics are clearly marked making it a breeze to use in an emergency situation. My copy stays at the barn.

This book is so well organized that even if you are in a panic you can find the information you need. Straight forward easy to understand information with pictures. I bought this book years ago and kept it in my hoses first aid box. It's indispensable!

This is the emergency guide we've been looking for as the long term owners/keepers of 3 quarter horses. The pictures help us visually know what we're confronting with our horses. The essential "first aid" to be given, tells us what we can do, what we shouldn't do, and relay the critical information to our vet when we call. Our vet is over-burdened, as all large animal vets are, and giving him the correct information/description helps him know how soon he needs to come. We can also tell him how our horse is responding to the "first aid" we've given and whether he wants us to do anything additional. The size and spiral binding makes it easy for us to keep this reference at the barn, where we need it. We're also reading through this guide now, which helps us decide what to read further about in other resources, such as the Merk Manual of Veterinary Medicine.

Good instruction, a great price, and a growing-in-importance subject area all add up to a definite recommendation.

As a college student who spends hours and hours in front of a computer working on my thesis, this book has transformed the way I work. No longer do I suffer from back pain, sore wrists, and neck strain. Beautifully written, concise, and practical,"Ergaerobics" is truly a "must have" book for everyone! Every college campus should provide it for their students!

"Why does working @ my computer hurt so much" is the best book I've found on preventing repetitive stress injuries. It filled with practical information for anyone who spends long hours in front of a computer (secretaries, programmers, writers, college students).

The authors, both physical therapists, provide guidelines for arranging your workstation and how to sit there once it's arranged. The best part is an extensive list of exercises for your back,neck,jaw,thumbs,wrists,elbows, and shoulders designed specifically to prevent repetitive stress injuries. In addition, each exercise is illustrated so you never have to wonder if your doing the exercises correctly.

Once again, a great book!

As a college student who spends hours and hours in front of a computer working on my thesis, this book has transformed the way I work. No longer do I suffer from back pain, sore wrists, and neck strain. Beautifully written, concise, and practical,"Ergaerobics" is truly a "must have" book for everyone! Every college campus should provide it for their students!

ErgAerobics is a comprehensive guide to help computer users avoid "Computer Induced Repetitive Stress Injuries." In an easily understandable, entertaining, and concise manner ErgAerobics provides basic human anatomy information that anyone can understand as well as facts about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain, TMJ Disorder, Tennis Elbow, Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and DeQuervain's Disease. ErgAerobics offers tips on how to prevent and treat computer induced repetitive stress injuries, how to properly arrange a workstation, behavior modification techniques to help the reader interact with a computer in a safer, more cooperative manner. ErgAerobics is enhanced with simple, inconspicuous, effective exercises to help with the prevention and treatment of computer induced repetitive stress injuries including why, when, and how to exercise. If you spend days working at a computer - read ErgAerobics.

This is an excellent book to read before surgery and to look at during recovery!! WONDERFUL!

I agree, every orthopaedic patient should leave the hospital with this book! My only wish is that I'd had it sooner after discharge. Helps with topics other titles just don't cover, like flying while disabled, etc.

Much of the book is dedicated to getting around on crutches. Under "Fitting of Crutches" Pryor states "All too frequently crutches are fitted improperly - generally too long - even by trained personnel." This is exactly what happened to me. I was nearly falling off the crutches every "swing-through" step. I fitted the crutches per instructions. By the next day I had the swing-through step down. By the next week I was successfully practising "non-weight bearing" stair climbing. This made a huge difference to me as my bedroom is on the second floor and the kitchen and living room are on the bottom floor. The detail of the book is wonderful for doing things the first (few) times. Keep re-reading. All that detail makes perfect sense when you are learning. Some of the hints are counter-intuitive and this saves you the trouble of doing it wrong or getting discouraged and giving up. I really wish the hospital had given me this book.

This book actually delivers on what it promises: extremely practical and helpful advice for post surgery or injury. Things you never even think of are presented in a clear and well thought out manner. Do yourself a favor and get it BEFORE you go to the hospital.

I've bought this and other books regarding knee rehab etc. and found this one is great if you want to find out how to maximise the use of critches after your surgery. There is very little information on what you need to do for rehab.

If your looking for a book to help you get about on crutches after surgery, it covers every thing from climbing stairs to driving!, try this one.

Joe Henderson & Joe Ellis do a fine job of covering just about every running injury humanly possible. Strengthening, stretching, proper technique, cautions, encouragement, this book includes it all. As a gravity-challenged strider, I personally consider this a valuable resource, and recommend it to anyone who walks, hikes, or runs.

If you run fewer than 30 miles a week, have never uttered the words "my coach" or "my physiotherapist," have never won more than a goodie bag at a 10k... in short, if you are a committed, non-elite, non-professional runner, this book is a must.

This is not to say that professionals won't benefit - they will. But for those of us who don't receive regular training-level medical attention, the great value of this book lies in its ability to clearly distinguish nagging pains that you can often home-treat from those that - even from the first twinge - signal something more serious. Add it to your running library.

If you are a runner for nontrivial amount of time, you are very likely to experience some sort of injury already. I did. And I hope I could have bought and read this book before I started running.

The book covers many common forms of injuries experienced by runners, and gives several treatments you can practice in home. Even if you do see a doctor later, the book is an excellent introduction to what happens to your injury so you can coordinate with your doctor in a more helpful way.

The book is written in a very plain and easy to follow way which is a big plus for non-medical background person like me.

I recommend this book to any runner. If you just start running or plan to run, buy and read this book. You won't regret it and could avoid many possible painful results.

I find that this book has been very helpful in my running and triathlon training. The first few chapters are very good, replete with some basic theory about running and remaining injury free.
The second third of the book is very informative regarding injuries and their treatment.
The last part of the book has great stretching exercises, and good information about how to stay injury free.
My only criticism of the book is based on a comment that my physical therapist had. I've recently had big problems with sprained ankles in both feet and receive physical therapy from a PT specializing in runners. I discussed the book and the chapter on ankles with her and she mentioned that the chapter only describes the author's success and that for every successful treatment outcome, there are lots of not-so-total successes. It would be helpful to understand both.
But overall, a worthy book to buy and read and re-read as the need arises.

Not only did this book manage to supply the info I needed in enough detail to be meaningful, particularly with the case studies, it was actually an entertaining page-turner. The author had such a human voice and managed to entirely avoid the tone of smarmy condescension that seems to be rampant in books of this sort. I was particularly won over by his willingness to even poke fun at himself as a case study. I certainly came away with a new respect for the field of podiatry in sports medicine.