In 1970 (yes, I'm somewhat of an old fart) I suffered from an acute case of lower back pain. Luckily, Maggie's Back Book was then widely available. It didn't hurt that at that time Maggie also had her PBS show "Maggie and the Beautiful Machine", and thus was well known (certainly, here in Cambridge). I read it while in bed, on my back, and in pain. I decided to resist the doctor's recommendation for a spinal fusion operation. The injury healed over time, with the help of Maggie's good advice.

Nowadays, I have learned to feel and control my lower back's posture (as well as the rest of my spine). I've added basic Pilates to Maggie's recommended exercises. I'm extremely healthy, with strong and supple posture. I count my blessings when I shudderingly consider where I'd be today had I given in the the orthopedic surgeon's recommendation.

If you are having back problems, read this book. I read an earlier edition a long time ago and have followed the recommended exercises ever since. The result: very few episodes of serious back pain in 16 years. Maggie was one of the first people to publicize the importance of exercise for dealing with and preventing back pain.

This is an amazingly comprehensive series of vignettes on living with and overcoming the spoiler that a bad back becomes.
Some of its beauty is in its simplicity which the drawings make very clear.
Every move one makes that causes back pain can be altered to reduce or remove the pain.It covers standing, walking, sitting, sleeping, sex and even constipation.

Now how thorough is that!

A remarkable self-help book, which balances your food choices-and balances food with exercise-so you can design your own best eating style. Maggie has a talent for putting scientific information to use in clear, practical ways. Her unique approach to self-care reflects 17-years of teaching Self-Designed Fitness at MIT, as well as training teachers, helping clients, and starring in her owm TV show on careful exercise. Using Maggie's guidelines to analyze how each one suits you, you can become your own expert in eating well, and take charge of your diet forever.