Back Talk with Dr. Alan Sokoloff

Back pain isn't just a problem for the elderly: it's the second highest reason for visits to the doctor (after the common cold) and the number one cause of limited activity for people under 45. While nearly seven percent of the population suffers from severe back pain at any given time, a whopping 80% of people will be incapacitated from back pain sometime during their lives. Reminding viewers that "prevention is the key to a healthy back," Dr. Alan Sokoloff, a radio personality, author, team chiropractor for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, and director of the Yalich Clinic, details the common causes and varieties of back pain (which can arise even from carrying a purse, or a wallet in the back pants pocket). Sokoloff then outlines various steps for preventing such injuries; demonstrates the proper ways to push, pull, and carry items; and presents simple exercises designed to help maintain a healthy back. Produced by Library Video Network, the program includes information specific to basic library tasks, which is the only reason we would ever recommend a $130 video on back pain prevention; for circulation to the general public, you would be much better off with much more inexpensive titles such as The YMCA Healthy Back Video or Stop Back Pain Now! (both reviewed in VL-11/94). Aud: P. (J. Asala)