B o o k R e v i e w T h e P s y c h o p h y s i o l o g y o f Low B a c k P a in Author: A dam s N icola (1997) Published by: Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 0 443 05259 X with a contribution by D ouglas Taylor. This is a very interesting book which w ill prove useful esp ecially to those who deal with patients with chron­ ic pain, and particularly chronic low back pain (LBP). It is certainly true to its stated purpose, viz to enhance the under­ standing o f the interactions o f the factors involved in L B P and to suggest ways o f expanding and reinforcing existing practices by presenting neurophysio- logical, biochem ical and psychological, aspects o f pain, as well as ways o f assess­ ing and m odulating the pain experience. A chapter is spent on each o f these aspects. T he author writes from her own clinical experience and extensive reading and study, which goes much w ider than “standard” physiotherapy and expresses her belief in accurate diagnosis, early intervention and appropriate considera­ tion o f the psychological factors involved in pain. She particularly stresses the im portance o f the psychological quali­ ties o f the patient-practitioner interven­ tion, which can be m ajor mediators for im provem ent and devotes a whole chap­ ter to discussing this. As physiotherapists w e have know n about this for genera­ tions, anecdotally, and it is useful to have it confirm ed scientifically and well referenced. Douglas Taylor contributes to the two chapters describing and pointing out lim itations o f a num ber o f psychological m odels o f chronic pain, as w ell as assessm ent, in clu d in g psych o lo g ical assessm ent. Som e shortened psycho­ logical assessm ent form s/scales that will be useful to physiotherapists, are pro­ duced in full in the text and are fully referenced for those who wish to acquire more inform ation. However, some o f the new er tests, for exam ple for anxiety, self-esteem, health behaviour and coping strategies, that could be useful in dealing with patients with chronic pain, are m en­ tioned but unfortunately not referenced. Some o f the recom m ended psycho­ logical and psychophysiological tech­ niques, such as progressive relaxation com bined with correct breathing, auto­ genic training, cognitive and cognitive- behavioural techniques (the latter two used mainly by psychologists), psycho­ therapy and alternative techniques (yoga, m editation, t’ai chi and chi gong) are described, some in more detail than others, and again are well referenced. In keeping with the author’s wide perspec­ tive on the treatm ent o f patients with pain, the m ultidisciplinary and back pain m anagem ent approach is recom m ended. The W irral B ack Pain R ehabilitation Program m e, with very specific outcom e measurem ents, is described in detail and could be useful to those who wish to set up sim ilar program m es. The text is easy to read and supported by an extensive list o f references, which includes some classical ones from the 1930’s - 1950’s, the bulk from 1970 - 1989 and a good num ber from 1990 - 1996. Some o f the item s contained in the glossary are rather obvious, whilst others introduce w hat could be new concepts to physiotherapists. A specialist text, recom ­ mended for most physiotherapists, as most have to deal with LB P and chronic pain during their career. NARINA GILDER SA J o u r n a l o f P h y s io th e ra p y 2000 V o l 56 No 4 39 R ep ro du ce d by S ab in et G at ew ay u nd er li ce nc e gr an te d by th e P ub lis he r (d at ed 2 01 3. )