Relief is in the stretch End back pain through yoga

Back pain and yoga: Dr. Loren Fishman combines the two topics (each with a vast readership) to create a plan that offers a chance to either minimize back pain, or to protect against the mysterious affliction that appears at the oddest moments. Dr. Fishman's got chops: Not only is he a medical doctor, but he studied with B.K.S. Iyengar, the Michael Jordan of the Eastern practice/religion/sport. The author isn't pushing a religious message, but he does point out the benefits of stretching and strengthening that are integral parts of the practice. First, Dr. Fishman discusses different types of back pain: overweight, sprain, strain, spasm, herniated vertebral disk...all of them depressingly familiar. Then, with a pleasantly can-do tone, the doctor offers six or seven specific stretches and yoga postures for each condition that should help ease the pain. Musculoskeletal pain? Try parsvottanasana, or "stretching of the flank." Those with herniated disks are advised to try utthita parsvakonasana, or "side at an angle pose." Photos and descriptions of each are accompanied by benefits and cautions. The models, thin and heavy, and one who's pregnant, offer how anyone can strike the poses, and the doctor also provides plenty of options for those who aren't as flexible as they'd like to be. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.