Watch your back! How the back pain industry is costing us more and giving us less, and what you can do to inform and empower yourself in seeking treatment

Starred Review. If you haven't had back pain, chances are that your time is coming, since nearly two-thirds of all adults will eventually suffer from it in one form or another. However, as common as the problem is, there is still no consensus on the best treatment. While one study found more than 200 different suggested treatments (thank you, Internet), even medical professionals have been unable to narrow the field very effectively. Deyo (Oregon Health and Science Univ., Hope or Hype) methodically looks at the most frequently used methods of diagnosis and treatment and finds the evidence often lacking, negative, or distorted. With no stake in any particular treatment, the author cites numerous research studies, quotes experts he has interviewed, and provides anecdotes about sufferers, including President John F. Kennedy and Chair of Medicine at Harvard Medical School Jerome Groopman. The author's consistent message is that there is no magic bullet, that more isn't always better, and that patients should be informed partners in any decision. VERDICT Concise, clearly written, and evidence based, Deyo's work would be invaluable to those facing the onset of back pain and the dizzying range of treatment choices, as well as to practitioners and policy makers.-Richard Maxwell, Porter Adventist Hosp. Lib., Denver (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.