Crooked

Outwitting the Back Pain Industry and Getting on the Road to Recovery

By: Cathryn Jakobson Ramin

Narrated by: Cathryn Jakobson Ramin

Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

The acclaimed author of Carved in Sand - a veteran investigative journalist who endured persistent back pain for decades - delivers the definitive book on the subject: an essential examination of all facets of the back pain industry, exploring what works, what doesn't, what may cause harm, and how to get on the road to recovery.

In her effort to manage her chronic back pain, investigative reporter Cathryn Jakobson Ramin spent years and a small fortune on a panoply of treatments. But her discomfort only intensified, leaving her feeling frustrated and perplexed. As she searched for better solutions, she exposed a much bigger problem. Costing roughly $100 billion a year, spine medicine - often ineffective and sometimes harmful - exemplified the worst aspects of the US health-care system.

The result of six years of intensive investigation, Crooked offers a startling look at the poorly identified risks of spine medicine and provides practical advice and solutions. Ramin interviewed scores of spine surgeons, pain management doctors, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and specialized bodywork practitioners. She met with many patients whose pain and desperation led them to make life-altering decisions and with others who triumphed over their limitations.

The result is a brilliant and comprehensive book that is not only important but essential to millions of back pain sufferers and all types of health-care professionals. Ramin shatters assumptions about surgery, chiropractic methods, physical therapy, spinal injections, and painkillers and addresses evidence-based rehabilitation options - showing, in detail, how to avoid therapeutic dead ends while saving money, time, and considerable anguish. With Crooked, she reveals what it takes to outwit the back pain industry and get on the road to recovery.

©2017 Cathryn Jakobson Ramin (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Journalistic approach to back pain

Loved all the information about the back pain Industry. So many stories and examples of treatment. I'm definitely more motivated to take care of my back now. Thank you!

This book can save you from ruining your back

I thought I had back problems and was considering surgery, then I read Ramin's book and realized all I needed to do work through the back pain with the right exercises. Once I followed this regime for a month, I've not had any problems since. And I am a very avid 68-year old golfer.

Very Informative

The book was great,
really insitful. You will walk away with a better understanding of our medical & health care system.

Must Read for Anyone

You either have back pain or know someone with it. This is an excellent resource that exposes the issues with the back pain industry and provides alternatives methodologies. If you have been told you need surgery; wait! Read this first, then decide!

Fabulous and important book

I'm in the middle of a long saga dealing with sacroiliac pain and was just about to do a nerve ablation. This book has changed my approach. I've "failed" at physical therapy and chiropractic in the past, but they all felt too lightweight in terms of training. Upon recommendation from my pain doctor I found a serious and skilled, highly qualified physical therapist trainer who is going to work with me – if I can get my insurance to cover it.

Cathryn's book is a must-read for anyone dealing with joint problems anywhere in the body -- not just the back. I listened to this book on audio and now I am going to get the print copy so I can easily look back at the information. If you have any joint issues, run – at least hobble – or go online - or send a friend – to get this book!

A must read for anyone with back pain!

This book covers all aspects of back treatments. Americans tend to turn to surgery as the treatment of choice but also tend to overlook the low success rates. This book explores all options and provides a convincing argument why surgery should be the last consideration.

Impressive investigative reporting.

Very helpful infomation for my back pain journey. Great tips for self empowerment. Deeply grateful to author!

Helpful

I am grateful for this book. I am in pain. But now I feel I have resources and an approach to move forward and toward recovery.

Thank you for all your research.

Deborah

Confirmation

The book has a lot of good information on what’s wrong with the back industry. At times you feel there’s no hope if you have severe back issues. However, in the last few chapters it confirms what I myself have found out, that with the correct exercises, you may be able to avoid pain meds and more importantly surgery.

great story and great info

the best part of this book is the decision making Tools in her woven. This means the book answers questions like how can you tell that your yoga teacher or physical therapist or even physician is qualified to give you advice.