1 The Normal Back --; Section I The Vertebral Column --; 1 The locomotion of fish --; 2 The escape from the seas --; 3 The biomechanics of quadrupeds --; 4 From four legs to two --; 5 The uniqueness of man --; 6 The anatomy of posture --; Section II The Motion Segments --; 7 Building blocks --; 8 Spinal mobility --; 9 The role of the discs --; 10 Stability and strength --; 11 The biomechanics of backache --; 2 The Abnormal Back --; 12 Spinal stenosis --; 13 Prolapsed intervertebral disc --; 14 Osteoarthritis of the facet joints --; 15 Facet joint malfunction --; 16 Lesions of ligaments --; 17 Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis --; 18 The sacroiliac joint --; 19 Muscle spasm --; 20 Muscle fatigue --; 3 Conservative Treatment of the Abnormal Back --; 21 Bed rest, psychoactive drugs and epidural injections --; 22 Analgesics, acupuncture and TENS --; 23 Posture correction and exercise --; 24 Spinal manipulation --; References and further reading.