This text highlights the value of a team approach to appreciating the complexity of spinal pain and a range of treatment approaches. Contemporary contributions from epidemilogy, anatomy, pathology, physiology, psychology, clinical medicine orthopaedics, chiropractic, osteopathy and physiotherapy are presented in it. Each section, written by experienced clinical and basic science experts, provides a summary of pertinent material which will lead to an improved understanding of the causes of mechanical back pain. The book does not attempt to endorse a single therapy, rather to highlight the common approach to mechanical treatment which may be provided by chiropractic, osteopathy and physiotherapy practitioners. This is the first volume in the "Clinical Anatomy and Management of Back Pain Series". The series brings together a truly multidisciplinary approach to the management of mechanical spinal pain. Each volume provides a thorough review and analysis of clinically relevant information on the basic sciences leading to diagnosis and treatment of mechanical spinal disorders. The books are aimed at both undergraduate and postgraduate students of chiropractic, osteopathy and physiotherapy, as well as all clinicians who seek a comprehensive review of mechanical spinal pain.