Davide Festa è un osteopata diplomato in Osteopatia presso la Scuola Italiana di Osteopatia e Terapie Manuali di Torino. È laureato in Scienze Motorie presso l’Università degli Studi di Torino, dove ha anche ottenuto il Diploma in Educazione Fisica, inoltre ha conseguito la laurea in Scienze e Tecniche Psicologiche presso l’Università degli Studi della Valle d’Aosta. Oltre alla formazione di base, ha ampliato le sue competenze nel campo dell’Osteopatia Strutturale, area nella quale è anche docente per la Scuola Superiore di Osteopatia Italiana. Si è anche specializzato in Osteopatia Pediatrica, con un corso riconosciuto dalla Federazione Italiana Medici Pediatri (F.I.M.P.), e in Osteopatia in ambito Ortognatodonzistico. Crede che un buon insegnante debba saper trasmettere concetti complessi in modo chiaro e accessibile, utilizzando un linguaggio semplice che possa essere compreso da chiunque. Il suo approccio, infatti, si distingue per l’impegno a rendere l’osteopatia e le tecniche fisiche comprensibili per tutti, senza mai sacrificare la scientificità e la precisione della materia. Il suo obiettivo è fornire strumenti per un benessere duraturo, ponendo sempre al centro della sua pratica il rispetto per la persona e le sue necessità

Davide Festa

Davide Festa è un osteopata diplomato in Osteopatia presso la Scuola Italiana di Osteopatia e Terapie Manuali di Torino. È laureato in Scienze Motorie

This book was born from the desire to provide complete and accessible information for everyone, with practical advice for those suffering from back pain. Back pain is a condition that affects many people every year, and often symptoms worsen due to a lack of basic knowledge, proper exercises, and correct posture. For over twenty years, as an osteopath and teacher of osteopathy, I have always believed in the importance of explaining things in a simple and understandable way, so that information can be accessible to all. I decided to write this book using a straightforward communication style, while still respecting scientific standards and the accuracy of the information. Within these pages lies the wish to offer something that can help you feel better: to take care of your body and to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing how to protect yourself. A small note of transparency: The QR codes labeled “Shopping Tips” will take you to Amazon through affiliate links, which allow me to earn a small commission on purchases, at no additional cost to you. I’ve only included products I truly recommend to my patients, but I wanted you to be aware of this detail.

Preface

Part I – Foundations for Understanding Low Back Pain

1 Anatomy and Pain Mechanisms

1.1 Essential Anatomy

1.2 Understanding Pain

1.3 Common Myths

2 Causes and Triggers

2.1 Problematic Postures and Movements

2.2 Everyday Risk Factors

Part II – Pain Management and Relief

3 Immediate Interventions

3.1 Managing Acute Pain

3.2 Basic Exercises

4 Daily Strategies

4.1 At Home

4.2 At Work

4.3 During Physical Activity

Part III – Prevention and Maintenance

5 Changing Habits

5.1 Daily Movements

5.2 Appropriate Physical Activity

5.3 Equipment and Supports

6 Maintenance Plan

Appendices

Pain Diary

Glossary

When to Consult a Professional

PR E FAC E WHAT M AKE S T H I S BO OK S PEC IAL ? This book came to life from the wish to provide everyone with clear and helpful information, along with practical tips for those dealing with back pain. Back pain is something that many people experience each year, and often, the symptoms can get worse because of not knowing the basic principles, exercises, and proper postures. I chose to write this book using a straightforward communication model while still honoring scientific standards and ensuring the information is accurate. Within these pages, you'll find a wish to provide something that helps you feel better: taking care of your body and finding that peace that comes when we know how to keep ourselves safe. For more than twenty years, as an osteopath and a teacher of osteopathy, I've always thought it was super important to explain things in a simple and clear way, so everyone can use the information. D ta s e F avide @FESTADAVIDEOSTEOPATA 4 

WHO I S I T FOR ? This book is for you who woke up one morning and, just like that, found it impossible to put on your socks. It's for those of you who spend hours sitting at a desk and then, by evening, feel like your back has been through a tough day at the mine. It's for you who, every time you sneeze, worry that your spine might just up and leave you for good. It's for those who have given everything a shot: comfy pillows, fancy mattresses, magical supplements, and even some fun dances under the full moon (no judgment here, sometimes desperation can lead us to quirky things!). It's for anyone who wants to finally get what's happening in their back without needing to become a doctor or figure out tricky terms like they're solving an ancient puzzle. It's for those who are fed up with hearing things like "it's just stress," "you need to lose weight," or the old standby "you just have to live with it," all without getting any real answers. It's for athletes who want to keep doing what they love without worrying about having to take a break. It's for parents who take a risk by lifting their kids. It's for grandparents who want to have fun with their grandkids without spending a lot of money. This book is perfect for anyone with a spine who wants to look after it, no matter their age, physical shape, or past experiences with back pain. You don t need to be a whiz at anatomy or a fitness buff   all you need is a wish to improve and a curiosity to discover how! 5 

This book was created with the aim of providing complete and accessible information for everyone, along with practical advice for those who suffer fro