This book details the evolutionary anthropology and anatomy of the upright bipedal spine and the vertical compression forces that contribute to the global pandemic of low back pain and lumbar degenerative disc disease. Obesity, sports and occupational injury and cumulative strain, spinal malalignments and advancing age accelerate spinal degeneration. The spectrum of traditional and alternative therapies for low back pain are explored from the expert viewpoint of a patient with multilevel degenerative disc disease trained in Neurological surgery and spine research. "In writing "The 21st Century Upright Woman", Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai weaves together the anthropology of the vertical spine of the human, and the science behind disease states and their treatment.And more importantly, their prevention. She herself presents a fascinating tale of human perseverance and achievement. This book is full of practical advice and encourages healthful and wise living. I applaud her effort."-Brian T. Andrews, MD, FACS, FAANS Chair, Department of Neurosciences, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco; and author of "Cherokee Neurosurgeon, A Biography of Charles Byron Wilson, MD"