International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine
Volume 10, Issue 1 , Pages 18-23, March 2007

Back pain and the homoeostatic requirements of the spinal system

British School of Osteopathy, 275 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JE, UK

Received 27 July 2006; received in revised form 14 November 2006; accepted 2 January 2007.

Abstract 

The cause of most cases of back pain remains uncertain. In this article, the theory that some back pain is a result of disturbed mechanical function is pursued with reference to the homoeostatic requirements of the spine. In particular, the problem of coordinating the redundant degrees of freedom of the spinal system is discussed, and the emerging field of coordination dynamics is introduced. Theoretical mechanisms underlying idiopathic back pain, according to this approach, are discussed. Work currently being carried out to test predictions arising from this theoretical framework are also outlined.

Keywords: Osteopathic medicine, Back pain, Spinal biomechanics, Control systems

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PII: S1746-0689(07)00007-7

doi:10.1016/j.ijosm.2007.01.001

International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine
Volume 10, Issue 1 , Pages 18-23, March 2007

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