Date of Award

1993

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Henry C. Wessman

Keywords

Back Pain; Low Back Pain

Abstract

At one time or another most adults have back pain. Despite the fact that back pain is as prevalent as the common cold, it has been as puzzling as the Bermuda Triangle. The primary problem is that in many patients it is not possible to identify the cause of symptoms, particularly if the symptoms are relatively minor. A review of literature reveals a wide variety of single causative lesions which would adequately encompass the various symptoms encountered. However, they are complex conditions which are highly oversimplified. This problem was recognized by Renaissance International who presented the concept of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC).

The VSC consists of five components: spinal kinesiopathology, neuropathophysiology, myopathology, histopathology, and pathophysiology. Initially, a literature review was performed utilizing the five components. Information was also obtained via a conference sponsored by Renaissance International.

The result of this paper will be a better understanding of the five components of the VSC. This will lead physical therapists to a reference for those who are unfamiliar with this multifaceted approach to low back pain.

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