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Spine Insult and Injury

The definition as to just what actually constitutes a spine injury varies considerably .  We typically think of the word "injury" in reference to "trauma" but most injuries actually occur in a cumulative fashion over a period of years.  If continued injury occurs slowly enough there many be no associated signs or symptoms and no disability evident.  This is because Mother Nature does a wonderful job of adjusting to this damage in her attempt to keep the individual functional.  The classic example of this phenomenon is the individual presenting with headache of one week's duration is found, on MRI scan, to have a benign brain tumor, the size of a large orange, which had been present for perhaps 20-30 years.  This also explains why, in the same individual, that a minor head injury can be "the straw that breaks the camel's back" and produce unconsciousness or death.

Clearly, it is a better situation for the individual to be made aware of these impending disasters before Mother Nature's remarkable ability to compensate for slowly progressive insult is lost.  In the example given above the patient's "Brain Savings Account" had reached zero without their having been alerted to this.    
Ejecting from a jet fighter is aptly described by  Pilot Seating as having "a rocket up your butt."  The amount of sudden force is so great that serious and permanent spine injuries (including compression fractures) may result.  
This is a classic example of a severe and sudden insult.  Sudden trauma such as this example and auto accidents represent the minority of spine injuries.
The most common variety of spine injury is the repetitive type.  The classic example of this is that of continued occupational insult (i.e. truck driving) over a long period of time.  In many ways the gymnast "sticking" a dismount with the spine hyper extended demonstrates a prime example of cumulative and repetitive trauma.  
Although the force of each insult is less than a pigreat deal ejecting from a plane  the accumulation of insult and resulting harm may actually end up being more disabling to the individual in the long run.  Many professional gymnasts, as they enter adult mid-life, are seriously incapacitated from their accumulated injuries.  Particularly those in whom genomic problems were not identified early in life.  It is truly unfortunate that national gymnastic organizations have made a point of not identifying or discussing these problems with their members in the attempt to avoid "bad press.".
Who would believe that the "sedentary" activity of golf is injurious to the spine?  But, does anyone know a golfer who doesn't have back problems?  We don't.  Being a professional golfer goes along with chronic back complaints and problems.  Spines just don't like being power twisted and untwisted ....unfortunately that's how golfers gain their driving prowess.  

Back problems are occupational hazards for golfers.  Again, few, if any, professional golf organizations identify this or discuss these perils.  This is sad because with awareness comes understanding and effort directed toward prevention.  Without awareness and understanding prevention is not possible.

The simple fact is that human spines were never designed to walk on two legs on a high gravity planet.  Even the most optimally developed human spines can be subject to incapacitating accumulated insult and injury.  For those born with imperfect or inadequate spines the challenge is much greater.  These folks are at greater risk but they don't know it, and few have stepped up to the plate to tell this tale in the past.

There are many whose occupational and professional survival depends upon taking particularly good care of their spines.  The professional athlete has only a limited window of opportunity in which to optimize their performance and realize appropriate remuneration for it.  The saddest sight is the superbly trained and talented athlete whose career comes to a sudden end because of factors which could have been identified and thwarted beforehand.

This is what the concept of a Spine Savings Account is about.  How can an individual assess, in advance, their risk factors and avoid these liabilities?  Of course, the very best place to start this process is in the careful choosing of parents.


The Declaration of Independence
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…….

 


Despite the good words from the Declaration of Independence we are not all created equally (from the biologic standpoint).   

By about the year 2020 each newborn child will have a swab taken from the inside of their cheek which will be sent for a comprehensive DNA analysis.  The resulting computer generated report will provide an extraordinary amount of information.  What to do with, and how to use this information, will then become  the great challenge of the present century.  Due, however, to the availability of such information life planning and prevention of disease will finally become possible on a widespread basis. 

At this point in time our abilities regarding genomic testing are primitive,  We are however presently advanced in magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) scanning as applied to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of spinal disease.  MRI scanning has allowed us to appreciate a host of genomic conditions affecting the spine which were, until recently, unknown.

Quality MRI information when combined with a patient's clinical history now permits appreciation of the risk factors unique to the individual.  Clinical experience has now allowed spine care specialists to be able to combine this information and associate it with existing therapeutic and preventive programs.

As a means of expressing a patient's spine status the term "savings account" has been introduced as a understandable means of identifying the present and monitoring the continued status of an individual.
    Maintaining A Healthy Spine   

Even those individuals who have chosen their parents carefully and start out life with perfect spines need to understand that continued quality nutrition, exercise, and good spine care are needed to maintain a spine in a healthy state.  Of paramount importance is first-rate awareness and understanding about spine health.  Unfortunately, this information, which should be taught in elementary school is absent from almost all school curriculums.

It is particularly unfortunate that good information on the subject of spine care is typically lacking in endeavors such as professional athletics.  The individual athlete's best advocates (those who do not possess a conflict-of-interest) are family, friends and their coach.   Unfortunately, it is a rare situation today when any of these advocates are able to provide meaningful information regarding basic spine care because they have never been programmed with this essential information.

The purpose of the Spine Savings Account concept is exactly that of providing this information to those interested in obtaining it.  

So then, what then is the secret to increasing, and maintaining, a good Spine Account balance?  Well, it's an investment.  An investment in good nutrition, avoiding obesity, not smoking and a spine health maintenance program involving daily exercise, including a time and effort outlay to improve muscle strength, tone and flexibility.  The real key however is daily safe and effective spine traction to counteract the insult and injury caused by our existence on a high gravity planet.  Without regular deposits to your Spine Savings Account you will not be allowed by Mother Nature to make withdrawals.........

For individuals who wish to have a professional determination of the status of their spine in regard to their personal "savings account" an affiliated service is available.