Structural Rehabilitation of the Spine and Posture: Analysis, Techniques, and Outcomes in Clinical Research

Dear Colleagues,

Spinal disorders and disabilities are among the leading causes for work loss, suffering, and health care expenditures throughout the industrialized world. The psycho-social and economic impact of spine disorders demands continued research into the most effective types of preventative and interventional treatment strategies. In the past two decades, the role that 3D alignment of the spine and posture has on human performance, health, pain, disability, and disease has been a primary research focus among spine surgical and rehabilitation specialists throughout the scientific literature. Evidence is mounting that spine and postural alignment impacts human health and well-being.

There are different types of and methodologies for spine and posture rehabilitation; however, the optimum techniques for specific types of conditions and age groups remains largely unanswered. One such rehabilitation technique is termed ‘Structural Rehabilitation of the Spine and Posture’, where structural rehabilitation is defined as using the exact spine/posture displacements as rotations and translations to uniquely apply exercises, manipulative techniques, and sustained loading applications to restore or improve the alignment of the patient towards normative data. This is a well-studied approach to the structural improvement of spinal disorders. Many spinal disorders with associated pain and functional syndromes have either well-characterized or evolving evidence for their treatment with this ‘Structural Rehabilitative’ approach. However, many questions remain unanswered or not addressed.

The correlation between pain and health outcomes to altered spine alignment and postural rotations and translations of posture are unique and of critical importance in the ‘Structural Rehabilitation’ approach. The reliability and validity of assessment tools still needs to be investigated and refined. Predictable methods for application of structural rehabilitation of the spine and posture need further development and need tested for optimum dose–response relationships. Lastly, quality clinical investigations (case series, clinical trials, randomized trials, etc.) exist but the evidence is evolving and limited. In general, posture and spine corrective methods offering superior long-term outcomes for treating patients with various spine disorders need further investigation. The economic impact, health benefits, and generalized awareness of these newer rehabilitation treatments demands continued attention from clinicians and researchers alike, and this is the purpose of this collection of publications.

Dr. Deed E. Harrison
Guest Editor

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