A retrospective analysis of the use of the term segmental somatic dysfunction in the BSO clinic.
Item
- Title
- A retrospective analysis of the use of the term segmental somatic dysfunction in the BSO clinic.
- Author(s)
- Patel Shital
- Abstract
- Back pain is now reaching epidemic levels with its causes still poorly understood by the general medical profession. Diagnoses in the majority of cases remain uncertain and is usually classified as non-specific back pain. The osteopathic concept of segmental somatic dysfunction (SSD) can explain symptoms and loss of function in the absence of pathological disease. The aim of this research was to primarily investigate the use of the term SSD within the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) clinic as a diagnosis of back pain and, secondly, to draw out any links or relationships between age, sex, occupation, aetiology, and the area of the spine diagnosed with SSD.A retrospective analysis of 529 new patients was undertaken, of which 74% (n = 391) were diagnosed with spinal conditions, out of which 13% (n = 51) were diagnosed with facilitation or SSD. Only 4 patients were actually diagnosed with SSD, thus a large proportion of patients were diagnosed with facilitation which is a neurological manifestation of SSD.A significant difference in age range was found using a Mann-Whitney test between patients diagnosed with SSD (median = 33), and other spinal conditions (median = 46). Significant relationships found using Chi square included the possible aetiology of SSD relating to the area of the spine diagnosed, and the occupational activity level of the patient relating to the aetiology of SSD.It was concluded that 'facilitation' was commonly used when diagnosing a patient with back pain rather than SSD. Various links do exist regarding the area of the spine diagnosed but in-depth investigation is required to substantiate them.This was a preliminary study and therefore, the results found could not be verified with other sources, but further questions were brought forward based on the findings. Future large scale clinical epidemiological investigations are vital to increase the understanding of SSD. The research brought to light the importance of standardised medical records for valid, accurate analysis and further future research.
- Abstract
- presented at
- British School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 1999
- Date Submitted
- 11.8.2000 00:00:00
- Type
- undergraduate_project
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 12262
- Inst-Identifier
- 780
- Keywords
- Somatic Dysfunction,Segmental Somatic Dysfunction,Back Pain
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Patel Shital, “A retrospective analysis of the use of the term segmental somatic dysfunction in the BSO clinic.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 29, 2024, https://www.osteopathicresearch.com/s/orw/item/2210