This project has explored the anatomical and neurophysiological effects of mobilization in the treatment of lumbar condtions. The study also discussed the long, often controversial history of the use of mobilization. The socioeconomic impact of low back pain in the industrialized society was reviewed. The interrelationship between lumbar anatomy, neurclogy, hydrostatic fluid dynamics, and lumbar biomechanics was investigated. In addition, the prevention of low back pain and injury in normal activities of daily living was discussed with suggestions being made for the safest way to perform these activities.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 193-215). Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2005. / UMI no.: 3177252. "A dissertation presented for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville". "May 2005". Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-89). Also available via the World Wide Web.

A dissertation presented in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / The aim of this investigation was to develop inter-examiner reliability as well as construct and concurrent validity of the Composite Orthopedic Ratin g Scale (CO RS) so that it may be used as an applicable measurement instrument for use in clinical trials relating to mechanical low back pain. This prospective, single - blinded construct and concurrent validity and inter-examiner reliability study consisted of 122 participants, all suffering from mechanical low back pain, specifically lumbar facet or sacro-iliac syndrome. The participants were only required for 1 visit where they were assessed and diagnosed using standardized diagnostic criteria. Thereafter, both the researcher and a blinded, independent examiner applied the tests contained in the Composite orthopedic Rating ScaLe (CO RS) to the participants. Subjective data was obtained using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale- 101. Objective data was obtained from the results of the appIication of the provocative Orthopedic test in the CORS / M

A dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master's Diploma in Technology: Chiropractic, Technikon Natal, 1996. / The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of back pain in chiropractors in South Africa, in terms of workplace factors which surrounded them and individual factors which they possessed, in order to establish under which circumstances, workplace and individual factors possibly influenced the prevalence of back pain in chiropractors.The total population of South African chiropractors (N=138), registered with the Chiropractors, Homoeopaths and Allied Health Service Professions Council of South Africa for 1994, were sent a questionnaire. A total of 68 questionnaires returned, which represented a 49,3 % response rate. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding : the prevalences of back pain and low back pain; the intensity and frequency of back pain; the prevalence of different pain locations eg. headache, cervical pain, lumbar pain etc.; the workplace factors included : static work postures, bending, twisting and lifting, repetitive work, overexertion, ergonomics, psychological work factors, number of hours and days worked per week; the individual factors included age and gender, anthropometry, posture, physical fitness, spinal mobility, psychological factors, social factors, environmental factors and the number of years in practice. The results were statistically analyzed using crosstabulation and Log-linear analysis. The results were represented by cross-tabulations, bar and pie charts and then descriptively analyzed. The overall prevalence of back pain amongst South African chiropractors was 55,9% and the low back pain prevalence was 65,1%. Among other findings, certain ergonomic factors such as desk and physical examination table heights were found to be significantly associated with the respondents having more back pain. Those respondents who exercised for longer than 60 minutes per exercise session had significantly less back pain than those respondents who exercised for shorter periods of time. Of interest was that those respondents who used adjustment techniques which required the use of force, had significantly more back pain than those who used non-force techniques. It must be emphasized that extreme caution should be exercised in attempting to generalise the findings of this survey, since the workplace and individual factors associated with back pain were based on the respondent's subjective evaluations. This study was not designed to establish cause and. effect relationships between workplace and individual factors, and the prevalence of back pain amongst chiropractors. / M

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-132). Also available in print.

Thesis--PlanA (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

This thesis presents an account of a sociological research project exploring the field of Chronic Back Pain (CBP). This medical condition, despite being prevalent worldwide, is extremely problematic and difficult to treat because of its often ambiguous medical status and fluctuating symptoms. These problems of diagnosis and resolution often have a negative impact on sufferers’ daily lives, social relationships, identity and sense of self, and are often characterised by negative encounters with medical professionals. This study explores these themes via academic work from the field of cultural sociology, and in particular, from the French pragmatic approach. My data is analysed via Lamont’s (1992) theory of ‘symbolic boundary making’ and other related work on boundaries. I also utilize work on accounts to explore respondents’ processes of account-making. In addition, I use Gieryn’s (1983) model of ‘boundary-work’ to explore the issues of professional identity and the professional struggles that are apparent in the practitioners’ accounts. The research was carried out using qualitative methods. In total, I conducted forty in-depth semi-structured interviews with patients with CBP, GPs, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and an acupuncturist.

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

Thesis (M. Med. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Also available in print.