Serge Gracovetsky

This book deals with the human spine with particular emphasis on the lumbar spine. Human gait is traditionally believed to be the exclusive function of the legs. The book presents arguments and data that challenge that belief. It proposes that the spine is the primary engine that makes us move. This engine, inherited from our fish ancestors, was never transferred to any extremities during our long evolutionary journey. From the theoretical and clinical analysis of the normal function of the spine, one can describe the changes that degrade its function. This forces us to define normality in terms of functionality, rather than anatomical perfection. A procedure for the objective measure of spinal function is proposed, and its clinical use discussed. A 35 minutes movie on the function of the spine in both MOV and WMV formats is included.

I am Serge Gracovetsky and spent a few years analyzing the normal function of the human spine. These findings were summarized in the first "Spinal Engine" book which I re edited in October 2008. I then addressed the question raised by many "So what from a clinical perspective?" The content of this book summarizes seven years of subsequent work collecting data related to the function of the normal and abnormal spine. A method for collecting data on the function of the spine with an expert system capable of reaching a function al diagnostic is presented together with a blinded study assessing the performance of both the technology and clinicians. That study demonstrated that there exists at least one set of measurable physiological parameters that can be used to separate objectively the normal from the abnormal. This opens the door for the design of automated triage systems for mechanical low back pain.

I spent a few years analyzing the normal function of the human spine. I summarized these findings in the first ÒSpinal EngineÓ book which I re edited in October 2008. I then addressed the question raised by many ÒSo what from a clinical perspective?Ó The content of this book summarizes seven years of subsequent work collecting data related to the function of the normal and abnormal spine. A method for collecting data on the function of the spine with an expert system capable of reaching a function al diagnostic is presented together with a blinded study assessing the performance of both the technology and clinicians. That study demonstrated that there exists at least one set of measurable physiological parameters that can be used to separate objectively the normal from the abnormal. This opens the door for the design of automated triage systems for mechanical low back pain.