Dr David McGrath

Dr David McGrath

Dr David McGrath

Spine Physician

MB BS (Hons) FAFOM, RACP, FAFMM
Master of Pain Medicine


                                                    Stable Disorder
(stub of article)

This expression was coined by political scientists, to indicate a stable unsatisfactory situation. (dictatorship,non democratic structure etc)

The concept is very apt, when trying to understand, chronic pathological states.
The body is an equilibrium seeking structure.
In simple mathematical terms, we have

  A+B+C-D-E-F+G+F-H+J.......=0

If the system is under the influence of an excessive input, with A+
The system can respond, in a multitude of ways. B-.C-,E+,F+,......in any combination, as long as the equilibrium is re-established.

Under certain conditions, the adaptive response, may exceed, the capacity of the structure with,one of the variables B,C,D,E,....exceeding the physiological range. The end stop.

This is equivalent to, achieving an equilibrium, with one or more of the components, under perpetual stress. ie Stable Disorder.

Some examples, might be
1. Anterior logitudinal ligament of spine under perpetual stress, while in standing.
2. Insulin resistance, when fat cells can no longer adapt to rising glucose flux.
3. Depression ,when psyhic input, exceeds neurological responsiveness.

4. Painful muscles, exhausted, by nociceptive drive.


(to be continued)



©Copyright 2007 Dr David McGrath. All rights reserved