Dr David McGrath

Spine Physician

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

Equilibrium (1)

All structures have inertia and will NOT move unless there is an unbalanced force. Conversely we will CONTINUE to move until all unbalanced forces are resolved.

We are no different in this regard. We rearrange our structure until all components are at peace. An unhappy hip will continue to disrupt surrounding structures until it establishes equilibrium. Given our complexity and mega fauna status this fact is easily lost.

We are also highly connected through our nervous systems, which means that an unhappy hip can disturb beyond the immediate environment to components anywhere in the body. With respect to pain or other forms of nociception this is equivalent to stating that at least one component part is under the influence of unbalanced forces. The unbalanced forces are chemical and physical.

The driving phenomena behind all physiology is the TENDENCY to return to Equilibrium. It is possible that we never reach a state of total balance (continuous brain activity). This phenomena is known as homeostasis. We are always moving back towards equilibrium under an environment of continuous disturbance.

We have developed multiple strategies to help us remain stable. Examining these strategies is the purpose of this series of articles.

Here is a proposed list, following these definitions.

1. Disturbance Barriers= Resistance to Disturbance

2. Convergence=Same effect from more than one Disturbance

3. Divergence=More than one effect from one Disturbance

4. Internal Disturbance=Disturbance generated by unstable internal component

5. External Disturbance=Disturbance generated by external entity

6. In/Ex Convergence. (In replacing Ex=Volition, Ex replacing In=Reflection )

7. In/Ex Divergence. (In/Ex=? Ex/In= ?

8. In/In Convergence

9. In/In Divergence

10. Ex/Ex Convergence

11. Ex/Ex Divergence

(to be continued)