Tissue-level behaviours underlying bulk spinal mechanics

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The spine is made up of three mechanical subsystems: 1) structural elements animated by 2) contractile tissues that are coordinated by 3) neurological control. Given this organization, back pain is considered to be a mechanical problem arising from tissue-level dysfunction of these mechanical subsystems. Unfortunately, the evaluation of spinal tissue behaviours relies heavily on traditional approaches designed for the arms and legs. When applied to the spine, these approaches can be problematic given the spine's smaller, more numerous, less mobile and deeper articulations. As a result of these challenges, our understanding of mechanical back pain remains limited while its related costs soar. In response, Dr. Kawchuk's research program had been designed to address these challenges through investigations designed to identify the key tissue-level behaviours which define overall spinal mechanics. This proposal describes the continuation of the program's most successful avenue (stiffness quantification of the structural subsystem) as well as growth in evaluating the contractile subsystem.