Observations on the treatment of lateral curvature of the spine : pointing out the advantages to be gained by placing the body in a position to produce lateral flexion of the vertebral column, combined with the after application of firm mechanical support / by Edward F. Lonsdale.

  • Lonsdale, Edward F. (Edward Francis), -1857.
Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the treatment of lateral curvature of the spine : pointing out the advantages to be gained by placing the body in a position to produce lateral flexion of the vertebral column, combined with the after application of firm mechanical support / by Edward F. Lonsdale. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    71/144 (page 59)
    but in many cases, as stated before, will only tend to increase it, if the spine be not first of all brought out of its curved position ; a point which can be easily understood if the origin and the insertion of the muscles are considered, and the action they will have upon the ribs and spine, when these bones are thrown so much out of their relative position. I shall first explain the means by which the spine can be well and efficiently supported: afterwards, the means to be adopted by which the resistance of the ligaments can be most effectually overcome, at the same time that the bones are pressed in a direction the opposite to that in which they are displaced: finally, the advantages that are to be gained by the exercise of the muscles, and the position best adapted to increase their develop- ment, as well as to act upon the spine itself. The object of all mechanical means or spinal supports, is, or ought to be, to raise the weak and depressed side of the thorax, and to keep up gra- dual and continued pressure on the projecting or displaced parts; to combine mechanical pressure with mechanical support. The principle of their construction ought to combine strength, and effi- ciency of action, with simplicity and lightness, to avoid making the apparatus unnecessarily cumber-