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Musculoskeletal System

"...It has long been recognised that posture may reflect emotions both in man and animals, e.g. the hangdog look. Expressions such as "bowed down with worry" or "they are a stiff-necked lot" are self-explanatory, while "being puffed up" with pride or "thrusting your chest out" suggest overfilling of the chest as seen in some sergeants or hostesses unsure of their position. A great variety of facial expressions, hand movements, scratching, shrugging of the shoulders and crossing of legs are all accepted forms of non-verbal communication. However, maintained positions of the head, neck, shoulders and spine have received less attention although long-standing imbalance or insufficient muscular support may lead to backache, neckache, arm and leg pains..."

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The Dropped Shoulder Syndrome - Costoclavicular Compression

"...patients with this disorder tend to exploit themselves or allow themselves to be exploited by spouse or children, e.g. Mrs. J. W. who said: "I still do all my three daughters' washing for them." Therefore, insistence by the doctor that the patient should not be allowed to wash up, get the coal in, do the ironing or carry heavy shopping for at least 3 months is often therapeutic, as is making sure that the patient attends the physiotherapy department at least twice a week for shoulder elevating exercises. Unless this is done, the family does not take the sufferer's symptoms seriously! The most responsible member of the family, who is not necessarily the spouse, should be told this..."

Intervertebral Disc Disorders

"...Mrs. F. R. presented with intervertebral disc degeneration as a syndrome shift from RA. This woman had been in remission for several years and then returned with severe lower back pain for 12 months, made worse by lifting, ironing, etc. Her only remission had been for 2 weeks while on holiday in Italy, away from her typically provocative stress. X-ray examination showed several arthritic and degenerative intervertebral discs.

At a suitable point in interview she was asked if she was in any kind of emotional struggle or battle. "Yes, my son-in-law returned to his first wife a year ago, leaving my daughter with their two children aged three and five." She expressed feelings of hatred for her son-in-law and said that he was seldom out of her thoughts because when at home, she was reminded of it by her daughter and grandchildren's distress. She added that she would not trust herself not to kill him and that "if they got together again, I couldn't have him in the house." Her husband had been suicidal over it. The patient's symptoms lessened following two interviews during which she expressed her feelings freely, coupled with relaxation exercises..."