Functional Dysfunction versus Anatomical Pathology

In discussing what DC’s do, I sometimes find it valuable to spend a short amount of time discussing the difference between an “anatomical problem”, fracture for example, and a “functional problem” such as, say, loss of mobility.

If I am driving my vehicle and hit a pothole, and my vehicle starts pulling to the left, I have a problem. So I take my vehicle to the orthopedic center where the orthopedic surgeon does an exam, gets an MRI and finds out I have a broken strut. The orthopedist welds the strut back together, fixes the problem and my vehicle drives straight and true again. THAT’s an anatomical problem. As a DC I look for anatomical problems like ruptured discs or fractures and, if necessary, will make the appropriate referral for most effective recovery.

The next guy is driving his vehicle and hits the same pothole. His vehicle is pulling to the left also. So, he takes his vehicle to the orthopedic center where the orthopedist does an exam, orders an MRI and finds no broken strut. He is told, “Nothing is wrong with your vehicle.”

In frustration he goes to the front-end alignment center and they do an exam and say your front end is out of alignment. They adjust it to work right and down the road you go. THAT’s a functional problem. Functional problems are what I, as a chiropractor, really am good at finding and managing.

-Dr. Senyi Ly, D.C. (adapted from Dr. John Van Tassel, D.C.)