Rudimentary models existed as early as the beginning of the 19th century, they were not very accurate at that time but some basic principles where already recognised. Later, aircraft engineers began the work of defining a healthy spine in the 1950’s. They were spurned by the question of why some pilots would sustain spinal injuries when they were ejected from a plane and why some would not. The answer they found was lying in the shape of the spine. The models they produced were better but still not very accurate either.

In 1979 Dr Donald Harrison proposed his first model, looking back we can see that although he got closer to an ideal spine than his predecessors, he still had a lot of work to do.

Since this early work of defining the four basic curves of the spine Dr Donald Harrison continued exploring his interest in this area. His passion rubbed off on his son, and the current “state of the art” model for the spine was defined largely by the work of his son Dr Deed Harrison (see photo on page 1). It took them both approximately 30 years to arrive at the model we have today.

X-Rays, What Do They Mean and How Are They Analysed

We utilise a high resolution digital imaging X-Ray system at the centre. It is the most advanced X-Ray capture system of its kind. It allows us to view your internal anatomy in incredible detail that is not possible with ordinary X-Rays, and it also allows us to reduce our use of radiation at the same time. Once we’ve taken your X-Ray we digitise it with PostureRay® software.

PostureRay® will calculate your individual morphology (shape), see what is currently happening with your spine and also project an ideal shape for you onto your X-Ray. The algorithms are based on the shape considered to be the healthiest shape in the scientific literature.You will literally be able to see what your spine does look like and what it ought to look like if you were perfectly healthy.