Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

09:37
Evaluation of Respiratory Muscle Activation Using Respiratory Motor Control Assessment (RMCA) in Individuals with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: July 19, 2013
Classification of musculoskeletal spinal conditions*
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|January 1, 1979
Summary
This article classifies common musculoskeletal spinal conditions, focusing on muscle, joint, and nerve root issues. Accurate diagnosis through physical examination is crucial for effective physical therapy treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
- Spinal Health
Background:
- Musculoskeletal spinal conditions are prevalent in physical therapy settings.
- A clear classification system is needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and discuss a classification system for musculoskeletal spinal conditions.
- To emphasize the importance of evaluation and classification in physical therapy.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of spinal conditions into muscle, joint, and nerve root classifications.
- Detailed presentation of clinical findings including history, structural, mobility, neurological, and palpation exams.
- Inclusion of treatment suggestions to differentiate conditions.
Main Results:
- Provides a framework for understanding and differentiating various musculoskeletal spinal conditions.
- Highlights the clinical presentation of common conditions encountered in physical therapy.
- Emphasizes the progressive nature and interrelationship of certain spinal conditions.
Conclusions:
- Accurate classification of musculoskeletal spinal conditions is essential before initiating treatment.
- Physical therapists can utilize this classification to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy.
- Understanding the interrelationships between conditions aids in comprehensive patient management.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
Functional Classification of Joints
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
Classification of Bones
The bones of the human skeletal system are of varied shapes, sizes, and functions. They can be classified based on their shape and function into four major classes: long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones. Some classifications include a fifth type, the sesamoid bones, as a separate class, whereas others categorize them under short bones.
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
Muscles of the Vertebral Column
The back muscles that lie deep into the thoracolumbar fascia are called intrinsic or true back muscles. These muscles are divided into four layers: superficial, intermediate, deep, and deepest layers.
Superficial Layer:
The superficial layer consists primarily of the splenius muscles, which include the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis. These muscles are mainly responsible for the head and cervical spine movements, including extension, rotation, and lateral bending. The splenius capitis...
Superficial Layer:
The superficial layer consists primarily of the splenius muscles, which include the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis. These muscles are mainly responsible for the head and cervical spine movements, including extension, rotation, and lateral bending. The splenius capitis...
Naming Skeletal Muscles
The naming of the approximately 700 muscles in the human body is based on a set of criteria designed to provide descriptive information about each muscle, making it easier to identify and remember them.
The key factors used in naming muscles include:
The key factors used in naming muscles include: