Discord Between Approaches to Spinal and Extremity Disorders: Is It Logical?

Rapid advances in the basic, clinical, and behavioral sciences are molding developments in conservative management of musculoskeletal disorders. Curiously, there seems to be discord developing between approaches to the assessment and management of patients, depending on whether they present with an extremity or spinal disorder. This viewpoint will comment on examples of differences emerging in some current practices. The aim is not to present a scientific treatise about underpinning sciences and evidence-based practice or to comment on what is correct or incorrect. Rather, the aim is to stimulate thought on the seeming discord in clinical practice, with respect to both the clinical evaluation of, as well as management approaches to, extremity and spinal disorders. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(11):938-941. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0610.