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What is the meaning of musculoskeletal? What is the musculoskeletal system?

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Question: What is the meaning of musculoskeletal? What is the musculoskeletal system?

In reading about arthritis, the term musculoskeletal frequently appears.

  • What is the meaning of musculoskeletal?
  • What is the musculoskeletal system?
  • What type of specialist treats musculoskeletal disorders?

    • Answer:

    What is the meaning of musculoskeletal? What is the musculoskeletal system?

    Musculoskeletal is a general term which is defined as relating to muscles and the skeleton. Thus, the musculoskeletal system involves the:

  • muscles
  • bones
  • joints (the place of union between two or more bones)
  • bursa (fluid sac between the muscles and bones that forms in areas of friction)
  • ligaments (a fibrous band of tissue connecting bones)
  • tendons (a fibrous band of tissue connecting muscle with bone)

  • Biology of the musculoskeletal system

    • What type of specialist treats musculoskeletal disorders?

    Rheumatologists and orthopaedics are doctors who specialize in these disorders.

  • Rheumatologists diagnose and treat conditions such as arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis by prescribing rest, physical therapy and medications which may include corticosteroid injections.

  • Orthopaedics do the same but will perform surgery if a patient is not responding to conservative treatment.

    • Related Resources - Musculoskeletal System - Musculoskeletal Disorders

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  • Rheumatism, Rheumatic Disease, and Arthritis: Are They All the Same?

    • Answer provided by Scott J. Zashin, M.D., clinical assistant professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Division of Rheumatology, in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Zashin is also an attending physician at Presbyterian Hospitals of Dallas and Plano. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology and a member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Zashin is author of Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle Of TNF Blockers. The book is a must-have for anyone on one of the biologic drugs (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira) or considering the biologic drugs. Read my review of the book.

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