College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What type of spine curvature would disappear upon spinal forward flexion?

1. Structural

2. Functional

3. S- curve

4. Kyphotic

The correct answer is: Functional

The reasoning behind identifying functional curvature as the correct type of spinal curvature that disappears upon spinal forward flexion lies in the nature of functional curvatures. These curvatures are typically caused by temporary factors, such as muscle imbalances or postural adaptations, that can be altered or corrected with movement. When a person engages in forward flexion, the mechanical changes in the spine can lead to a temporary straightening effect, thus causing the functional curvature to disappear. In contrast, structural curvatures are attributable to fixed anatomical changes in the spine, often due to conditions such as scoliosis. These types of curvatures would remain, even when the spine is in a flexed position, as the underlying structural changes are permanent and do not respond to movement. The S-curve and kyphotic curves also represent specific patterns of spinal curvature that may not exhibit the same flexibility to movement as functional curves do. While these conditions may change somewhat with posture, they are not characterized by the temporary nature that is definitive of a functional curvature. Therefore, the identification of functional curvature as the type that disappears upon forward flexion accurately captures the characteristics of spinal dynamics and adaptability during movement.