The coordinated and functional efforts of the musculoskeletal system are rarely considered by most to be anything but effortless. However without the concerted efforts of bones, muscles, and joints, movement would not occur.
Functions of Bones
Besides providing a site for muscle attachment for movement, bones have other important functions:
- Provides protection for internal organs.
- The bones of the lower limbs provide support for the upper body.
- The bone marrow of long bones produces red blood cells.
- Bones provide a storage site for minerals.
- Provides pH balance by buffering blood against excessive acid-base changes.
Strength
Many bones are composed of very dense connective tissue the strength of which is evident in its usage. Tendons for example, connect muscles to bones, while ligaments connect the moveable bones of joints. Without the strength of connective tissue, the enormous tasks placed on joints would be impossible to complete, with frequent, debilitating, injuries.
Joints
Joints are junctions where two or more bones meet. The muscles attached to these bones allow for movement through the joint's full range of motion. Below is a list of some of the many joints located throughout the body:
- neck
- elbow
- wrist
- fingers
- knee
- hip
- ankle
- toes
Surrounding joints is a lubricating fluid that provides a smooth gliding surface for the bones to move over. Many conditions can adversely alter the fluid compartment like, inflammatory conditions, degenerative diseases, and joint disorders.
Muscles
Muscles may provide the power for movement but without bones to attach to, movement would not occur, which is why the two systems are often combined into one.
Nevertheless, it is important to know that the muscles provide the contractile function of all the organs in the body. For example in the mouth, the tongue, which is a muscle, serves two purposes:
- It moves the food around the mouth and with the moisture from the salivary glands helps to form a bolus.
- It takes the bolus of food and propels it back into the throat to be swallowed.
Muscles compose all of the internal organs of the body. The muscle act like a rubber band, new ones are firm, elastic, and spring back into shape easily. However just like an old rubber band, an overused, poorly cared for or aging muscle can lose its elasticity.
For example, the uterus is a muscular organ with tremendous elasticity. In its non-pregnant state, the uterus is approximately the size of a grapefruit. Conversely, during the final stages of pregnancy it expands to the size of a watermelon. During the six-week post-partum period, it will reduce back down to resemble closely, its original size and shape.
Musculoskeletal issues
Musculoskeletal issues are common and range from the minor aches and pains to more serious immobility and autoimmune disorders. Demineralization of bone tissue is one of the most common issues plaguing bones today.
Demineralization results in the loss of bone density and strength leading to greater risk of fractures (bone breakage) and diseases.
Fractures
Fractures are usually caused by a sudden injury, diseased bone, or bone fatigue. There are many different types of fractures ranging from a simple break to life-threatening and mobility issues:
- Greenstick
- Hairline
- Closed or Simple
- Open or Compound
- Comminuted
- Impacted
- Oblique
- Segmented
- Spiral
- Transverse
Fractures are usually treated with a simple splint, immobilization of the area, and weeks to heal. However, more serious and complicated fractures usually lead to immediate surgical repair and lengthy convalescence.
Dislocation vs. Fracture
A dislocation is not a fracture but a displacement of the bone from its joint position. Follow up diagnostic procedures usually confirm a simple x-ray to confirm a diagnosis as the pain and initial assessment of a dislocation can often mimic a fracture.
Soft Tissue Injury
Other issues pertaining to this system include soft tissue injuries (contusions, lacerations, and hematomas).
Tendons and ligaments can also be damaged during injury and are diagnosed as either a sprain or strain. The initial symptoms are so similar that many easily confuse them:
- Sprain: involves ligaments that have been dislocated.
- Strain: involves tendons that have been overstretched or torn.
In conclusion, the musculoskeletal system although technically are two distinct body systems are often grouped together because of their inter-relationship. A problem with one will usually impede it counterpart. Never try to diagnose an injury as many of the initial symptoms mimic other problems that need very different treatment.
Linda Mundorff - Dr. Linda Mundorff, MPH,MSN,ND,RN,CNC,CTN Retired. Registered Nurse/Board Certified Traditional Naturopath bridges2hlth@aol.com
