Human Musculoskeletal System

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Human Physiology

Maintaining the body’s musculoskeletal system and keeping it strong can be done through chiropractic and by managing general overall health. This system includes the:

• Bones
• Muscles
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Soft tissues

These all work together to support the body’s weight and allow for movement. Injuries, disease, and aging can cause stiffness, pain, and other issues with mobility, function that can lead to various conditions and/or disease.

The musculoskeletal system

The skeleton provides the framework for the muscles and other soft tissues. Working together, they support the body’s weight, help to maintain proper posture and the ability for movement. Various disorders and conditions can lead to problems with the musculoskeletal system. This includes:

• Aging
• Injuries
• Congenital anomalies (congenital disabilities)
• Disease
• All can cause pain and limit movement.

Focusing on overall health and maintaining it will keep the system in top form. This is done by:

• Eating a healthy balanced diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity/exercise
• Chiropractic support will take the body to optimal health levels.

How does the system work?

The nervous system is the body’s central command center. It controls voluntary muscle movements. Voluntary muscles are controlled intentionally. Large muscle groups are utilized to do activities like lifting a large object. Smaller groups are used for movements, like pressing a button. Movement/motion occurs when:

• The nervous system which includes the brain and nerves, transmits a signal to activate the skeletal/voluntary muscles.
• The muscle fibers contract/tense in response to the signal.
• When the muscle activates, it pulls on the tendon.
• Tendons attach muscles to bones.
• The tendon pulls the bone, generating movement.
• For the muscle to relax, the nervous system sends another signal.
• This signal triggers the muscle/s to relax/deactivate.
• The relaxed muscle releases tension
• The bone is moved to a resting position.

System Parts

The musculoskeletal system functions to help stand, sit, walk, run and move in general. The adult body has 206 bones and more than 600 muscles. These are connected by ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues. The parts of the system are:

Bones

Bones support the body, protect organs and tissues, store calcium, fat and produce blood cells.

• A bone’s outside shell encapsulates a spongy center.
• Bones provide structure and form to the body.
• They work with the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues to help with movement.

Cartilage

This is a type of connective tissue.

• Cartilage provides cushion to the bones inside the joints, along the spine, and ribcage.
• It is firm and rubbery.
• It protects bones from rubbing against each other.
• It is also found in the nose, ears, pelvis, and lungs.

Joints

Bones come together and form joints.

• Some have a large range of motion, for example, the ball-and-socket shoulder joint.
• Others, like the knee, allow bones to move back and forth but do not rotate.

Muscles

Every muscle is made of thousands of fibers.

• The muscles allow the body to move, sit upright, and remain still.
• Some muscles help with running, dancing, and lifting.
• Others are for writing, fastening something, talking, and swallowing.

Ligaments

• Ligaments are made of tough collagen fibers
• They connect the bones and provide stability to the joints.

Tendons

• Tendons connect the muscles to the bones.
• They are made of fibrous tissue and collagen
• They are tough but not as stretchable.

Conditions and disorders

Various conditions can cause problems with the musculoskeletal system. They can affect the way an individual moves. The most common causes of inflammation, pain, and mobility issues are:

Aging

• With the natural aging process, bones lose density.
• Less-dense bones can lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures/broken bones.
• As the body ages, muscles lose their mass, and cartilage starts to wear down.
• This can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
• After an injury, an individual might not heal as quickly.

Arthritis

Pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness are the result of arthritis.

• Older individuals are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. This is from the cartilage inside the joints breaking down. However, the condition can affect individuals of all ages.
• Other types of arthritis also cause pain and inflammation. This includes:
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Gout

Back problems

• Back pain and muscle spasms can result from muscle strains or injuries, for example, a herniated disc.
• Some conditions like spinal stenosis and scoliosis can cause structural problems in the back.
• This can lead to pain and limited mobility.

Cancer

• Different types of cancer affect the musculoskeletal system, for example, bone cancer.
• Tumors that grow in connective tissue known as sarcomas can cause pain and mobility problems.

Congenital abnormalities

Congenital abnormalities can affect the body’s structure, function, and appearance. For example, clubfoot is a common musculoskeletal condition that babies can be born with. It causes stiffness and reduces the range of motion.

Disease

A wide range of diseases can affect bones, muscles, and connective tissues functionality.

• For example, osteonecrosis causes the bones to deteriorate and the cells to die.
• Other disorders, like fibrous dysplasia and brittle bone disease, cause the bones to fracture/break easily.
• Conditions that affect the skeletal muscles are known as myopathies include types of muscular dystrophy.

Injuries

• All types of injuries can affect bones, muscles, cartilage, and connective tissues.
• Injuries can occur from repetitive overuse. Examples include:
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, Bursitis, and Tendinitis
• Sprains
• Muscle tears
• Broken bones
• Injuries to the tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues can lead to chronic conditions.

Maintaining musculoskeletal health

• Recommended ways of maintaining a healthy musculoskeletal system are to keep the bones and muscles healthy by getting:

Regular physical activity and exercise

• This includes weight-bearing exercises combined with cardiovascular activities. Strengthening the muscles will support the joints and protect/prevent damage.

Proper sleep

• This is so the bones and muscles can recover and rebuild.

Maintain a healthy weight

• Added weight places pressure on the bones and joints.
• This causes various health problems.
• If there is added weight, it is recommended to consult a health coach and nutritionist about a personalized weight-loss plan.
• They can help make healthy food choices that will make for strong bones and include anti-inflammation foods.

Quit tobacco use

• Smoking decreases blood flow in the body.
• The bones, muscles, and soft tissues need proper blood circulation to maintain health.

Regular chiropractic adjustments

• Adjustments will help maintain the body’s balance and alignment.
• This, along with recommended stretches and exercises, will take the body to optimal health.

Healthy Body Composition

Bodyweight Squat

This is one of the best strength exercises for building general functional low body strength. The muscle groups that get worked include the:

• Quadriceps
• Hamstrings
• Glutes
• Deep abdominals
• Hip abductors
• Hip rotators

Squats work almost every muscle in the legs. This also builds core strength to help with everyday movements like pushing, pulling, and lifting. There is no need to load added weight on the back to benefit from this exercise. Using the body’s weight is a perfect workout. This can be done with several variations once strength is built up. The objective is to focus on strict form for maximum effectiveness.

• The feet should be shoulder-width apart.
• Bend at the hips
• Don’t let the knees go past the toes.
• Lower the body until the thighs are parallel to the floor

References

American Chiropractic Association. Back Pain Facts and Statistics. Accessed 1/5/2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arthritis. Accessed 1/5/2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arthritis-Related Statistics. Accessed 1/5/2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomics. Accessed 1/5/2021.

Merck Manuals. Effects of Aging on the Musculoskeletal System. Accessed 1/5/2021.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Healthy Muscles Matter. Accessed 1/5/2021.