MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Musculoskeletal disorders "those affecting the skeleton and its system of joints" disrupt the normal quality of life more frequently than any other type of disease. More than 20 million Americans must cope with limited activity, significant disability, or restricted movement due to orthopedic problems.

The human body contains 206 bones constituting about one-tenth of the total body weight. The bones' framework supports and protects many vital organs. For instance, the skull shields delicate brain tissue. The spinal column encases the spinal cord, the main pathway of nerves carrying messages between the body and the brain. The rib cage guards the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Bones in the pelvic area anchor the spine, encircle the bladder and, in women, protect the reproductive organs and the developing fetus. Many people mistakenly view their skeleton as a static and unchanging entity. In fact, the skeleton continually resculpts itself. Every day of your life, bone tissue cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts constantly create new bone and break down the old in a process called remodeling.