Muscular and Skeletal Disorders

Before we delve straight into the topic of muscle and skeletal system diseases, it is essential to gain some idea about the musculoskeletal system. Doing so, you will be able to grasp the concept easily and will be able to proceed with the same effortlessly.

On that note, let us find out more about the system mentioned above and some associated disorders below.

What is the Musculoskeletal System?

It is a system in a human body which comprises – bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, connective tissues, etc. In a broader sense, the muscles of a human body can be divided into three parts, namely – skeletal muscles, smooth muscles and cardiac muscles. 

Notably, both skeletal muscles and smooth parts are a part of this system. Together, the musculoskeletal system ensures these following functions –

• Facilitates movement

• Maintains posture

• Facilitates blood circulation

• Provides structure to the body

• Protects organs

Take a look at this image below to gain a better idea about the musculoskeletal system.

Though the muscle system and the skeletal system are two distinct systems, they are closely dependent on one another. 

Keeping that in mind, let us move straight to skeletal and muscular disorders.

Musculoskeletal System Diseases

Most muscular and skeletal system diseases occur due to excessive wear and tear of muscles and other skeletal components.  Also, both systems are susceptible to diseases and also react to the degradation of our everyday lifestyle.

These following pointers highlight some of the most common diseases of skeletal muscle disease and disorders. 

1. Muscular System Diseases

Here are some commonly found muscular system disorders -

• Sprain and Strain

These are among the most common muscular system disorders. Sprain often occurs due to ligament injury or twist of joints; however, in such cases there is no dislocation of the joint. On the other hand, when compared to sprain, a strain is relatively less painful. 

• Tetany

It is mostly recognised as the uncontrollable twitching of muscles and is often caused due to nutritional deficiencies, nervous system disorder or infections.  

• Muscular Dystrophy 

Typically, it is a genetic disorder which causes progressive deterioration of muscles and makes them weak. Over the years, it makes one lose the ability to move or make smooth gestures.

• Myasthenia Gravis

It is an autoimmune disease wherein antibodies affect one’s nerves and hamper the ability to generate muscular contractions. The muscles of the neck and face are said to be affected the most.

2. Skeletal Muscle Diseases

These are some common skeletal muscle disorders - 

• Arthritis 

It is most commonly found among the elderly and is mostly classified as a disease of joints. Typically, there are several types of arthritis like rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and infectious arthritis. Notably, the cause for each of arthritis tends to differ from the others.

• Osteoporosis

A low rate of mineral density in bones is often the cause of osteoporosis. It is one of those skeletal diseases and disorders which are more common in women than in men. It also makes them more prone to fractures. 

• Dislocation and Fracture

A break in a bone is termed as a fracture, whereas displacing a bone from its original position is dislocation. Usually, unnatural position and injury are among the major causes of fractures and dislocations. 

• Spondylitis

It is a group of disorders which tend to affect the spine and hamper the smooth functioning of skeletal muscle.  

• Osteomalacia and Rickets

Osteomalacia is caused due to vitamin D deficiency in adults, while rickets occurs because of the same in children. Also, the lack of adequate calcium and phosphorus in bones can lead to these diseases. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that almost 15% of the population in India suffers from arthritis?

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