The musculoskeletal system is responsible for structure, stability, and movement within the human body. It is comprised of skeletal bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other connective tissues that hold our bodies together. Without this system, we would be gelatinous-looking and unable to do all the things that make us human.
Musculoskeletal Biology 101
Overall, there are 206 bones in the human body. They are responsible for the following five primary functions:
1. Provide support for the entire body
2. Provide leverage and movement
3. Protect the organs
4. Produce blood cells
5. Store minerals and lipids (fats)
Additionally, the musculoskeletal system contains the following elements:
1. Joints – where two bones interconnect
2. Tendons – attach muscle to bone
3. Ligaments – connect bone to bone
4. Skeletal muscles – contract to pull tendons which in turn move skeletal bones; also responsible for maintaining posture, supporting soft tissue, and maintaining body temperature
5. Nerves – control the contraction of skeletal muscles
6. Cartilage – firm, flexible, gel-like connective tissues that protect bones, reduce friction and provide support to the musculoskeletal system
Chiropractic Care and the Musculoskeletal System
It goes without saying that this complex, intricate system with so many moving parts can easily be disrupted and thrown out of whack. Since the center of this system is your spine, chiropractic care often focuses on this. By righting problems with the spine, many other issues stemming from misalignments such as muscle strains and nerve pain can be corrected.
The term “chiropractic” comes from the Greek words cheir (hands) and praxis (practice), meaning it is a hands-on therapy. As such, your chiropractor focuses primarily on manipulating the spine in gentle but firm ways that can solve many musculoskeletal maladies.
In addition to treating your spine directly, your chiropractor may also suggest the following treatment options to enhance your recovery:
- Heat and ice
- Electrical stimulation
- Relaxation techniques
- Dietary supplements
- Exercises and stretches
- Other counseling for elements of your lifestyle that may be affecting your musculoskeletal health
Chiropractic care is truly about whole-body wellness. While it may just seem that the pain you’re experiencing is in your neck or back, it is from a cascade effect on the rest of your body. Ultimately, everything in your musculoskeletal system is connected in one way or another, so by treating the root of the pain, your chiropractor can free you from discomfort throughout your entire body.
If you are in the greater Redondo Beach area and would like to schedule an appointment with Kaden Chiropractic and Wellness Center, please give us a call today at (310) 251-0862. We love seeing new clients and helping them live a life free of pain!