In the human body, the skeletal system provides a strong framework upon which muscles, tissues and organs attach. This structure consisting of the 206 bones of the human skeleton protects the internal organs and allows the body to move around freely. Unfortunately, like any other body system, diseases can plague and affect the skeletal system.
The common skeletal system diseases
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition. It affects the joints of the body such as the knee joint and portions of the spinal column. In general, typical symptoms of this skeletal system disease include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness accompanied by a reduction in the ability to freely move the joint. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms of this disease.
2. Bone cancer
Bone cancer is a skeletal system disease that originates within a bone of the body causing the bones to weaken. Individuals with bone cancer commonly experience fatigue, bone pain and frequent bone fractures. Statistically speaking, although just about any bone in the human body can be affected by cancer, this skeletal system disease most frequently occurs in the longer bones such as those in the legs and arms.
3. Leukemia
Leukemia is also a form of cancer but this skeletal system disease originates in the bone marrow and affects the lymphatic system resulting in the formation of abnormal white blood cells. When it comes to leukemia, there are basically 4 major types of leukemia: acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia.
4. Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a disease that leads to the softening and weakening of the bone tissue in the human body. This disease, also called rickets, is typically caused by prolonged vitamin D deficiency and is very common in children in certain countries of the world.
5. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a skeletal system disease in which bones become brittle and weak due to extensive loss of bone tissue. Though researchers poorly understand the cause of osteoporosis, increasingly scientists are attributing this condition with the bone remodeling process that occurs in healthy individuals.
6. Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a genetic birth defect that effects the development of the spinal cord. When present, this defect is typically detected and treated before a baby is born. Unfortunately, babies that are not treated before birth may be born with excess fluid in or around the brain.