Evaluating the Skeletal System's Effect on Other Bodily Systems

• 1). Evaluate whether the skeletal system is causing muscular issues. Since bones attach to muscles and serve as a lever system for movement, these two systems are very much connected. Bone diseases and disorders contribute to muscular dysfunction. Someone with scoliosis (S curve in the spine) may suffer from muscular imbalances. These can lead to pain and abnormal function. Bone spurs can develop which change how you move and affect range of motion. Without proper range, your muscles cannot perform optimally.
  
  Get a physical examination to check for osteoporosis (bone deterioration), scoliosis, arthritis, fractures, torn ligaments (support and stabilize joints) or degenerative joint disease for example. Get an x-ray of affected areas to determine if bone structure could be causing tight or weak muscles and associated imbalances.
  
  
• 2). Find out if the skeletal system is affecting nerve function. Your spinal cord is housed inside your spine's vertebrae, which are part of the skeletal system. Vertebral or disk problems affect nerve function. Injuries or misplaced ribs can pinch nerves and interrupt normal nerve function. In rare cases, individuals have a seventh cervical rib that can disrupt nervous system function, according to the "Journal of Neuroscience Nursing." A condition such as spinal cancer can masquerade as a nervous system disorder, according to the authors of the book "Atlas of the Human Body." Go to a neurologist and have a thorough evaluation of nerve symptoms to determine if skeletal misalignment issues could be contributing to or causing nervous system problems.
  
  
• 3). Evaluate whether bone density is being affected by a calcium deficiency. Bone is made up of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The "blasts" build bone while the "clasts" destroy it. Osteoclasts are also involved in calcium regulation by seeking out calcium. If you do not have enough calcium in your bloodstream, parathyroid hormone is released. This is the signal for the osteoclasts to steal some calcium from existing bone tissue and put it back into the bloodstream for the nerves and muscles to use. Check for a calcium deficiency or calcium absorption issue by seeing a medical professional.
  
  
• 4). Check how your skeletal system could be affecting your respiratory system. Anyone who has ever had a misplaced or injured rib understands how the skeletal system can impact your respiratory system. Rib issues can make it more difficult to inhale and exhale without pain. If you suspect that you have an injured rib, go to your physician for a thorough examination.
  
  
• 5). Understand how your bones are affected by the immune system. In response to a broken bone the immune system triggers inflammation. This inflammation is involved in healing the fracture. Yet, an out-of-control immune system response, such as occurs in rheumatoid arthritis, can damage joints. Also, a study conducted at UCLA provides information about the relationship between osteoporosis, cholesterol and the immune system. T-cells, which are part of the immune system response, could cause bone deterioration.