How to Self-Check the Musculoskeletal System

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By Genevieve Cunningham

Everyone has heard of the many different kinds of "health." Physical health. Mental health. Emotional health. And we can even break it down further than that: muscular health, brain health, dental health. But here’s one you may not have heard of before: musculoskeletal health. What a mouthful, right?

The truth is that this kind of health is highly important and often overlooked. But what is it? Why is it important? And how do we maintain musculoskeletal health long-term?

The doctors at The Joint Chiropractic want you to be informed and be healthy, so let’s take a look at how you can monitor your musculoskeletal health.

What is the Musculoskeletal System?

The Musculoskeletal system involves the performance of the muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues. It’s how these parts of the body function and work together to allow us to stand upright and move. Without the musculoskeletal system, we wouldn’t have structure, movement of any kind, or any quality of life.

It’s estimated that more than one billion worldwide suffer from some sort of musculoskeletal condition. These conditions are the leading cause of disability, and cause a significant decline in quality of life for many people. The prevalence of these conditions alone, much less the impact on quality of life, is enough to prove that this part of our health deserves respect and attention.

Common Signs of Musculoskeletal Issues and What They Mean

When the musculoskeletal system is unhealthy, we may become aware through certain signs and symptoms in the body. Each condition comes with different symptoms, but there are usually some tell-tale problems commonly attached to musculoskeletal disorders.

• General aches and pains - Pain related to musculoskeletal issues are usually felt in the bones and joints, although it can be felt in various places around the body.
• Fatigue - It’s not uncommon for any kind of issue with health to cause fatigue, and this kind of issue is no exception. Unexplained fatigue along with some of these other symptoms, may signal a musculoskeletal problem.
• Pain that gets worse with movement - Sometimes, we may notice only a slight pain, but it worsens greatly with movement. This is another common sign of an issue.
• Sleep problems - Another slightly vague symptom, sleep problems can be indicative of many problems, musculoskeletal among them.
• Burning sensation - Many times, a person won’t be experiencing outright pain, but rather a burning sensation that can be felt in the muscles. This is a sure sign that you should see a professional for help.

If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a problem, but it probably means that you should get it checked out. A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough examination and help determine the cause and potential treatment of your issues. What issues might be present? There are many musculoskeletal problems, but some of the most common include:

• Arthritis - Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis. All of these are forms of arthritis, a common condition of the musculoskeletal system that causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
• Tendonitis - This is inflammation of a tendon and causes pain in the area where the tendon is inflamed. Common locations to feel the pain include the elbow, shoulder, and knee.
• Bone breaks and fractures - Bone Breaks and fractures are incredibly common. As we get older and the bones lose density, this risk becomes greater.
• Fibromyalgia - This is a condition that isn’t well understood. It involves pain and tenderness all over the body without a noticeable cause. Cases of fibromyalgia are on the rise.

There are more than 150 conditions of the musculoskeletal system. This list isn’t at all extensive. But it gives us a glimpse into the world of musculoskeletal health, and the numerous ways in which it can affect our lives. Chiropractors are the doctors who specialize in the musculoskeletal system.

What Tests Can I Do to Check My Musculoskeletal Health?

One of the best ways to maintain good musculoskeletal health is to get professional care, which can be done through your general practitioner or a local chiropractor. But if you're not ready to head to a professional just yet, there are checks you can do to assess musculoskeletal health in the comfort of your own home.

• Posture check - A posture self-check is very simple. Stand in front of the mirror and look for any obvious signs of poor posture. Is one shoulder higher than the other when looking straight on? Are the shoulders rounded in profile? Take note of obvious signs of poor posture.
• Spinal range of motion - Stand up and gently rotate the neck. Roll it forward, and then slowly to one side, then back, and then the other side. You’ll move it in a gentle circle. Is there any obvious tension or restriction? The spine and neck should move freely. Resistance may warrant a trip to a professional.
• Shoulder check - Raise your hands above your head, and then pull them behind your back. Any resistance or pain may indicate a problem.
• Hip check - Sitting on the edge of a chair or couch, cross one ankle over the opposite knee. Then, press downward on the knee to assess the flexibility of the hip. Switch knees. In an ideal health situation, both knees will have similar flexibility.
• Balance test - Stand on one leg at a time for approximately 30 seconds. Are you able to do it? Do you wobble or struggle to stay upright?
• Strength test - To test the strength of the core muscles, lie on your back and lift your legs off the floor, holding them for a few seconds before lowering them again. If this is a struggle, your core may be weak. You can perform simple exercises like push-ups and squats to assess overall body strength. Can you complete these exercises? Is one side stronger than the other? Take note and then take any concerns to a professional.

How Important is Chiropractic Care to the Musculoskeletal System?

When it comes to the joints and bones and the manner in which the body is connected, and functions, a chiropractor is one of your best resources. The focus of chiropractic care is, in fact, the musculoskeletal system, most importantly the spine.

Initial diagnosis may be done by your chiropractor or general practitioner. This may be accomplished through a series of imaging tests and blood tests. Once a diagnosis is complete, a chiropractor may be able to form a treatment plan. Depending on your specific issues, this plan may include regular chiropractic adjustments with the goal of reducing your pain, improving your posture, and expanding your range of motion.

Musculoskeletal health affects everything about your body, overall health, and quality of life. It affects how we feel, our physical activity, and our ability to enjoy life. Should we really be ignorant of this kind of health? Probably not! Get informed, get proactive, and keep your bones, joints, and muscles in their best health yet.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.