The human skeleton is the basic foundation of our body structure. It gives us our framework for shape and size and provides a portion of our locomotive system. Supported and driven by the muscular system, the bones and joints of the skeleton are the levers and axles from which our bodies move and bear weight. The mechanics of a properly functioning musculoskeletal system are based upon a very specific balance of the muscles in the front, back and left and right sides of the body.

The health of bones is affected by the amount of stress placed on them. Good muscle tone also helps stabilize joints. Bones and muscles lose their bulk when they are not used, so it is important to exercise in order to maintain the system's overall health. This is especially true for women, who have less bone density than men to begin with, and who are even more susceptible to bone loss in later life.

The development of a strong skeleton begins early in life and can be affected by several factors, including exercise, diet and hormones. Posture, physical and emotional stress, poor exercise, poor nutritional habits, caffeine consumption and a history of trauma can all contribute to musculoskeletal pain. Impairments to the musculoskeletal system occur at the cell and tissue level, the organ level and at the systems level. Musculoskeletal conditions affect not only an individual's general health and quality of life, but they also are responsible for a substantial portion of our national health care costs.