Rheumatoid Arthritis

is an autoimmune disease of the joints that affects more than 1

million Americans, as reported by the National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. It's classified as an
autoimmune disease because it's caused by the cells of the
body's immune system attacking the cells that line the joints,
known as the synovial cells. This influx of immune cells in the
joints results in inflammation that can lead to pain, stiffness and a
loss of function.
Musclular Dystrophy
is a group of genetic diseases. This means they're caused by
defective genes that are passed from parent to child. MD is
characterized by progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles,
which are the muscles that control movement. The Muscular
Dystrophy Association reports that there are nine major muscular
dystrophy diseases that differ in how they are inherited, the age
of onset, the severity, the muscles most affected and the rate of
progression of the disease.

Osteoporosis
is a common disease of the bones. The National Osteoporosis
Foundation says that approximately 10 million Americans have
the disease, with at least three times more Americans at risk of
developing it. Osteoporosis is the deterioration of bone tissue
over time that results in a loss of bone mass, making bones
susceptible to fracture. Osteoporosis is often referred to as a
silent disease because there are no signs or symptoms until a
bone fracture occurs. Medications help slow the loss of bone and
even rebuild bone tissue.

Spondylitis
is the name for a group of diseases that primarily affect the spine,
causing inflammation in the spine that can result in chronic pain
and debilitation. The most common disease in this group is
Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune disease. Cells in the
immune system cause the inflammation in the spine and the
joints between the vertebrae. Symptoms of AS can range from
mild back pain and discomfort to severe chronic pain. As the
disease progresses, the chronic inflammation can cause new bone
formation. This can result in the spine becoming fused, inhibiting
movement. There is no cure for AS, but new biological
medications can help slow the progression of the disease.

The muscular and skeletal system of the body consists of the

bones, along with the muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons,
cartilage and connective tissues. The main function of the
musculoskeletal system is to provide the body with support.
Without bones, the body would be a heap of tissue, flexibility and
movement. With 206 bones and over 600 muscles in the human
body, there are numerous diseases that can affect these areas
and result in pain, inhibition of movement and even debilitation.