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Children's bodies are not just miniature versions of adults' bodies. This generalization applies just as much to the musculoskeletal system. Children's muscles and bones are not only smaller than adults', but they are growing and developing rapidly. On the other hand, adults' bones are undergoing degenerative, or declining, processes. Children's musculoskeletal systems behave differently from those of adults and have distinct needs. This distinction is good news when children's bones are damaged, as a developing musculoskeletal system has a greater degree of reparability than a degenerating one.
Childhood is an important time to introduce healthy eating and exercise habits that yield immediate and lifelong benefits. Some of the musculoskeletal conditions prevalent in adults, such as chronic back problems, arthritis, and osteoporosis, can be prevented through healthy habits earlier in life. You may be a parent or grandparent, a professional who works with children, or a young adult. Wellness Professionals can be your partner in ensuring joint health, not only for you but also for the children in your life.
Children and the Musculoskeletal System
A healthy musculoskeletal system supports all aspects of a child's growth and development. General pediatricians, as well as pediatric specialists in orthopedics and rheumatology, manage the musculoskeletal needs of children differently from those of adults. Parents and other caregivers should learn how to support their children's musculoskeletal systems and minimize the risk of injury.
Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions affect thousands of children and adolescents each year. For children under the age of 19, abnormal musculoskeletal conditions are the cause of over half a million hospitalizations and over 10 million physician visits annually. These conditions require medical attention, pose a financial burden on families and the health care system, undermine children's development and happiness, and place physical and emotional burdens on the patients and their families.
There is a broad range of musculoskeletal diseases specific to children. They can be characterized as congenital diseases, infections, developmental conditions, neuromuscular conditions, or tumors. Examples of congenital conditions include hip dysplasia, clubfoot, and rheumatoid arthritis. Infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, and they result in conditions such as osteomyelitis, an infection of the spine. Developmental conditions include scoliosis. Examples of neuromuscular diseases are spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. Tumors, such as bone cysts and osteosarcoma, may emerge in bones and muscles. Causes of musculoskeletal injuries in children include motor vehicle accidents; falls in the playground, home, or playing field; and various types of stresses on the bones, muscles, and joints.
Today's children have different demands on their musculoskeletal systems than children of previous generations. Children today are generally taller, heavier, and less fit. Girls experience puberty at an increasingly earlier age, and this places them at increased risk for musculoskeletal pains and disorders. New technologies in leisure, home, and educational settings, including computers and other electronic devices, provide new opportunities for children but also pose new risks to their musculoskeletal systems.
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