The axial skeleton consists of all the bones in the central part of your body.
There are 80 bones in the axial skeleton.
They help transfer vibrations from your eardrum to your inner ear and are the smallest bones in your body.
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It helps you breathe, move your tongue, and swallow.
This bone is mobile, meaning it “floats” in place.
Some of these conditions can develop over time as the bones in your axial skeleton wear down.
Others are due to trauma or infection.
Trauma and Fractures
Fractures of the axial skeleton can happen due to traumatic injury.
Older people are more susceptible to fracture because of loss of bone density and increased susceptibility to falls.
Radiculopathy
This condition is because of irritation of a spinal nerve root.
It tends to cause pain that originates in the axial skeleton and extends to an extremity.
Spinal Arthritis
Spinal arthritis can occur because of wear and tear in the bones of the back.
It can also be triggered by an autoimmune condition, injury, or infection.
It is more common in the lower back, though it can occur anywhere on the spine.
People with spinal arthritis have pain and stiffness in the back.
In rare cases, surgery may be needed.
Osteoporosis
People with osteoporosis have bone loss that causes their bones to become brittle and easily broken.
Osteoporosis can cause back pain if the vertebra fractures or collapses.
People with this condition also walk with a stooped posture and may lose height over time.
It is resulting from excessive breakdown of old bone and regrowth of new bone.
In the axial skeleton, it is most common in the skull and spine.
Paget’s disease is uncommon in younger people and the risk of developing it increases as you age.
The condition is usually treated with bisphosphonates, medications that help strengthen your bones.
Less commonly, a tumor can begin in the spine.
Vertebra tumors may be treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medications.
There are a total of 80 bones in the axial skeleton.
It is also possible to develop tumors and infections in the bones of the axial skeleton.
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