Your spine is one of the
most important parts of your body. It gives
your body structure and support and allows
you to move about freely and to bend with
flexibility. Without it you could not stand
up or keep yourself upright.
Your spine is also designed to protect your
spinal cord, a column of nerves that connects
your brain to the rest of your body, allowing
you to control your movements. Without a spinal
cord you could not move any part of your body,
and your organs could not function.
Your spine is made up of 24 small bones (vertebrae)
that are stacked on top of each other to create
the spinal column, and is divided into three
main sections, Cervical (neck), Thoracic (central)
and Lumbar (lower). These vertebrae are the
building blocks of the spinal column and are
designed to protect and support the spinal
cord.
Between each vertebra is a soft, gel-like
cushion called a disc that helps absorb pressure
and keeps the bones from rubbing against each
other.
Keeping your spine healthy is vital if you
want to live an active life.
