We presume there is no need to tell you how essential your spine is. After all, it holds up your upper body, gives you flexibility to stand & bend, and most importantly protects your spinal cord that connects your brain to the rest of your body. The spine is made up for 24 bones (vertebrae) connected by facet joints that aid movement, surrounded by muscles that provide support, and interspersed with jelly like disks that serve as shock absorbers.