Chordates are animals that share similar physical features, including a notochord. This fantastic body part allows the brain to talk to the rest of the body. In humans, the notochord is a very well-developed bundle of nerve axons called the spinal cord. To protect it, we (and other animals) evolved bony armor. This armor couldn’t just be one single piece of bone, otherwise, how would we move about freely? Thirty-three individual bones make up the spinal column, protecting the spinal cord, and keeping us upright yet flexible.
Brain Signals
Your brain is like a video game player, it controls the rest of your body from inside the skull through the spinal cord. This is why severing the cord at different spots leads to temporary or permanent paralysis of various body parts, including arms, legs, or both. Nerves run from the spinal cord to all the other extremities and relay messages of pain, temperature, and movement. Basically, you’re a meat marionette and your nerves are the strings that your brain pulls on!
Dear Sweet Back Pain
A healthy spine is like electricity, you don’t realize how big of a role it plays in your life until it’s gone. Whether you’re walking, sitting, running, or just standing up, your spine and the muscles surrounding it hold you up. Don’t believe us? Put your hands on your lower back and walk around. Notice how you can feel the muscles tense up and relax? Now, imagine if those muscles were strained, injured, or cramping. Imagine if the nerves controlling those muscles were damaged or pinched. Even simple things like standing up becomes an ordeal. The moral of the story? Take good care of your spine!
Why Does Everyone Love Yoga?
It seems like everyone talks about the benefits of yoga. Is it a marketing ploy or is there actually truth behind some of the claims? Turns out, this form of strength/flexibility training is recommended for people with back pain, especially lower back pain, by various studies from the National Institute of Health (NIH). So, whether you do it for the health benefits or for the fun outfits, keeping your spine limber means more time running around, traveling the world, and doing the things you like to do.
Who Needs A Spine?
Why does the spine necklace make such a good gift? Because everyone has one. Yes, even that figuratively spineless person has an actual spine. Whether you’re looking to send a subtle message or to celebrate someone’s life accomplishments, our spine collection is the way to go. This Christmas, send that orthopedic surgeon, scoliosis specialist, that physical therapist, or that starry-eyed pre-med student a spine to brighten up their holiday season.
written by Science with Evie
