Why is the spine so important to the nervous system?

As a chiropractor for humans and animals, I do work with their nervous systems and spines… so I started thinking, every one of us has a spine and everyone is aware that it helps us move, stand and so on. But animals also have a spine, so what exactly is its purpose if it does not keep us erect on two legs? How does it form? Why do the vertebrae and joints in your back look so different to any other bone or joint in the body?

Most creatures on this world (birds, fish, reptiles and mammals) have a skeleton and therefore also a spine. The job of all of our spines is pretty similar, although they can look very different from one species to another. Its main purpose is to protect and guard the spinal cord, which houses all of the nerves. It is basically an extension of the brain and therefore quite delicate and needs the protection.

If we think about this, what would be the best way to protect something very delicate like your spinal cord? A solid bone tube would seem to be best as nothing from the outside would be able to touch it. For a few reasons though, this does not work. For one, if it was a solid bone you would not have any mobility in your spine and back whatsoever. What do you think that would do to the way we move and go about our day?

Secondly, if your spine was a solid ‘bone tube’ there wouldn’t be any feedback that the nerves could relate back to the brain. What I mean by this is that without movement, especially at the spine, there is no change in tension of the nerves, muscles, nerve roots etc. that will then send signals through the spinal cord to the brain. The feedback from movement is the food for the brain, as it notices what happens and how things move.

In terms of evolution, the first thing to form after your initial bunch of cells is the nervous system, as it will have to be connected to all parts of your body. It coordinates everything and therefore nature makes sure the most important thing is developed first, then protected, and then the rest will form one after the other.

Stay tuned as I introduce you to each vertebra of the spine, the nerves it protects and its function in the body over the coming weeks in our Thoughtful Thursday emails.