Your spine is an important bone structure that supports your body and helps you walk, twist and move. Your spine is made up of vertebrae (bones), disks, joints, soft tissues, nerves and your spinal cord. 

Your spine has several important functions, including:

• Giving your body structure (shape).
• Supporting your body (posture).
• Protecting your spinal cord (nerves that connect your brain to the rest of your body).
• Allowing you to be flexible and move.

Symptoms of spine conditions

The most common symptom of spine conditions is back pain or neck pain. 

Other signs and symptoms of spine conditions include:

• Muscle spasms.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Weakness or numbness in your limbs (arms and legs).
• Paralysis.