If you don’t know how the spine works. You don’t know what causes pain, knowing how the spine works Gives the information to prevent the spine is a flexible elongated S-shaped column kept upright by brain signals which maintain balance by continuously activating muscles attached to levers on the sides and rear of the 24 vertebrae. This is subconscious and only becomes apparent when the person is knocked off balance, such as slipping or stumbling when the appropriate side or rear muscles instantly pull down on the appropriate levers to restore balance.