The spinal column is the single most important part of the skeletal system to maintain and keep healthy for a long, pain-free life.

There are three main section to the spine:
1. Cervical -The seven vertebrae of the neck.
2. Thoracic -Twelve chest vertebrae supporting the ribcage.
3. Lumbar -Five vertebrae of the lower back.

Pelvis and Sacrum -There are also five bones fused together to form the Sacrum, as well as three to five bones that form the coccyx or tailbone.

There are five movements of the human spine:
1. Flexion -The most natural kind of movement is the curling forward that our spine performs in the womb. In everyday life, people flex their spines to tie their shoes. Yoga students replicate this curve in poses such as Child's pose and Forward folding.
2. Extension -Upward stretching, making the spine long, such as reaching high above your head for something in a cupboard. Yogis exaggerate the movement of extension to back-bends such as Cobra and Camel pose.
3. Axial Rotation -When you turn around in the car seat to reach something behind you, your spine is doing an axial rotation. In yoga class, this is simply referred to as "twisting", the Spinal twist posture.
4/5. Lateral Flexion -This is a side-to-side bend such as leaning to the side to pick up a suitcase. There is right lateral flexion and left lateral flexion. Yoga students practice lateral flexion in poses such as Half-moon.

Some of the best postures for spine health are Cobra, Locust, Full locust, Floor bow, Standing bow, and Spinal twist.