How many vertebrae in the spinal column can move independently?

The spinal column typically consists of 33 vertebrae in total, but not all of them are independently movable due to the segmentation and fusion of certain vertebrae. Among these, the 24 movable vertebrae are classified into several sections: 7 cervical vertebrae in the neck, 12 thoracic vertebrae in the upper and mid-back, and 5 lumbar vertebrae in the lower back.

These 24 vertebrae allow for a variety of movements such as flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending, which are crucial for maintaining balance and mobility. The remaining vertebrae are fused into the sacrum and the coccyx, which do not permit independent movement.

Understanding the independent movement of these vertebrae is essential for corrective exercise practices, as it highlights the importance of maintaining spinal health and flexibility in clients to prevent injury and promote functional movement.