Republican Tom Rooney and Democrat Patrick Murphy, two Florida congressmen, are proposing legislation to make February National Spine Ability Month, according to Sunshine State News.
Here are five things to know:
1. Mr. Rooney said that spine impairment is a big issue in the United States, specifically among veterans.
2. He hopes an awareness month would result in better treatment of these spine injuries, so patients do not lose their quality of life.
3. Mr. Murphy hopes the awareness month will foster research that leads to a cure for spinal cord injuries.
4. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Burden of Disease Study exposed spinal disorders as the main culprit for disability, globally.
5. More than 14 million Americans suffer from spine disabilities.