Difficulties in the finite element modeling of human spine are evaded by using a stiffness matrix element whose properties can be characterized from experimentally measured stiffness of functional spinal units. Relative easiness is in that inter-vertebral discs, ligaments, and soft tissues connecting vertebrae do not need to be modeled as they are. The remarkable coupling effect between distinct degrees of freedom induced by the geometric complexity can be accommodated without much effort. An idealized block model with simple geometry for vertebra is employed to assess the feasibility of this method. Analyses are performed in both levels of motion segment and spinal column, and the result is compared with that from detail model. As far as the global behavior of spine is concerned, the simplification is found not to aggravate inaccuracy only if sufficient experimental data is provided and interpreted properly.