The human spine consist of 24 movable bones called vertebrae. The
spine. These openings are called intervertebral foramina. The disc
along with the posterior joints of each vertebrae are responsible for the
flexibility of the spine. Spinal misalignments called subluxations can cause changes in the function of the disc and posterior joints. These
changes can alter the shape of the disc and the intervertebral foramina
where the delicate spinal nerves exit. The result is irritation to the
spinal nerves that send and receive information between the body and
the brain. The areas listed below are directly or indirectly controlled
by the spinal nerves and may cause malfunction represented by the
following effects.
The Cervical spine consist of 7 vertebrae with spinal nerves traveling
to the face, ears, eyes, tongue, sinuses, eustation tubes, vocal cords,
pharynx, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, neck muscles and shoulders.
Possible effects of malfunction are: headaches, nervousness, insomnia,
colds, fatigue, allergies, sinus trouble, runny nose, earache, pain
around eyes, acne, pimples, throat conditions, stiff neck and upper arm
pain.
The Thoracic spine consist of 12 vertebrae with spinal nerves
traveling to many of the internal organs, the arms, wrist and hands.
Possible effects of malfunction are: asthma, cough, pain in lower arms
and hands, allergies & heartburn. Conditions affecting the following
organs: heart, lungs, gall bladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenals,
small intestines and lymph system.
The Lumbar spine consist of 5 vertebrae with spinal nerves traveling
to the abdomen, large intestines, appendix, sex organs, uterus, bladder,
prostate gland, legs, ankles, feet and muscles of the lower back.
Possible effects of malfunction are: constipation, colitis, diarrhea,
cramps, painful or irregular periods, bed wetting, painful knees,
backache, leg cramps, weakness in the legs.
The sacrum is the base where the spine rest, and is part of the pelvis.
Pelvic misalignment can cause changes along the entire spine.
Connected to the sacrum is the coccyx, commonly called the tailbone.
The spinal cord is covered by a thin membrane that attaches to the
coccyx. This membrane extends the entire length of the spinal cord
and continues to cover the brain. Changes that occur during pregnancy
or falls can alter the position of the coccyx, possibly changing the
tension on this membrane. Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic about the
symptoms listed and many other conditions that could be caused when
there are spinal misalignments.
Chiropractic care is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating,
self-healing organism. These important functions are controlled
by the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body. The skull protects
the delicate tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine protect the
vulnerable communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve roots. If
the nervous system is impaired, it can cause malfunction of the tissues and
organs throughout the body. Doctors call this the Vertebral Subluxation
Complex.
Chiropractors work by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy.
When under proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues, and
organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The
chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and help remove
interferences to your natural state of being healthy. A common interference
to the nervous system is the 24 moving bones of the spinal column. A loss of
normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function
of the nervous system. With improved spinal function there is often
improved nervous function. A Doctor of Chiropractic can help remove
interferences that may be impairing normal health. Since the primary focus
of your care is improved nervous system function, chiropractic can have a
positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of as "back"
problems.