Know Your Spine

November 20, 2008 by DrLauren
Filed under Uncategorized

The human spine has 3 primary functions:

Support the body
Protect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
Movement of the trunk

We take our spinal columns for granted because we do not understand the importance of a fully functioning spine. Common belief is that everything is functioning as it should until pain occurs. In this instance, your spine and teeth are alike. It is accepted that brushing your teeth and having regular check-ups with the dentist is important to maintain proper hygiene of the mouth. If you neglect your teeth, cavities can occur. Cavities are not “painful” but they are not considered healthy and normal. If the cavities are ignored, pain can occur. This is usually a sign that the nerve is damaged and immediate care is needed.

The same is true for your spine. It is important to practice “spinal hygiene,” with regular check-ups and adjustments from a chiropractor to prevent problems. After pain occurs, the nerve becomes involved and more serious intervention may be needed. So PLEASE, make an appointment with our office for you and your family for a spinal check-up.

When your spine is not able to perform its three primary functions, problems can occur with the rest of your body. Like a fast-moving highway, your brain communicates with all the tissues of your body. The destination can be muscles, organs, or glands. When there is a “traffic jam” in your nervous system, the signals may not reach these tissues.

If you are experiencing pain in any area of your body, you should have it checked by a specialist. Below is an easy-to-follow chart linking your spinal column to other areas of your body. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to have us check your spinal health!

Your spinal column or “backbone” is made up of 24 vertebrae:

7 in your neck (CERVICAL SPINE)
12 in your midback (THORACIC SPINE)
5 in your low back (LUMBAR SPINE)

Your spinal cord is made up of billions of nerves. It is incredibly delicate, which is why it lies within the spinal column, protected on all sides by bone.

Nerves extend from the spinal cord through openings between your vertebrae and connect to your internal organs, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and other body parts. This connection is vital to your well-being.

Upper Neck, Upper Cervical Spine (C1-C2)

• C1 – Blood supply to Brain, Pituitary Gland, Inner and Middle Ear, Eyes, Sympathetic Nervous System (Lungs, Heart, Spleen, Kidney, Stomach, Liver, Large Intestines)

• C2 - Eye, Sinuses, Brain, Tongue, Nerves to Ear, Heart

Mid/Lower Neck, Cervical Spine (C3 – C7)

• C3 - Eye, Sinuses, Outer Ear, Teeth, Nerves to Face, Lungs, Diaphragm

• C4 - Eye, Sinuses, Nose, Mouth, Eustachian Tube, Lungs, Diaphragm

• C5 - Diaphragm, Neck Glands, Neck Muscles

• C6 - Parotid Gland, Thyroid, Tonsils, Neck and Shoulder Muscles

• C7 - Thyroid, Lungs, Bursa in Shoulders, Elbow Muscles

Mid Back, Thoracic Spine (T1 – T12)

• T1 - Lungs, Heart, Parotid Gland, Carotid Artery, Pulmonary Artery, Nerve Supply to Forearms, Wrists, Hands, and Fingers

• T2 - Lungs, Heart, Parotid Gland, Carotid Artery

• T3 - Lungs, Heart, Breast, Stomach, Pulmonary Artery, Carotid Artery

• T4 - Liver, Gallbladder