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Spine Education

Learn About The Spine

The spine is a complex structure, divided into five main sections, each playing a crucial role in the body’s overall function and well-being:

  • Cervical (Neck) 
  • Thoracic (Upper Back)
  • Lumbar (Lower Back)
  • Sacrum (Base of the Spine)
  • Coccyx (Tailbone)

Each section consists of individual vertebrae that stack along the backbone. Misalignments in these vertebrae can lead to symptoms elsewhere in the body. These symptoms can vary widely—some might be intense and immediate, while others are so subtle you might not notice them at all.

Maintaining spinal health is vital not just for back health but for the entire body. Proper spinal alignment supports overall physical function and can prevent a range of health issues.

Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacrum
Coccyx
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CERVICAL

Nerve roots in the cervical vertebrae affect these parts of the body:

C1 – pituitary gland, scalp, brain, ears, eyes
C2 – head, eyes, tongue, ears, heart
C3 – face, neck, ears, shoulders, diaphragm
C4 – face, neck, chest, diaphragm
C5 – neck, vocal cords, shoulders, upper arms, diaphragm
C6 – shoulders, arms, tonsils
C7 – shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands

Possible Symptoms & Conditions:

  • Headaches, Migraines
  • Dizziness
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Fatigue
  • Stiff Neck
  • Pain / Numbness / Tingling / Stiffness – fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, arm, shoulder, chest
  • Heart Conditions
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Nervousness

THORACIC

Nerve roots in the thoracic vertebrae affect these parts of the body:

T1 – head, neck, heart, thyroid, esophagus, trachea, hands, elbows
T2 – head, neck, heart, lungs, upper arms
T3 – head, neck, heart, lungs, chest, upper arms
T4 – head, neck, heart, lungs, gallbladder, upper arms
T5 – head, neck, heart, liver, esophagus, blood circulation, upper arms
T6 – esophagus, stomach, spleen, pancreas, duodenum, mid-back
T7 – stomach, spleen, pancreas, duodenum, liver, gallbladder, mid-back
T8 – stomach, spleen, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, adrenal glands, mid-back
T9 – stomach, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, gallbladder, reproductive organs, liver, small intestine
T10 – stomach, spleen, pancreas, small intestine, reproductive organs, appendix, large intestine, legs
T11 – kidneys, reproductive organs, legs, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, adrenal glands, ileocecal valve
T12 – kidneys, reproductive organs, legs, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, upper and lower back, ileocecal valve

Possible Symptoms & Conditions:

  • Mid-back Pain
  • Respiratory Problems – bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, congestion, difficulty breathing
  • Gallbladder Conditions
  • Heart Conditions
  • Bladder Problems
  • Digestive Problems – ulcers, gastritis, stomach problems

LUMBAR

Nerve roots in the lumbar vertebrae affect these parts of the body:

L1 – abdomen, reproductive organs, legs, feet, large intestine, bladder
L2 – reproductive organs, legs, feet, large intestine, bladder, appendix, abdomen
L3 – reproductive organs, bladder, prostate, large intestine, legs, feet
L4 – buttocks, legs, feet, prostate, muscles of the lower back
L5 – buttocks, legs, feet, toes, prostate

Possible Symptoms & Conditions:

  • Pain / Numbness / Tingling / Stiffness – ankle, calf, foot, knee, legs, lower back
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas pain
  • Irritable Bowel
  • Colitis
  • Bladder Problems
  • Menstrual Problems

SACRUM

Nerve roots in the sacral region affect these parts of the body:

Sacrum – buttocks, legs, feet, bladder, prostate, reproductive organs, anus

Possible Symptoms & Conditions:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Bladder Problems
  • Menstrual Problems
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Pain/Numbness/Tingling/Stiffness – buttocks, hip, legs

COCCYX

Nerve roots in the coccygeal region affect these parts of the body:

Coccyx – anus, rectum

Possible Symptoms & Conditions:

  • Rectal Problems