Your central nervous system is an extensive network that channels nerve impulses from your brain, through your spinal cord and exits the vertebral spinal column (your back), branching off into nerve roots (afferent and efferent), and eventually the peripheral nervous system. The nervous system communicates to virtually every cell that comprises your bodily systems.

Today, I will show you some of the integral relationships between the spine, nervous system and body, as well as how your chiropractor understands and acts upon these relationships to assist your body in overall optimal wellness, naturally and non-invasively:

NERVE ROOTS

C1-C7

INNERVATION

Intracranial blood vessels, eyes, lacrimal gland, parotid gland, scalp, base of skull, neck muscles, shoulders, elbows, arms, wrists, hands, fingers, esophagus, heart, lungs, chest

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS

Headaches, migraines, dizziness, sinus problems, allergies, head colds, fatigue, vision problems, runny nose, sore throat, stiff neck, cough, croup, arm pain, hand and finger numbness or tingling, asthma, heart conditions, high blood pressure, immune deficiencies

NERVE ROOTS

T1-12

INNERVATION

Arms, esophagus, heart, lungs, chest, larynx, trachea, gallbladder, liver, diaphragm, stomach, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, small intestines, appendix, adrenals, colon, uterus, buttocks

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS

Wrist, hand and finger numbness or pain, middle back pain, congestion, difficulty breathing, asthma, high blood pressure, heart conditions, bronchitis, pneumonia, gallbladder conditions, jaundice, liver conditions, stomach/digestive problems, ulcers, gastritis, kidney problems, immune system problems

NERVE ROOTS

L1-5

INNERVATION

Large intestines, buttocks, groin, reproductive organs, colon, thighs, knees, legs, feet

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS

Constipation, colitis, diarrhea, gas pain, irritable bowel, bladder problems, menstrual problems, low back pain, pain or numbness in legs (sciatica)

NERVE ROOTS

SACRAL

INNERVATION

Buttocks, reproductive organs, bladder, prostate gland, legs, ankles, feet, toes

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS

Constipation, diarrhea, bladder problems, menstrual problems, lower back pain, pain or numbness in legs (sciatica)

The previous lists are not exhaustive and chiropractors do not claim to treat or cure any of these symptoms, but rather to address the core problem; which, in most instances alleviates, decreases or ceases many of these symptoms, conditions and even diseases.

Traditional models make futile attempts to manage sickness and treat symptoms repeatedly (or cover/mask them), rather than addressing the core issue (such as the spinal innervation level). This is akin to chipping away at the tip of an iceberg believing that you are making progress as you near the surface of the water –only to find in reality that most of the mass of the iceberg remains hidden under the surface. If your finger is tingling, and your doctor is focused only on that symptom/location, it does not matter what they do to that finger (Tests, X-rays, pills, lotions, etc.), the finger will more than likely still be tingling. Because nothing may be wrong with the finger itself. Your chiropractor knows that the innervation to that finger comes from certain specific levels of the cervical spine, the brachial plexus, the shoulder, the elbow, the wrist and then the finger.

A simple adjustment to the correlating motion segment of the spine many times alleviates the symptom of tingling in the finger. An adjustment is made and the finger stops tingling. Simple. When you point your finger at a cat, the cat looks no further than your finger. When you point your finger for a dog, the dog instinctively looks to where the finger is pointing. The Chiropractor looks to where the innervation of that finger originates.

Your electrician does not claim to be an expert in all major appliances, yet he understands that all of your major appliances and systems require “power”. He understands that flipping the breaker switch and ensuring the juice is flowing will have the desired effect of your entertainment centre functioning properly, or your electric stove cooking your meals. Sometimes the solution to watering the flowers is to simply remove the stone or kink from the hose.

In very much the same exact premise, the skilled chiropractor understands the above addressed relationships between your brain, spine, nervous system (your “power”) and body. Your chiropractor comprehends that interference in this system stops your juice from reaching your appliances; and, that if he removes that interference (flips the breaker switch), then the power flows and then your body will begin to function properly once again immediately or over time. The “side-effects” being decreased pain and symptoms, increased range of motion, function and health/wellness–not the toxic effects of long-term drug use.

Let your chiropractor TURN YOUR POWER BACK ON TODAY!!! Spinal alignments are the only thing I know of that can do this quickly, efficiently and effectively WITHOUT DRUGS OR SURGERY.

After all, I am THE SPINAL MECHANIC and spinal alignments are my specialty.

Don’t forget to “Ask Your Chiropractor” every week, where your questions may be published and answered in subsequent articles. Address questions to: Dr. Chris Davis, The Spinal Mechanic at movethebone@gmail.com; or, Dr. Michael Harvey, director, at dr.michaelharvey@yahoo.com or visit www.drharveychiropractic.com