Spine and Nervous System

NERVOUS SYSTEM

The nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and the billions of nerves that exit out of your spinal cord and brain. The nervous system controls everything, form every tiny cell to all of the body’s systems. Nerves are what allow you to feel pain, tingling and numbness. Nerves allow you to breath. Nerves allow your muscles and vessels to contract and relax. Nerves control all of your organs. Nerves control everything.

The nervous system is made up of billions upon billions of connections. Nerve fibers travel all over your body. They are so numerous that if all your skin, bones, muscles, blood vessels, and organs were removed, and only your nerves remained, you would be recognizable!

The majority of the nerves exit the spinal canal through the bones of the spine called vertebrae. When the vertebrae are not moving properly, or are subluxated, the nerves are affected. Since the nerves control everything in your body, anything can be affected by a subluxation.

Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct subluxations, thus allowing the nervous system to function the best that it can.

SPINE

The brain and spinal cord need special protection so they are covered by bone. The skull completely surrounds the brain. The spinal cord is surrounded by 33 bones called vertebrae. The spinal column is made up of these 33 vertebrae. The spinal column is divided into 5 sections-cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccyx. The nerves exit the spinal canal through holes in the vertebrae.

Cervical spine (neck)- consist of 7 movable vertebrae

Thoracic spine (mid back)- consists of 12 movable vertebrae

Lumbar spine (low back)- consists of 5 movable vertebrae

Sacrum- consists of 5 fused segments

Coccyx- consists of 4 fused segments

Since the nerves exit through the vertebrae, a subluxation of a vertebrae will affect the nervous system. Chiropractors detect and correct spinal subluxations.

The key to health is to have every organ, tissue, and system of your body functioning as it was designed. Improving the function of your nervous system through adjustments can help restore the function of your entire body.