The nervous system controls all our bodily functions. Due to the great complexity of the nervous system, only the most general and common relationships between the spine and nervous system are presented in this overview. A chiropractor will try to optimize communication between the brain, as well as the nervous system, and body. This is so that the body is best able to deal with problems and work with the highest possible capacity. Below we categorise the different vertebrae and their nerve supply to the organs. Firstly from the neck, followed by the middle back, lower back, and finally the pelvis.
Neck – nerve supply to:
- Upper neck: blood supply to the head, scalp, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, thyroid, heart, respiratory, liver, stomach, pancreas, adrenal glands, small intestine, and rectum.
- Middle neck: neck muscles, scalp, occipital, salivary glands, trachea, esophagus, thyroid, lacrimal gland, mucous membrane, and diaphragm.
- Lower neck: neck muscles, shoulder, elbow, arm, wrist, fingers, heart, arteries, chest, and breast.
Mid Back – nerve supply to:
- Upper middle back: blood supply to the head, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, mouth, tongue, esophagus, heart, arteries, bronchi, lungs, chest and breast.
- Middle back: chest, breast, gallbladder, liver, stomach, pancreas, diaphragm, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, appendix, and adrenal glands.
- Lower middle back: small intestine, rectum, kidney, urinary tract, genitals, and bladder.
Lumbar – nerve supply to:
- Upper lumbar: small intestine, rectum, kidney, urinary tract, genitals, and bladder.
- Sacrum: Rectal, buttocks, groin, genitals, legs, thighs, knees and feet, prostate.
Pelvic – nerve supply to:
- Pelvis: genitals, bladder, prostate, bone and feet.
