Vertebral subluxations happen when vertebrae are out of their proper position or lose normal motion to the point that nervous system function is impaired. Specifically, problems occur when misaligned vertebrae put pressure on nerve roots encased by the spinal cord. Subluxations can be caused by accidents, over-exertion, toxins, tension, stress, or injuries to the spine.

The purpose of the nervous system is to control and coordinate the function of every system, organ, tissue, and cell in our bodies. Displacements of vertebrae irritate and put stress on the nerves that regulate and control the rest of the body, causing the affected tissues and organs to not function properly. Even slight misalignments in the spine may alter the regular transmission of nerve impulses, preventing the afflicted portion of the body from responding with its full capacity.

Spinal misalignments can leave the body susceptible to health problems when decreased nerve function does not allow it to work properly. Some of the effects of spinal misalignments are listed below. The bones in the tables are from the top of your spine to the bottom. There are seven cervical vertebrae of the neck, twelve thoracic vertebrae of the mid back, five lumbar vertebrae of the lower back, and the base- or tailbone.

Spinal Column	Vertebrae	Organs Affected by Vertebrae of the Spine
	C1	Brain, Nasal and Palette Glands, Lungs, Heart, Spleen, Kidney, Stomach, Liver, Large Intestines
	C2	Eye, Sinuses, Brain, Nasal and Palette Glands
	C3	Eye, Sinuses, Nasal and Palette Glands,
	C4	Eye, Sinuses, Nasal and Palette Glands, Sublingual Glands, Submaxilary Glands
	C5	Parotid Gland, Sublingual Glands, Submaxilary Glands
	C6	Parotid Gland, Thyroid
	C7	Thyroid, Lungs
	T1	Lungs, Heart, Parotid Gland, Carotid Artery, Pulmonary Artery
	T2	Lungs, Heart, Parotid Gland, Carotid Artery
	T3	Lungs, Heart, Stomach, Pulmonary Artery, Carotid Artery
	T4	Liver
	T5	Stomach
	T6	Pancreas
	T7	Spleen
	T8	Liver
	T9	Adrenal
	T10	Small Intestines
	T11	Kidney
	T12	Kidney
	L1	Large Intestines
	L2	Large Intestines
	L3	Large Intestines, Spleen, Bladder
	L4	Large Intestines, Bladder
	L5	Large Intestines, Spleen, Bladder
	Sacrum	Large Intestines, Spleen, Bladder

	Vertebrae		Possible Problems from Subluxation of Vertebrae
	C1		Headaches, migraines, nervousness, insomnia, chronic fatigue, dizziness
	C2		Allergies, sinus problems, vision and hearing problems, earaches
	C3		Neuralgia, neuritis, acne or pimples, eczema
	C4		Hay fever, hearing loss, adenoids
	C5		Laryngitis, sore throat
	C6		Stiff neck, pain in upper arm, tonsillitis
	C7		Bursitis, susceptibility to colds, thyroid conditions
	T1		Asthma, cough, shortness of breath, pain in lower arms and hands
	T2		Functional heart/chest conditions
	T3		Bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, congestion, influenza
	T4		Cholecystitis, gallstones, jaundice, shingles
	T5		Hepatic cirrhosis, low blood pressure, anemia, poor circulation, arthritis
	T6		Indigestion, heartburn, dyspepsia
	T7		Ulcers, gastritis, diabetes
	T8		Lowered resistance
	T9		Allergies, hives
	T10		Hardening of the arteries, chronic fatigue, nephritis, pyelitis
	T11		Acne, pimples, eczema, boils
	T12		Rheumatism, gas pains, sterility
	L1		Constipation, colitis, dysentery, diarrhea, hernias
	L2		Cramps, difficulty breathing, acidosis, varicose veins
	L3		Bladder troubles, menstrual irregularity, miscarriages, impotency, knee pains
	L4		Sciatica, low back pain, prostatitis, urinary urgency, frequent urination
	L5		Poor leg circulation, swollen ankles, cold feet, weakness in legs, leg cramps
	Sacrum		Sacroiliac pains, spinal curvatures, hemmroids

Spinal Degeneration

Left uncorrected, vertebral subluxations can lead to arthritic changes called subluxation degeneration. This is a relentlessly destructive process caused from neglected spinal misalignments or injury. Because pain is not always present, this condition can go undetected for a long time, just like a cavity decaying in a tooth.

NORMAL

Notice the forward curve with equal disc spacing allowing normal function of the nervous system.

DEGENERATION

Here a spinal misalignment has caused calcium deposits, arthritic decay, narrowing discs, bone spurs, and advanced nerve irritation.

Warning Signals of Spinal Degeneration

1. Limited range of motion: Can you turn your head so your chin is nearly parallel to your shoulder? Can you bend your head so that your ear is within 1-2" of your shoulder? Without moving your feet, can you swivel your hips and turn your upper body 45 degrees both left and right? Can you swivel from your waist 45 degrees both directions? Keeping your body straight, can you bend forward at the waist until you are parallel with the floor? Can you bend backwards from the waist until you're looking straight up?

2. Imbalance in hips, shoulder, or head. Hips or shoulders that are not level, or a head that tilts to one side are abnormal conditions.

3. Difference in the wear of heels on hard soled shoes. This could be a strong indication of a spinal/hip imbalance due to spinal subluxation.

4. Difference in leg length. One leg being longer than the other is an important clue to a larger problem.

5. Palpation: This test requires a partner. Lie face down in a relaxed position. Have your partner press with the blunt end of his fingers (not the tips but the fleshy part where the fingertips are) on the “bumps” along your spine. He should use moderate pressure – about the same amount you’d use to check the ripeness of a melon. Work from the base of the skull to the lower back feeling for each individual vertebrae. Any tenderness, soreness, or discomfort could be a sign of nerve interference.

Organs Affected by Vertebrae of the Spine

Possible Problems from Subluxation of Vertebrae

Warning Signals of Spinal Degeneration