ALIGN THE SPINE
the nervous system
Vertebrae are more than just bones that prevent you from turning into a pile of goo.   They protect the spinal cord.  Nerves come out from the vertebrae and innervate various parts of the body.  Muscles, tendons and ligaments also connect with the spine.   If the spine is out of alignment, the vertebrae (1)  can pinch the spinal cord and reduce the cerebrospinal fluid from flowing smoothing (2) can pinch the eight cervical nerves, which can send pain signals down to the fingers and toes and (3) can also cause problems with muscles, ligaments and tendons.
In this Align the Spine series, we will discuss the various vertebrae, the role of the nerves, and symptoms of misalignment.  The spine is divided into five sections:  cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccyx.   Our discussion will focus on the seven cervical vertebrae.
The seven cervical vertebrae not only protect the spinal cord, but also help provide support, structure and flexibility to the neck.
C1 is also known as the Atlas.  This ring-shaped vertebrae holds up the head.  C1 innervates intracranial blood vessels, eyes, lacrimal gland, parotid gland (salivary gland), scalp, base of skull, neck muscles and diaphragm.
C2 is also known as the Axis.  The Axis has the Atlas sit on the vertebral column, allowing the head to rotate and move.  C2 innervates intracranial blood vessels, eyes, lacrimal gland, parotid gland (salivary gland), scalp, base of skull, neck muscles and diaphragm.
C3 innervates intracranial blood vessels, eyes, lacrimal gland, parotid gland (salivary gland), scalp, base of skull, neck muscles and diaphragm.
C4 innervates intracranial blood vessels, eyes, lacrimal gland, parotid gland (salivary gland), scalp, base of skull, neck muscles and diaphragm.
C5 innervates neck muscles, shoulders, elbows, arms, wrists, hands, fingers, esophagus, heart, lungs and chest.
C6 innervates neck muscles, shoulders, elbows, arms, wrists, hands, fingers, esophagus, heart, lungs and chest.

C7 is the most prominent of the cervical vertebrae.  C7 innervates neck muscles, shoulders, elbows, arms, wrists, hands, fingers, esophagus, heart, lungs and chest.

If any of the nerves that come from the cervical vertebrae are impinged, the following symptoms may appear:
headaches, migraines, dizziness, sinus problems, allergies, runny nose, sore throat, cough, croup, head colds, fatigue, vision problems, stiff neck,  arm pain, hand and finger numbness or tingling, asthma, heart condition, high blood pressure.
If you have any of these symptoms, call Nonnenmacher Chiropractic at (540) 298-1727 to schedule your adjustment.
If you want a massage before your adjustment, call Kathy at (410) 299-3819.
Remember, we’ve got your back !