The spine is divided into 5 main sections that have a major impact on all areas of the body.
Within each spinal section, there are individual vertebrae that align down the backbone.
When these become misaligned, you can experience symptoms in other places of the body. Sometimes these symptoms are intense and immediate, while other times you may not even notice it.
Spinal health is extremely important for the overall health of the body.
Click on each of the spinal sections below to learn about the role your spine plays in your overall health.
Nerve roots in the cervical vertebrae affect these parts of the body:
C1 – pituitary gland, scalp, brain, ears, eyes
C2 – head, eyes, tongue, ears, heart
C3 – face, neck, ears, shoulders, diaphragm
C4 – face, neck, chest, diaphragm
C5 – neck, vocal cords, shoulders, upper arms, diaphragm
C6 – shoulders, arms, tonsils
C7 – shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands
Possible Symptoms & Conditions:
Nerve roots in the thoracic vertebrae affect these parts of the body:
T1 – head, neck, heart, thyroid, esophagus, trachea, hands, elbows
T2 – head, neck, heart, lungs, upper arms
T3 – head, neck, heart, lungs, chest, upper arms
T4 – head, neck, heart, lungs, gallbladder, upper arms
T5 – head, neck, heart, liver, esophagus, blood circulation, upper arms
T6 – esophagus, stomach, spleen, pancreas, duodenum, mid-back
T7 – stomach, spleen, pancreas, duodenum, liver, gallbladder, mid-back
T8 – stomach, spleen, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, adrenal glands, mid-back
T9 – stomach, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, gallbladder, reproductive organs, liver, small intestine
T10 – stomach, spleen, pancreas, small intestine, reproductive organs, appendix, large intestine, legs
T11 – kidneys, reproductive organs, legs, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, adrenal glands, ileocecal valve
T12 – kidneys, reproductive organs, legs, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, upper and lower back, ileocecal valve
Possible Symptoms & Conditions:
Nerve roots in the lumbar vertebrae affect these parts of the body:
L1 – abdomen, reproductive organs, legs, feet, large intestine, bladder
L2 – reproductive organs, legs, feet, large intestine, bladder, appendix, abdomen
L3 – reproductive organs, bladder, prostate, large intestine, legs, feet
L4 – buttocks, legs, feet, prostate, muscles of the lower back
L5 – buttocks, legs, feet, toes, prostate
Possible Symptoms & Conditions:
Nerve roots in the sacral region affect these parts of the body:
Sacrum – buttocks, legs, feet, bladder, prostate, reproductive organs, anus
Possible Symptoms & Conditions:
Constipation
Diarrhea
Bladder Problems
Menstrual Problems
Lower Back Pain
Sciatica
Pain/Numbness/Tingling/Stiffness – buttocks, hip, legs
Nerve roots in the coccygeal region affect these parts of the body:
Coccyx – anus, rectum
Possible Symptoms & Conditions:
I have had a number of ailments Dr. Sean has treated me for and have been very pleased with the outcomes. He is very attentive to what’s occurring. He and his staff are amazing and provide excellent customer service!
6 months of struggling and barely able to walk to my car. Chiropractic wasn't helping so I decided to see these guys. One visit with Dr. Sean and I was able to walk without pain. He took the time to get images instead of just working blind. First time I've walked without pain in a very long time.
I was coming out of nearly a decade of a toxic work environment and extremely tense with weekly migraines. In the few months I’ve been a patient, I’ve been able to relax my muscles and have been nearly migraine free— He and his staff are wonderful!
Welcome to Narrows Chiropractic! We are a community-based clinic serving the greater Tacoma area, dedicated to helping individuals and families optimal health through natural chiropractic care!