While chiropractic is not involved with the chasing of symptoms per se, it is important to understand the neurological basis for many health complaints. Towards that end, we have compiled reference materials to assist in your understanding of how the nervous system controls and coordinates all function in the human body.
The third spinal vertebra under the skull is simply referred to as the third cervical. There are 7 cervical vertebrae all together.
3C is involved with providing the primary nerve supply from the control centers in the brain to the Diaphragm, face, teeth, and lungs. It is commonly found to be an area that is subluxated (when the vertebra is misaligned producing abnormal nerve system transmission of information- like a kink in a hose) leading to such common health complaints as chronic fatigue, vertigo, anxiety, and shortness of breath. This is a result of the interference produced by this subluxation on the phrenic nerve which is the primary nerve supply to the diaphragm.
3C subluxation can be caused by physical, chemical, emotional (in particular) and/or environmental stressors, as well as a combination of these stressors beyond the body’s ability to cope. Common stressors affecting this part of the spine and nervous system include: depression, thyroid problems, alcohol abuse, unmanaged stress, exhaustion and loss of endurance.
Perhaps of greater importance than these local affects of the subluxation of 3C, are the global affects of subluxation of this area because this is the one area where the entire spinal cord and brain stem may be affected by spinal misalignment. This can cause effects throughout the body. The importance of the diaphragm and the relationship it has to the health of the individual is still not sufficiently appreciated. A measurable reduction in respiratory volume can contribute to many different health problems.
