Chiropractic care and the nervous system.
Chiropractic care places emphasis on the correct function of the spinal segments as well as the nervous systems and other tissues supplied by them such as organs.
The lumbar spine (L1 – L5) and sacral spine (S1 –S5) make up the lower region of your spine around and below the belt line and support the weight of the body to keep it upright. These spinal segments form the lumbosacral trunk (L3 – L5 and S2.) Each segment produces its own plexus (group of nerves.)
A plexus is a network of nerves that exit from the safety of these bony structures. The lumbar plexus as well as the sacral plexus create the ‘sacral splanchic nerves.’
Sacral splanchnic nerves innervate (stimulate) the autonomic (involuntary) functions of abdominal and pelvic organs such as the small intestine, kidney, urinary bladder, scrotum and uterus.
Signs and symptoms of dysfunction include:
- Frequent urination.
- Constipation.
- Painful menstrual periods.
- Nausea.
- Weight loss.
- Bloating.
- Swelling (legs/feet.)
Issues in the spinal segments that are not causing pain and are unknown to the patient may be discovered during an assessment. This may indicate that there is dysfunction of the corresponding nerves and the autonomic (involuntary) systems associated.
The below image shows organs innervated by the nervous system. Including: eyes, salivery glands, heart, lungs, liver and gallblader, stomach, spleen, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, adrenal medulla, kidney, urinary bladder, scrotum, penis, ovary, uterus.
Patients may seek chiropractic treatment to resolve known dysfunctions and symptoms such as those listed above as well as pain that is presenting in other areas due to improper nerve function. If chiropractic treatment is not successful in resolving or relieving symptoms you may be referred to another health professional.