Spinal Misalignment

The spine is the central axis of the human body, the hub of nerve conduction, and the pillar of life!

Morphological Structure and Function of the Spine

(1) Position of the Spine
The spine is located in the center of the back. It plays a crucial role in connecting the upper and lower body. It supports the head, acts as the central axis of the torso, bears the body’s weight, and contributes to the formation of the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities, protecting the internal organs, especially the spinal cord.

(2) Morphological Structure of the Spine
An adult spine consists of 24 individual vertebrae, one sacrum, and one coccyx. These are divided by region: 7 cervical (neck) vertebrae, 12 thoracic (chest) vertebrae, and 5 lumbar (lower back) vertebrae. The sacrum is formed by the fusion of 5 sacral vertebrae, and the coccyx is formed by 3-5 coccygeal vertebrae.

Each vertebra consists of a vertebral body at the front and a vertebral arch at the back. Adjacent vertebral bodies are connected by intervertebral discs, which are cartilaginous pads that gradually thicken from top to bottom and act as elastic cushions. Along the entire spine, there are two strong longitudinal ligaments, the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, as well as other ligaments of varying lengths and numerous muscles.

Because the spine is composed of individual vertebrae connected by ligaments, muscles, and discs, it forms a cohesive unit, much like a bicycle chain with interlocking links. This ensures the flexibility of the neck, chest, and waist, allowing people to bend forward, backward, and sideways freely and with ease.

The human spine is not straight like a pole but has four curves, forming an S-shape when viewed from the side. These include two primary posterior curves (kyphosis) and two secondary anterior curves (lordosis). The thoracic kyphosis results from the thoracic vertebral bodies being slightly narrower in the front than in the back. The cervical lordosis is mainly formed by the intervertebral discs being wider in the front than in the back. The lumbar lordosis is created by both the discs being taller in the front and the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies also being taller in the front. The natural physiological curves are an indicator of the spine’s own stability and balance.

(3) Function of the Spine
Understanding the unique structural characteristics of the spine reveals how its complexity allows it to perform its vital physiological functions: support, protection, movement, and conduction!

• Skeletal Support: The spine is the main support structure of the torso. It supports the skull, constitutes and supports the organs of the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities, and also supports the upper and lower limbs.

• Safety and Protection: The spine’s four physiological curves act like a large spring, increasing its ability to absorb shock and enhancing stability. During jumping or strenuous activity, the intervertebral discs absorb shock, preventing injury to the skull and brain. It also protects the spinal cord, central nervous system, and internal organs.

• Movement and Balance: The spine supports the skull at its upper end and forms the thoracic cage with the ribs. The upper limbs are connected to the spine via the ribs, clavicles, and sternum, while the lower limbs connect via the pelvis. The body’s movements—such as forward flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation—as well as the activities of the limbs are all regulated by the spine to maintain balance.

• Nerve Conduction Center: The body’s peripheral nervous system, composed of autonomic, sensory, and motor nerves, is distributed throughout the body via the 31 pairs of nerve roots that exit the spine.

Close Relationship Between the Spine and Surrounding Nerves and Blood Vessels

(1) Relationship with the Spinal Nervous System
The vertebral arch and body of each vertebra form a structure called the vertebral foramen. All these foramina align to create an open, bony channel—the vertebral canal. Housed within this canal is the spinal cord and the roots of the 31 pairs of spinal nerves. These nerves directly control skin sensation and skeletal muscle movement for the entire body, except for the head.

(2) Relationship with the Sympathetic Nervous System
The lower centers of the sympathetic nervous system are located in the spinal cord’s thoracic and upper lumbar segments. Paired sympathetic nerves run alongside the spine, forming chains. Sympathetic nerve stimulation prepares the body for “fight or flight” responses: blood vessels in the abdomen and skin constrict, heart rate and force increase, metabolism accelerates, pupils dilate, and the working capacity of fatigued muscles increases. Conversely, when inhibited, it leads to “rest and digest” responses: pupils constrict, heart rate slows, blood vessels dilate, bronchioles constrict, and gastrointestinal activity increases. The spine directly influences the function of this critical nervous system.

(3) Relationship with Surrounding Major Blood Vessels
The spine runs through the center of the torso and has close relationships with important blood and lymphatic vessels. It acts as a scaffold for the vertical circulation of these fluids. Changes in the spine’s alignment and height will certainly affect the longitudinally distributed blood vessels, especially those close to the posterior walls of the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

The relationship between the vertebral artery and the cervical vertebrae is very intimate. The cervical vertebrae provide excellent protection for the vertebral artery, which supplies blood to the brain. However, the health of the cervical vertebrae also directly affects the shape and structure of the vertebral artery, thereby influencing blood flow.

Other vessels affected by the spine include the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. Anatomical studies of specimens show that if the spine’s height and alignment change, the abdominal aorta, which should run straight down, can become twisted to varying degrees. Such changes in a major artery can alter blood flow velocity and vascular wall tension, with imaginable consequences for human health.

Structure of Spinal Balance and Stability

Stability for the spine means “balance,” which is always relative and conditional. Spinal stability depends on both internal and external factors.

(1) Internal Balance Structures of the Spine

• Curvature and Alignment: The spine is designed to have an S-shaped physiological curve and to be neutrally aligned with the center of gravity to ensure stability in both static and dynamic states.

• Vertebrae: As the basic units of the spine, the shape, structure, and position of each vertebra must be precise. Any change can lead to misalignment.

• Intervertebral Discs: These discs firmly connect the vertebral bodies and effectively absorb shock, playing a crucial role in spinal stability.

• Facet Joints: These are important weight-bearing and support structures at the back of the spine that also regulate and control spinal movement. Loss of facet joint function severely compromises stability.

• Paravertebral Ligaments: These ligaments connect adjacent vertebrae and are vital for limiting excessive movement and ensuring stability.

(2) External Balance Structures of the Spine

• Surrounding Muscles and Fascia: These are the only external factors related to spinal stability. The relationship is very close; any change in muscle strength or coordination related to spinal movement will affect spinal stability.

(3) Importance of Spinal Balance and Stability
Spinal balance is a critical condition for maintaining health. The spine is centrally located, supporting the head, connecting to the pelvis, and linking to the limbs, with the spinal cord running through it. The internal organs are situated in front of the spine, connected by nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and ligaments. When the spine becomes distorted or deformed due to degeneration, injury, strain, inflammation, tumors, or poor posture, it loses its balance. This can twist ligaments, obstruct blood flow in vessels, and irritate or compress nerves. These changes inevitably lead to abnormal organ function and, over time, can cause organic diseases. Theoretically, a balanced spine corresponds to healthy internal organs and a naturally elegant and symmetrical posture.

Main Causes of Spinal Imbalance and Misalignment

1. Physiological and Structural Characteristics of the Spine

2. Natural Aging and Degeneration

3. Poor Posture and Chronic Strain

4. Traumatic Injury

Spinal Misalignment: The Source of a Myriad of Diseases

(1) Main Manifestations of Spinal Misalignment
Misalignment leads to spinal instability, such as scoliosis, slippage (spondylolisthesis), or kyphosis. This can cause stretching or compression of surrounding muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.

• Muscles: Stretching or compression can cause local muscle swelling and pain.

• Blood Vessels: Can lead to circulatory problems, resulting in symptoms like soreness, pain, cold limbs, and local swelling.

• Nerves: Can cause sensory and motor disturbances, such as numbness, decreased muscle strength, and muscle atrophy.

(2) Spinal Diseases Caused by Misalignment
These are functional disorders arising from a mismatch between the spine’s structure and its function. Examples include:

• Cervical spondylosis, neck pain, torticollis, shoulder periarthritis

• Thoracic facet joint disorders, thoracic spinal stenosis

• Lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, acute lumbar sprain, spondylolisthesis

• Sacroiliac joint syndrome, sciatica

• Scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis

(3) Spine-Related (Somatovisceral) Diseases Caused by Misalignment
These are conditions caused by disrupted central nerve conduction or impaired blood circulation to organs due to spinal issues. Examples include:

• Cervical angina-like symptoms, functional dyspepsia, arrhythmia, tinnitus, deafness, chest pain and tightness, insomnia, hyperhidrosis.

• Medical statistics suggest there are now nearly 100 types of spine-related diseases.

Main Symptoms Caused by Misalignment in Different Spinal Segments

1. Head and Neck Discomfort: Related to misalignment in the upper cervical spine.

2. Heart and Blood Pressure Abnormalities: Related to misalignment in the mid-cervical spine.

3. Shoulder and Arm Symptoms: Related to misalignment in the lower cervical spine.

4. Heart, Lung, and Scapular Discomfort: Related to misalignment at T1/2/3.

5. Liver and Gallbladder Abnormalities: Possibly related to misalignment at T4/5.

6. Stomach, Spleen, and Pancreas Dysfunction: Closely related to T6/7/8.

7. Kidney and Adrenal Gland Dysfunction: Related to misalignment at T9/10/11.

8. Large and Small Intestine Dysfunction: Related to T12, L1/2.

9. Pelvic Organ Dysfunction: Related to misalignment at L3/4.

10. Lower Limb Motor and Sensory Disorders: Closely related to L3/4/5, S1.

Common Treatment Methods for Spinal Diseases

1. Traction Therapy

2. Small Needle-Knife Surgery (Acupotomy)

3. Nerve Block / Injection Therapy

4. Surgical Treatment

5. Medication

6. Other Therapies