The Human Nerve System is simply a marvelous work of art, one that I hope this next series of newsletters helps you to begin to see it as the divine masterpiece it really is! In this, and the newsletters that follow, we will take an expiration through each vertebra and the nerves that exit. Perhaps this newsletter is most powerful when given to a loved one who has a known health issue – as you will see there is always a cause to each effect.

C0 (Occiput): AKA “base of skull”, it is the bottom rear portion of your skull and contains the foramen magnum (a small opening for the brain stem to exit into the C1 (atlas) as your brain stem transitions into the spinal cord. The nerves that exit here include the Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve 10) along with other occipital nerves that control the head, face, ears, eyes, skin of the skull and neck.

The most common misalignment includes a downward angle (extension), which results in a closing of the occipital foramen compressing the brain stem, vagus nerves and occipital nerves. Common symptoms include headaches, twitching of the eye/face muscles, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness/vertigo, nausea/vomiting and digestive disturbances

C1 (Atlas): The first spinal vertebra under the skull is called the Atlas or the first cervical. C1, according to the Neuro-Anatomy chart, is involved with providing the primary nerve supply from the control centers in the brain to the Head, face, brain, pituitary gland, eyes and ears – It is commonly found to be an area that is subluxated leading to such common health complaints as headache, migraine, earache, colds/flu and sore throat.

C1 misalignment can be caused by physical, chemical, emotional and/or environmental stress or a combination of these stressors beyond the body’s ability to cope. Common stressors affecting this part of the spine and nervous system include: caffeine withdrawal, alcohol abuse, unmanaged stress, anger, confusion, despair, exhaustion and ergonomic stress like repetitive motion or long periods of inactivity.

Like, C0, perhaps of greater importance than these local affects of subluxation of C1, 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 ranging from remote problems like low back pain to impairment of the immune system of the person. In fact, research conducted with HIV positive patients found that those adjusted in this exact area enjoyed a 48% improvement in immune system function over time while the non-adjusted group experienced.

C2 (Axis): The second spinal vertebra under the skull is called the Axis. C2, according to our Neuro-Anatomy chart, is involved with providing the primary nerve supply from the control centers in the brain to the Sinus, tongue, heart, forehead, optic and auditory nerves – It is commonly found to be an area that is subluxated leading to such common health complaints as allergies, sinus problems, palpitations, visual and auditory disturbances.

C2 subluxation can be caused by physical, chemical, emotional and/or environmental stress or a combination of these stressors beyond the body’s ability to cope. Common stressors affecting this part of the spine and nervous system include reflex subluxation resulting from chronic allergies, chronic sinus problems, sadness and despair.

Like C0/C1, C2 misalignment can also have global affects because this is an area where a portion of this bone may put direct pressure on the spinal cord itself. This can cause problems in any are of the body. Additionally, some consider that there is a relationship between the sinus & digestive disorders and C2. Remember, the nervous system isn’t simply a this for that approach to health.

C3: The third spinal vertebra under the skull is simply referred to as the third cervical. C3, according to our Neuro-Anatomy chart, 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 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.

C3 subluxation can be caused by physical, chemical, emotional (in particular) and/or environmental stress or 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. The importance of the diaphragm and the relationship which it bears to the health of the individual is still not sufficiently appreciated. A measurable reduction in respiratory volume can contribute too many different health problems, including chronic fatigue and insomnia.

C4: The fourth spinal vertebra under the skull. According to the Neuro-Anatomy chart C4 is involved with providing the primary nerve supply from the control centers in the brain to the Thyroid, mucus membranes, lung and mouth. It is commonly found to be an area that is subluxated leading to such common health complaints as either Hypothyroid (reduced function) causing weight gain and feeling cold or Hyperthyroid (overactive) causing insomnia nervousness and weight loss.

C4 subluxation can be caused by physical, chemical, emotional and/or environmental stress or a combination of these stressors beyond the body’s ability to cope. In addition to causing C4 subluxation, many of the following stressors may also be effects of this subluxation. Common stressors affecting this part of the spine and nervous system include anxiety, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, confusion, depression, temperature regulation issues and breathing difficulties.

C5: The fifth spinal vertebra under the skull. According to the Neuro-Anatomy chart, C5 is involved with providing the primary nerve supply from the control centers in the brain to the Vocal cords, pharynx, thyroid and pancreas – It is commonly found to be an area that is subluxated leading to such common health complaints as craving sweets, fatigue, memory loss, emotional instability, headache, sore throat and hoarseness.

C5 subluxation can be caused by physical, chemical, emotional and/or environmental stress or a combination of these stressors beyond the body’s ability to cope. Common stressors affecting this part of the spine and nervous system include: caffeine withdrawal, alcohol abuse, unmanaged stress, anger, confusion, despair, exhaustion and ergonomic stress like repetitive motion or long periods of inactivity. This area is also commonly affected in whiplash type injuries. C5 spinal nerve compressions results in global affects, not only the sensory and motor system involving the arms and hands but also organ function. When accompanied with subluxations involving T6 and L3, diabetes and blood sugar conversion conditions (metabolic syndrome) may be expected. Obesity and heart problems are also commonly associated with blood sugar (pancreas) problems. All of these, potentially stemming from a C5 subluxation.

C6: The sixth spinal vertebra under the skull. C6, according to the Neuro-Anatomy chart, is involved with providing the primary nerve supply from the control centers in the brain to the Neck, shoulders, tonsils, lymphatic zones of the chest, thymus and esophagus. It is commonly found to be an area that is subluxated leading to such common health complaints as stomach pain after eating, antacid use, tonsillitis, neck and shoulder pain. Hiatal hernia and ulcer may also be associated with C6.

C6 subluxation can be caused by physical, chemical, emotional and/or environmental stress or a combination of these stressors beyond the body’s ability to cope. Common stressors affecting this part of the spine and nervous system include reflex subluxation from T5 affecting the stomach and intestines. This area is also commonly associated with whiplash type injury to the neck.

A lot more to come in next weeks continuation. C7, Thoracic 1-12, Lumbar 1-5 and Sacral nerve roots. www.AskDrErnst.com | 704-597-7490 | info@askdrernst.com