The Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) is a chiropractic scientific model depicting a spinal condition with numerous components (see a more in-depth description of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex for more info). One of the components is called neuropathophysiology which describes how the Vertebral Subluxation Complex produces interference to normal function of the nerve system.

The chart below illustrates which organ systems can be affected by a subluxation at a given spinal level. Please note, the exact spinal levels may not exactly match the symptoms – the nerve system is incredibly complicated and this chart is a basic illustration.  For more information, please ask your Chiropractor.

Vertebrae

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

C7

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

T6

T7

T8

T9

T10

T11

T12

L1

L2

L3

L4

L5

SACRUM

COCCYX

Areas and Parts of Body

Back of head

Various areas of head

Side and front of neck

Upper back of neck

Middle of neck and upper part of arms

Lower part of neck, arms, and elbows

Lower part of arms, shoulders

Hands, wrists, fingers, thyroid

Heart, its valves and coronary arteries

Lungs, bronchial tubes, pleura, chest

Gall Bladder, common duct

Liver, Solar Plexus

Stomach, Mid-back area

Pancreas, duodenum

Spleen, lower-mid back

Adrenal glands

Kidneys

Ureters

Small intestines, upper/lower back

Iliocecal valve, large intestines

Appendix, abdomen, upper leg

Sex organs, uterus, bladder, knees

Prostate gland, lower back

Sciatic nerve, lower legs, ankles, feet

Hip bones, buttocks

Rectum, anus

Possible Symptoms

Headaches, Vision Problems, Neck Pain, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)

Dizziness, nerveness, vertigo

Pain, soreness and restriction in shoulder area

Bursitis, Tendonitis

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Pain and soreness in arms, hands, elbows

Chest pains, tightness or constriction

Hypertension

Asthma, difficulty breathing

Indigestion, Heartburn, Ulcers

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Infantile Colic

Low back pain

Various symptoms arising from malfunctioning:

  • Thyroid
  • Heart
  • Lungs
  • Gall Bladder
  • Liver
  • Stomach
  • Pancreas
  • Spleen
  • Adrenals Glands
  • Kidneys
  • Small and large intestine
  • Sex organs
  • Uterus
  • Bladder
  • Prostate Gland

*Please note, the exact spinal levels may not exactly match the symptoms – the nerve system is incredibly complicated and this chart is a basic illustration.