The spine is the master control of your mind and body. All vital body functions rely on the spinal nerves to corrdinate and perform all functions of the body. Therefore the healthier the spine is the healthier you are.

The spinal column (or vertebral column) extends from the skull to the pelvis and is made up of 33 individual bones termed vertebrae. The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other and grouped into four regions:

• Cervical
• Thoracic
• Lumbar
• Sacrum
• Coccyx
  

Between each vertebrae are "cushions" called discs. These are described later on in this document.

Spinal Discs

Between each vertebra are spongy pads, like soft cushions, called discs - or more correctly, intervertebral discs. Each disc has a soft jelly-like center called the nucleus pulpous, which is surrounded by a fibrous outer envelope called the annulus fibrosis. Eighty percent of the disc is water, which is why it is so elastic. Together, a disc with the attached part of the vertebra above and below is considered an intervertebral joint. These joints allow the movement of the back.

Healthy discs are elastic and springy. They make up 20% to 25% of the total length of the vertebral column. Initially, the disc contains about 85% to 90% water, but this amount decreases to 65% with age, resulting in disc degeneration.

Vertebral Subluxation

The vertebral subluxation is defined as: A misalignment of one or more of the vertebrae in the spinal column, which causes nerve functions and interference. This interference will cause the nerves to send weak impulses to the coordianting organs and systems of the body.These weak impulses keeps the body from reaching its own maximum potential and innate ability to be as healthy as possible. This condition is also referred to as spinal nerve interference.

Spinal Nerve Distribution

Extending from each pair of vertebra are nerves that supply brain impulses to every organ of the human body. These nerves control how well the organs of the body perform and are a major contributor to health and or the cause of disease.
Click here for an interactive look at signs and symptoms that might occur with spinal subluxations.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disk (or disc) happens when one of the disks in the spine bulges from its proper place. Disks are small circular cushions between the vertebrae (bones) in the spine. The disks are compressible and act as cushions for the bones of the spine. Herniated disks press on the nerves where they exit from the spinal column in close proximity to the disk and can cause severe pain. This is most common in the lower spine.
Herniated disks can occur when disks dry out, become flatter and provide less cushioning. If they become too weak, the outer part may tear. The inside part may then push through the tear and press on the nerves next to it. A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.