Understanding Spinal Pain: It's Not Always from the Spine

🌟 Understanding Spinal Pain: It's Not Always from the SpineWhen someone experiences back or neck pain, it's easy to assume the problem is directly related to the spine. But in many cases, spinal pain may actually come from internal organ dysfunctions—including issues with the heart, lungs, or digestive system. These cases require prompt diagnosis and medical attention.

🚨 When Pain Signals a Medical EmergencyCertain sources of spinal pain are serious and must be diagnosed quickly through:

• Detailed medical history
  
• Thorough physical examination
  
• Targeted laboratory testing
  

🔴 If spinal pain is suspected to originate from the heart or lungs, immediate referral to a medical doctor (MD) is essential. For example:

• Heart-related pain may radiate to the upper back, left shoulder, or arm
  
• Lung-related issues may cause pain in the mid-back or shoulders
  

These conditions are urgent and require immediate medical treatment.

🔄 When the Nervous System Connects the Spine to OrgansIn many non-emergency cases, spinal dysfunction can affect internal organs, and vice versa. Chiropractic science explains this through neurological reflexes known as:

• Somato-somatic reflexes (also called somato-motor): where issues in one part of the musculoskeletal system affect another
  
• Somato-visceral reflexes: where spinal or muscular issues impact internal organs
  
• Viscero-somatic reflexes: where organ stress or dysfunction causes pain or dysfunction in muscles and joints
  

Let’s explore these in simpler terms.

🧠 Layman’s Guide to Subluxation Reflex Patterns1. Viscero-Somatic Subluxation

• What it means: Internal organs (like the heart or lungs) are stressed or inflamed, and that dysfunction causes pain in nearby muscles or joints.
  
• Example: A person with a heart issue might feel pain radiating to the upper back or left shoulder. Lung irritation may show up as mid-back tension.
  
• Mechanism: This is an example of the body “referring” pain from inside (viscera) to outside (soma).
  

➡️ We call this a viscero-somatic subluxation — a stress signal from an organ causing muscle tension or spinal misalignment.

2. Somato-Visceral Subluxation

• What it means: A problem in the spine or muscles (e.g., neck tension, spinal misalignment) can disrupt nerve function and impact internal organs.
  
• Example: A neck issue may lead to headaches, sinus pressure, thyroid imbalances, or even eye strain.
  
• Mechanism: This is the reverse — stress or dysfunction in the spine affecting organ function.
  

➡️ We call this a somato-visceral subluxation — where nerve interference from musculoskeletal structures leads to organ dysfunction.

🧹 How Chiropractors Address These ReflexesAt Soft Touch Chiropractic in Porter Ranch, CA, we take a whole-body approach to understanding pain. During your exam, we evaluate not just your spine and muscles, but also how your symptoms may relate to internal systems via these neurological reflex pathways.
Our goal is to:

• Identify patterns of referred pain
  
• Restore healthy nerve flow
  
• Support both musculoskeletal and visceral health
  

📍 Need Help Understanding Your Pain?Whether you’re experiencing neck pain, headaches, or unexplained back discomfort, we’ll help you determine if it’s structural, neurological, or organ-related. Your health deserves a full-spectrum approach.
📞 Call us today at 818-831-0100
📍 Soft Touch Chiropractic, 11145 Tampa Ave. Suite 14 A, Porter Ranch, CA 91326
🌐 Se habla español

rel="author">Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh

rel=”author”>Masoud Shamaeizadeh