The Relationship Between Your Spine and Organs

By understanding the relationship between the spine and certain organs, you'll better understand the cause of several health-related issues, both physical and psychological.
The Relationship Between Your Spine and Organs

Last update: 26 May, 2022

The spine is our support beam, and thanks to this, we are able to perform our daily activities. Each vertebra has a specific task, and all of them together protect the central nervous system (made up of the brain, nerves and spinal chord). In this article, we are going to talk about the truly interesting relationship between your spine and organs. Keep reading!

The spine and organs have an important purpose

The brain is in charge of sending impulses, or orders, through the spinal column and spinal nerves so that each cell in the body knows what to do. This is how vital functions are maintained.

The spinal column is in charge of protecting this communication system between the mind and organs. Thus creating a direct relationship between the spine and organs in the body.

That’s why, any time one of your vertebrae becomes displaced, no matter how small it is, it ends up pinching a nerve. Thereby, it blocks the messages from arriving at their destination. And that is how the body’s general functioning depends on the spine.

Vertebrae and their relation to emotions and disease

Back pain is so common that it no longer surprises us. It could be caused by sitting in front of a computer for hours, sleeping in a wrong position, or lifting heavy objects.

Did you know that muscle spasms are also related to feelings and emotions?

Excessive strain on the back is also related to emotions. Every part of your spine corresponds to an organ, an emotion and pain.

The cervical spine

The spine and organs are interconnected through the nervous system

This area is located between the skull and the shoulders and it’s made up of 7 vertebrae. When written, they are expressed with the letter “C”, for cervical, and a number, to identify which one it is.

The cervical spine reflects the body’s energetic system. It is the opening to life and communication.

  • C1: This supports and balances the head. When it is under pressure, it creates headaches, problems expressing emotions or disorders in the nervous system.
  • C2: This connects the eyes, nose, and sense of smell. When it is stiff, we’re unable to say what we’re experiencing.
  • C3: This is related to bone, nerves, skin and the face. Some know it as the “solitary cervical vertebra”.
  • C4, C5, and C6: These work together. That’s why when you have a problem in one, it ricochets throughout the others. The thyroid glands, vocal chords, the pharynx and the mouth, along with the shoulders relate directly to these.
  • C7: The last of the cervical spine vertebrae influences the shoulders, elbows and hands.

The Dorsal spine

The dorsal spine is related to many organs in the body

The dorsal spine consists of 12 vertebrae and spreads from the shoulders to the waist. This is where the most important organs lie. Thus, when one of the dorsal vertebrae is compromised, the associated vital organ will be affected.  The individual will also experience a lack of energy towards the lower extremities. Here are some of the connections between the cervical spine and organs that may affect our everyday life.

  • D1: Affects the fingertips, the elbows, and breathing. And therefore asthma or lung diseases relate back to it.
  • D2: This is the vertebra for the heart and lungs, but it also affects emotions and feelings.
  • D3: Chest and breathing relate back to this vertebra. When you feel pressure on this area, it translates into a problem on the emotional and physical level as well.
  • D4: This comes into contact with the gallbladder, and relates to desires, temptations, and pleasure. Because it is in the center of the body, it is responsible for balancing your day to day life.
  • D5: It connects back to blood circulation and the liver. Additionally, it controls and becomes charged with your actions and problems.
  • D6: This activates our self-criticism and acceptance of what happens. The sixth dorsal vertebra also affects the stomach.
  • D7: It connects to the pancreas and duodenum. It is also responsible for reminding us that we have to sleep and relax.
  • D8: This vertebra houses insecurities and fears, and it connects to the blood and spleen. It is related to pain in the diaphragm.
  • D9: If you have problems with this, you will experience allergies and your emotions will become heightened. The adrenal glands connect to this vertebra.
  • D10 and D11: These connect to the kidneys, nerves, tensions and insecurities.
  • D12: This one is very important, because it connects to the colon, the large intestine, joints and the lymphatic system.  In women, it also connects to the Fallopian tubes. When it comes to emotions, it is related to envy and criticism.

We recommend you read:

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The Lumbar spine

Which organs are are closely related with the lumbar spine

There are 5 vertebrae in the lumbar spine, and they generally hurt when you don’t have good posture when seated. They can also hurt when exerting too much effort during the day. They support the upper part of your body, and they communicate with the lower part.

They are related to sexuality and self-esteem. Here are some more relationships between this spine and organs in the body.

  • L1: This connects with the intestines and imbalances that create constipation and indigestion. It channels impotence and internal conflicts.
  • L2: Connects the abdomen and the legs. When there is pressure on this vertebrae, or if it is strained, you will feel alone.
  • L3: This is the vertebra of the genitals and urinary system. It is also related to the joints (especially the knees).
  • L4: In men, this connects with the prostate.  It could also reflect problems in the sciatic nerve.
  • L5: This connects to the knees, feet and legs.

The Sacrum

And lastly, this area is made up of 5 vertebrae. The connection between this spine and organs may relate to sexual desires, a sense of security and control (S1 and S3). Vertebrae S4 and S5 reflect kidney problems, infertility, hormonal imbalances, poor circulation or obesity.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


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  • Rathlev, N. K., Medzon, R., & Bracken, M. E. (2007). Evaluation and Management of Neck Trauma. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emc.2007.06.006
  • Sommerfeldt, D., & Rubin, C. (2001). Biology of bone and how it orchestrates the form and function of the skeleton. European Spine Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s005860100283

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.