THE SPINE SPOT ANATOMY LIBRARY: THE COMPLETE INDEX

Your Interactive Map to Every Vertebra, Nerve, and Joint

By Dr. James Fraser | Doctor of Chiropractic D.C. | Spine Spot Chiropractic - Basalt, CO

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How to Use This Library

In the Chiropractic Subluxation Symptom Index, specificity is everything. A pinched nerve at C5 causes a completely different set of symptoms than a pinched nerve at C6.

Use this interactive map to trace your symptoms—whether it’s a migraine, heartburn, or knee pain—back to the specific neurological root cause. Click the links below each section to read Dr. Fraser’s deep-dive analysis on how to correct the issue.

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THE HEAD & UPPER CERVICAL

The Control Center: Brain, Sinuses, and Jaw.

Cranial & Sinus - The Hydraulic System

The "Fluid" Pump.

• Anatomy: The 22 bones of the skull that "breathe" to pump fluid.
• Symptoms: Chronic sinus congestion, "weather" headaches, brain fog, facial pressure.
• The Fixation: Jammed sutures preventing drainage (not an infection).
• Cranial Suture Release for Sinus Pressure

TMJ - The Jaw Joint

The Trigeminal Trigger.

• Anatomy: The hinge allowing chewing and speaking; linked to the upper neck.
• Symptoms: Clicking/popping, lockjaw, temple headaches, ear fullness.
• The Fixation: Anterior disc displacement caused by neck tension.
• Correcting TMJ Clicking & Trigeminal Pain

C0 - The Occiput

The Vagus Nerve Center.

• Anatomy: The base of the skull rests on the Atlas.
• Symptoms: "Ram's Horn" headaches, brain fog, vertigo, anxiety, digestive shutdown.
• The Fixation: Inability to look up/down; jammed condyles affecting the brainstem.
• Treating Vagus Nerve Toxicity & Occipital Headaches

C1 - The Atlas

The Master Key.

• Anatomy: The ring-shaped vertebra holding up the globe of the skull.
• Symptoms: Migraines, suboccipital neuralgia, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure.
• The Fixation: Rotational misalignment compressing the brainstem and vertebral arteries.
• Correcting Atlas Displacement for Migraine Relief

C2 - The Axis

The Pivot Point.

• Anatomy: The vertebra with the "Dens" (tooth) that allows head rotation.
• Symptoms: Sinus congestion, ear infections, severe dizziness (vertigo), eye pressure.
• The Fixation: Axis rotation restricting the ability to turn the head "No."
• Resolving Vertigo & Ear Congestion Naturally

THE CERVICAL SPINE & TRANSITION

The Neck: The "Arc of Life" & Neurological Superhighway.

Cervical Spine - The Curve

The Arc of Life.

• Anatomy: The lordotic curve is essential for shock absorption.
• Symptoms: "Text Neck," premature disc decay, chronic stiffness.
• The Fixation: Loss of curve (Kyphosis), stretching the spinal cord.
• Restoring the Cervical Lordosis & Curve

C3 - The Neuralgia Center

The Facial Link.

• Anatomy: The mid-neck stability point.
• Symptoms: Trigeminal Neuralgia (facial pain), acne/eczema, tinnitus, teeth pain.
• The Fixation: Lateral misalignment affecting facial sensation.
• Relief for Trigeminal Neuralgia & Facial Pain

C4 - The Diaphragm Driver

The Breath Controller.

• Anatomy: The fulcrum of the cervical curve; Phrenic nerve origin.
• Symptoms: Hay fever, hearing loss, adenoid issues, and constant shoulder shrugging.
• The Fixation: Posterior slip affecting the Phrenic nerve (diaphragm function).
• Restoring Phrenic Nerve Function & Breathing

C5 - The Shoulder Architect

The Deltoid Power.

• Anatomy: The most mobile segment in the lower neck.
• Symptoms: Vocal cord issues, sore throat, deltoid weakness (can't lift arm), lateral arm pain.
• The Fixation: "Military Neck" causing nerve root traction.
• Fixing Deltoid Weakness & Vocal Cord Dysfunction

C6 - The Wrist & Thumb

The Carpal Tunnel Root.

• Anatomy: The primary load-bearing segment for the head's weight.
• Symptoms: Stiff neck, croup/cough, thumb/index finger numbness (false Carpal Tunnel).
• The Fixation: Degenerative disc disease causing "Double Crush" syndrome.
• C6 Subluxation & Carpal Tunnel Root Causes

C7 - The Thyroid Anchor 

The Big Bump (Vertebra Prominens). 

• Anatomy: The transitional hinge between the neck and upper back; the largest cervical vertebra. 
• Symptoms: Hypothyroidism, bursitis in the shoulder/elbow, frequent colds, triceps weakness. 
• The Fixation: "Dowager's Hump" (fatty pad swelling) & CT Junction lock.
• Addressing Thyroid Health & The CT Junction

C7-T1 - The Vertebra Prominens

The "Hump" & Thyroid.

• Anatomy: The large bump at the base of the neck.
• Symptoms: Thyroid dysfunction, shoulder bursitis, triceps weakness, "Dowager's Hump."
• The Fixation: Forward head posture creating a fibrous fatty pad.
• Dowager's Hump Correction & Thyroid Health

THE THORACIC SPINE & RIB CAGE

The Mid-Back: The Sympathetic Engine & Organ Protector.

Thoracic Spine - The Engine Room

The Sympathetic Shield.

• Anatomy: The 12 vertebrae protect the vital organs.
• Symptoms: Organ dysfunction, posture collapse, stress response dominance.
• The Fixation: Hyper-kyphosis locking the rib cage.
• Thoracic Spine & Sympathetic Organ Control

Ribs - The Costal Cage

The "Mimic."

• Anatomy: The connection between the spine and sternum.
• Symptoms: Sharp stabbing chest pain, "heart attack" mimic, pain when breathing.
• The Fixation: Rib head popping out of the joint (Costovertebral).
• Rib Head Subluxation & Chest Pain Relief

T1 - The Bronchial Anchor

Arms & Esophagus. 

• Anatomy: The structural base of the neck; it attaches to the first rib. 
• Symptoms: Asthma, cough, difficulty breathing, pain in lower arms/hands. 
• The Fixation: "Dowager's" tension causing hand numbness.
• Relieving Asthma & Hand Numbness via T1

T2 - The Cardiac Center

Heart & Pericardium. 

• Anatomy: The functional heart center of the spine. 
• Symptoms: Functional heart conditions, chest pain, arrhythmias, and anxiety. 
• The Fixation: "Anxiety Rib" causing chest tightness. 
• Chiropractic Care for Chest Pain & Anxiety

T3 - The Respiratory Hub

Lungs & Pleura. 

• Anatomy: Located between the shoulder blades. 
• Symptoms: Bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, congestion, and flu. 
• The Fixation: "Winged Scapula" restricting deep breaths. 
• Boosting Lung Capacity & Clearing Congestion

T4 - The Biliary Duct

Gallbladder & Common Duct. 

• Anatomy: The mid-scapular region. 
• Symptoms: Gallbladder conditions, jaundice, shingles, and side pain. 
• The Fixation: Right shoulder blade pain referring from the organ. 
• Gallbladder Health & Mid-Back Pain

T5 - The Hepatic Zone

Liver & Solar Plexus. 

• Anatomy: The center of the thoracic curve. 
• Symptoms: Liver conditions, fevers, low blood pressure, poor circulation. 
• The Fixation: "Liver congestion" causing mid-back stiffness. 
• Improving Circulation & Liver Function

T6 - The Gastric Controller

Stomach. 

• Anatomy: The primary digestive nerve supply. 
• Symptoms: Indigestion, heartburn (GERD), dyspepsia, nervous stomach. 
• The Fixation: "Poker Spine" (rigidity) blocking acid regulation. 
• Natural Solutions for GERD & Heartburn

T7 - The Pancreatic Supply

Pancreas & Duodenum. 

• Anatomy: The lower tip of the shoulder blade. 
• Symptoms: Gastritis, ulcers, and blood sugar imbalances. 
• The Fixation: Anteriority ("Dished Spine") affecting enzyme release. 
• Balancing Blood Sugar & Healing Ulcers

T8 - The Immune Shield

Spleen. 

• Anatomy: The diaphragm level. 
• Symptoms: Low resistance/immunity, hiccups, spleen trouble. 
• The Fixation: Rib flaring causing diaphragm spasm. 
• Strengthening Immunity via the Spine

T9 - The Adrenal Reactor

Adrenal Glands. 

• Anatomy: The upper lumbar transition zone. 
• Symptoms: Allergies, hives, adrenal fatigue, and cortisol imbalance. 
• The Fixation: "Adrenal Burnout" creating hypersensitivity. 
• Addressing Adrenal Fatigue & Allergies

T10 - The Renal Root

Kidneys. 

• Anatomy: The start of the floating ribs. 
• Symptoms: Kidney troubles, chronic fatigue, nephritis, and pyelitis. 
• The Fixation: Deep flank pain is often mistaken for stones. 
• Kidney Health & Spinal Alignment

T11 - The Filter Link

Kidneys & Ureters. 

• Anatomy: The lower floating rib attachment. 
• Symptoms: Skin conditions (acne/eczema), auto-intoxication. 
• The Fixation: Toxic retention due to poor filtration signals. 
• Clearing Skin Conditions from the Inside Out

T12 - The Lymphatic Drain

Small Intestine & Lymph. 

• Anatomy: The Thoracolumbar Junction (TLJ). 
• Symptoms: Rheumatism, gas, and certain types of sterility. 
• The Fixation: "TL Junction Lock" affecting hip mobility. 
• The Link Between Gut Health & Joint Pain

THE LUMBAR SPINE & TRANSITIONS

The Low Back: The Foundation of Power, Reproduction, and Movement.

TL Junction - The Hinge

The Twist Point.

• Anatomy: T12-L1 transition from rigid ribs to mobile lumbar.
• Symptoms: Maigne's Syndrome (groin pain), gas/bloating, "belt-line" back pain.
• The Fixation: Rotational lock causing referred pain to the hip.
• Resolving Maigne's Syndrome & Groin Pain

Lumbar Spine - The Engine

The Load Bearer.

• Anatomy: The massive vertebrae carry the upper body.
• Symptoms: Mechanical back pain, loss of curve (Flat Back), muscle spasms.
• The Fixation: Loss of the disc "wedge" shape.
• Lumbar Spine Biomechanics & Disc Health

L1 - The Digestive Pivot

Large Intestine & Groin. 

• Anatomy: The top of the lumbar spine; it controls the output of waste. 
• Symptoms: Constipation, colitis, diarrhea, hernias, high groin pain. 
• The Fixation: "Rigid spine" upon standing; difficulty straightening up.
• Gut Health & The Upper Lumbar Spine

L2 - The Deep Stabilizer

Appendix & Upper Thigh. 

• Anatomy: Supplies the appendix, abdomen, and quadriceps muscles. 
• Symptoms: Abdominal cramps, acidosis, varicose veins, "numb patches" on the thigh. 
• The Fixation: "Heavy legs" and deep abdominal tension. 
• Relief for Leg Cramps & Varicose Veins

L3 - The Keystone

Reproductive & Knee Center.

• Anatomy: The center of the lumbar curve.
• Symptoms: Bladder troubles, menstrual pain, impotence, inner knee pain.
• The Fixation: "Buckling knee" caused by femoral nerve weakness.
• Addressing Knee Pain & Reproductive Health

L4 - The Sciatic Switch

Prostate & Stability.

• Anatomy: The workhorse; common site of slippage (Spondy).
• Symptoms: Sciatica (side of leg), painful urination, prostate issues, "Foot Drop."
• The Fixation: Anterior slippage (Spondylolisthesis).
• L4 Spondylolisthesis & Sciatic Nerve Treatment

L5 - The Foundation Block

Legs & Feet.

• Anatomy: The final vertebra sits on the sacrum.
• Symptoms: Poor circulation, swollen ankles, big toe weakness, true sciatica.
• The Fixation: "Dead toe" sensation and gluteal atrophy.
• Fixing Foot Drop & L5 Disc Herniation

THE PELVIC FOUNDATION

The Base: Stability, Elimination, and the Kinetic Chain.

L5-S1 - The Ferguson's Angle

The Disc Danger Zone.

• Anatomy: The shear point where the spine meets the pelvis.
• Symptoms: Disc herniation, severe leg pain, inability to stand straight (Antalgia).
• The Fixation: Loss of disc height causing nerve entrapment.
• Stabilizing the L5-S1 Junction & Disc Shear

Pelvis - The Girdle

The Architectural Base.

• Anatomy: The Ilia (hip bones) and Sacrum ring.
• Symptoms: Uneven gait, "short leg," hip hiking, skirt spinning.
• The Fixation: Ilium rotation (PI/AS) unleveling the spine.
• Correcting Pelvic Misalignment & Short Leg

SI Joint - The Dimples

The "Low Back" Pain.

• Anatomy: The strongest joint in the body.
• Symptoms: Sharp pain in the "dimple" (PSIS), pain rising from a chair.
• The Fixation: Locking of the joint, causing inflammation.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction Relief

Sacrum - The Sacred Bone

The Parasympathetic Anchor.

• Anatomy: The fused triangular base.
• Symptoms: Sexual dysfunction, bladder incontinence, "dead butt" syndrome.
• The Fixation: Tipping or rotating, disrupting the Craniosacral pump.
• Correcting Sacral Torsion & Pelvic Floor Issues

Coccyx - The Tailbone

The Dural Tether.

• Anatomy: The vestigial tail.
• Symptoms: Hemorrhoids, pain while sitting, migraines (via dural tension).
• The Fixation: Anterior displacement pulling on the spinal cord.
• Coccyx Adjustment for Tailbone Pain

THE UPPER EXTREMITY

The Kinetic Chain: From Shoulder to Fingertip.

Upper Extremity - The Chain

The "Double Crush."

• Anatomy: The connection of neck, shoulder, and arm.
• Symptoms: Shooting arm pain, numbness that defies diagnosis.
• The Fixation: A failure of multiple links (e.g., Neck + Wrist).
• Upper Extremity Kinetic Chain & Nerve Pain

Shoulder - Glenohumeral Joint

The Mobility Anchor.

• Symptoms: Impingement, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff weakness, inability to reach up.
• The Fixation: Anterior Humeral Head misalignment.
• Non-Surgical Relief for Frozen Shoulder & Impingement

Elbow - Radioulnar Joint

The Radial Head.

• Symptoms: "Tennis Elbow" (Lateral Epicondylitis), inability to straighten arm.
• The Fixation: Posterior Radial Head block (not just tendonitis).
• Restoring Elbow Extension & Radial Head Function

Wrist - Carpal Tunnel

The Tunnel Anchor.

• Symptoms: Numbness in thumb/index finger, weak grip, cyclist's palsy.
• The Fixation: Lunate bone dropping into the tunnel.
• Correcting Lunate Fixation & Wrist Numbness

Hand - The Grip

The Dexterity Anchor.

• Symptoms: Weak grip strength, pain in the palm, finger stiffness.
• The Fixation: Metacarpal arch collapse.
• Restoring Grip Strength & Metacarpal Arch

THE LOWER EXTREMITY

The Kinetic Chain: From Hip to Toe.

Lower Extremity - The Chain

The Load Bearer.

• Anatomy: The hip-knee-ankle connection.
• Symptoms: Knee pain caused by flat feet; Hip pain caused by bad knees.
• The Fixation: A collapse of the kinetic chain foundation.
• Lower Extremity Alignment & Kinetic Chain

Hip - Acetabular Joint

The Ball & Socket.

• Symptoms: Groin pain, limping, "bone on bone" grinding, sock difficulty.
• The Fixation: External rotation jamming the joint capsule.
• Preventing Hip Surgery & Groin Impingement

Knee - Tibiofemoral Joint

The Slave Joint.

• Symptoms: Meniscus tears, swelling, locking/clicking, "Runner's Knee."
• The Fixation: Tibial rotation grinding the meniscus.
• Correction for Meniscus & Knee Pain

Ankle - Talocrural Joint

The Balance Anchor.

• Symptoms: Chronic sprains, heel cord tightness, instability, clumsiness.
• The Fixation: Anterior Talus blocking the hinge.
• Stabilizing Chronic Ankle Sprains & Talus Issues

Foot - Tarsal Complex

The Foundation.

• Symptoms: Plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, bunions, heel spurs.
• The Fixation: Dropped Navicular or Cuboid bones (collapsed arch).
• Realignment for Plantar Fasciitis & Flat Feet

FIND YOUR SOLUTION

Trace Your Symptoms to the Source.

If you identified your symptoms in the library above, you likely have a specific structural shift that requires correction, not medication.

[CONTACT US FOR YOUR COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION AT SPINE SPOT BASALT]

Restore the alignment. Restore the function.

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Spine Spot Chiropractic – Your Chiropractor in Basalt - Dr. James Fraser | 341 Market St, Basalt, CO 81621 | Call/Text: (970) 924-1015 | Schedule Online or Request an appointment