Spine and Posture

Spine

StructureOrganSpinal Nerve Associated MusclesMuscles
Sagittal Suture
-
Occiput
-
TMJ
-
C1
Rectus Capitis; Longus Capitis; Omohyoid; Thyrohyoid; Geniohyoid
C3
Levator Scapulae; Diaphragm; Trapezius; Neck Extensors & Suboccipitals
C2
Rectus Capitis; Omohyoid; Sternohyoid; Sternothyroid
C4
Rhomboids; Levator Scapulae; Diaphragm; Trapezius; Neck Extensors & Suboccipitals
C5
Rhomboids; Supraspinatus; Infraspinatus; Subscapularis; Deltoids; Biceps;Brachioradialis; Serratus Anterior; PMS; PMC; Pec Minor; Teres Major & Minor
C6
PMS; PMC; Pec Minor; Supraspinatus; Infraspinatus; Serratus Anterior;Teres Major & Minor; Subscapularis; Deltoids; Biceps; Triceps; Brachioradialis
C7
Latissimus Dorsi; PMS; PMC; Teres Major; Triceps; Brachioradialis; Forearm Flexors and Extensors
C8 (C7 - T1Junction)
Latissimus Dorsi; PMS; Triceps; Forearm Flexors and Extensors;Hand and Finger muscles
T1
PMS; PMC; Pec Minor; Triceps; Forearm Flexors and Extensors; Hand and Finger muscles
T2
-
T3
-
T4
-
T5
Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Transverse Abdominus;
T6
Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Transverse Abdominus;
Ribs
--
T7
Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Transverse Abdominus;
T8
Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Transverse Abdominus;
T9
Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Transverse Abdominus;
T10
Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Transverse Abdominus;
T11
Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Transverse Abdominus;
T12
Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Quadratus Lumborum;
L1
Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Quadratus Lumborum; Psoas;
L2
Quadratus Lumborum; Quadriceps; Psoas; Iliacus; Sartorius;
L3
Quadratus Lumborum; Quadriceps; Psoas; Iliacus; Sartorius;
L4
TFL; Hamstrings; Quadriceps; Psoas; Glut Medius; Piriformis; Sartorius; Popliteus;
L5
TFL; Hamstrings; Anterior Tibialis; Glut Medius; Glut Max; Piriformis; Popliteus;
S1
TFL; Hamstrings; Anterior Tibialis; Glut Medius; Glut Max; Piriformis; Gastrocnemius;
S2
Hamstrings; Gastrocnemius; Soleus
Sacro-Iliac
-
S3
S4
S5

Postural Deviations and Spine's Appearance

Appearance is best observed from the side, front and back. Have client also flex forward and notice the vertebra that appear to not be as flexible. These areas are usually areas where the person is stuck on specific issues. To find out what issues they are stuck on find what vertebra are immobile and look at the above table to determine the associated organs. Also take note of areas of maximum flexibility – this usually shows the predominant behaviour pattern that is being used to achieve motivations.

The meaning of the various postural deviations is given in the table below.

Postural Deviations

PostureMeaning
Rotated Spine
Strong emotional dysfunction related to that area of the body
Spine not flexible in an area
Shows where client closed down
Scoliosis
Defensive, closed hearted, hurt
Kyphosis
Focussed on doing, metal
Lean forward posture (forward translation of pelvis and forward head position)
Continuously active, over-driven, does not relax, commonly Bl constitution or Wood
Sway back
Fear and withdrawal
Lordosis
Disconnected from core, Earth issues
Left sided/ right sided imbalance
Yin/ yang
Strong wide jaw
Wood
Pointed chin forwards
Water