Thoracic 10, 11 - Kidneys, Ureters
The kidneys filter wastes from the blood stream and regulate blood chemistry, pH and blood volume. About 150 quarts of blood plasma is filtered each day through about a million little filters in each kidney called nephrons.

The hormone renin is produced mainly in the kidneys. Renin, acting together with other substances, serves to increase water and sodium retention, increase the strength of the heartbeat and thereby increases blood pressure.

The kidneys also produce a hormone called calcitriol which promotes absorption of calcium from food and helps calcium get into your bones. Calcitriol is actually the active form of vitamin D and is made from calciferol which is synthesized in the skin when we are exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. So kidneys are also related to bone strength in the body. It's very interesting that in ancient Chinese medicine, long before scientists discovered these hormones, kidney function was seen to be related to bone strength. That was quite an observation to make given the total lack of knowledge regarding this specific chemistry.

The nerve supply to the kidney is in the lower thoracic spine at the levels of T10 and T11. Subluxation at these levels can cause problems in kidney function which can manifest in high blood pressure, bone weakness, problems in the blood and other functions related to the kidney.

There is an intimate relationship between the kidneys, the T10, T11 spinal levels and the psoas muscle. The psoas muscles run along each side of the lumbar spine and are major stabilizing muscles of the lower back. Subluxations of the tenth and eleventh thoracic vertebrae can cause weakness of a either psoas muscle leading to tremendous stress and damage to the discs of the lower back. Correction of this area is very important in nearly all cases of lower back pain.

Restriction of mobility in the lower thoracic spine and tightness of the psoas muscle are very common problems among modern sedentary people. A loss of mobility in this area can lead to restriction of the fascia that surrounds the kidneys. Fascia restriction can be a problem for any organ as it restricts blood and lymph flow to and from the organ causing the organ to function poorly and become unhealthy.

Chiropractic Adjustment
This area of the spine is very difficult to adjust with conventional techniques. Dr. Greenwood often uses a very comfortable method of seated adjustment. The patient doesn't feel like they are getting squished or pounded when adjusted this way.

Nutritional Therapy
For kidney problems we often use Albaplex, Arginex, Chlorophyll Complex, Palmettoplex, Renafood, Renatrophin PMG and other Standard Process™ whole food supplements.

Too much sodium, potassium, protein, phosphorus, and fluid in the diet can be stressful on the kidney, especially when the organ is impaired. So people with kidney disease often follow special diets that limit these things.

Emotional
The kidneys and bladder are affected by fear and related emotions.