Viscerosomatic Reflexes

and functional position. This technique relies on the natural and inherent release of the affected tissues.

VISCEROSOMATIC REFLEXES

Viscerosomatic reflexes are commonly asked about on the Comlex-USA Level 3 examination. While there are a great many of these reflexes, it is probably the best and most high-yield option to memorize the various body areas associated with the different reflexes.

Viscerosomatic reflexes are somatic dysfunctions resulting from changes in the autonomic nervous system. These can be chronic or acute and generally represent overstimulation of one branch of the autonomic nervous system over another. This leads to a reflex reaction that affects the organ involved. The typical TART changes of tissue texture change, asymmetry, restriction of motion, and tenderness are seen in these organs when these can be appreciated.

Remember that the sympathetic nervous system causes an acceleration of the activity of a given organ and generally arises from activity associated with the thoracolumbar spine segments. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, will decrease or inhibit an organ’s activity. The nerves involved are the high cervical segments of C0 to C2 but particularly to C2. This is because C2 is very specific for the vagus nerve, particularly on the left side.

Chronic VSR leads to the tissue texture change of firm, atrophied, dry, rubbery, ropy, and col tissues, while acute VSR leads to the tissue texture change of bogginess, moistness, and warmth. The restriction of motion will be more rubbery rather than the firmer feel of structural somatic dysfunction. When OMT is applied to somatic dysfunction from viscerosomatic reflexes, there will be a transient resolution but, unless the actual visceral problem is addressed, the somatic dysfunction will return.

The major body areas involved in viscerosomatic reflexes, include the following:

• For the head and neck, the sympathetic influence comes from T1 to T4, while the parasympathetic influence comes from C2.