The vagus nerve is like a hidden powerhouse within your body, controlling a wide range of crucial functions, from your heart rate to your digestive system. It is one of the 12 cranial nerves that runs from the brain all the way down into the digestive tract. 

It’s a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the “rest and digest” state that you should be living in for the majority of the time. 

Most people are not familiar with the vagus nerve or its functions. But this particular nerve is very important to our overall health, and chiropractic care actually can play a large role in keeping it in tip top shape.

These are some of the vagus nerve’s key roles:

• Aiding digestion.
• Regulating heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.
• Immune system responses.
• Mood.
• Mucus and saliva production.
• Skin and muscle sensations.
• Speech.
• Taste.
• Urine output.

When the vagus nerve isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to a range of issues, including digestive problems, anxiety, and even chronic inflammation. 

There are certain symptoms to watch out for that could signal that the vagus nerve isn’t functioning properly such as irregular heart rate or blood pressure, bloating, constipation, chronic inflammation, mood disorders, acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite or nausea and vomiting. 

These symptoms can sometimes feel vague and unrelated, but they can all stem from a vagus nerve that’s not doing its job effectively.

Protecting and supporting the vagus nerve can be done with simple stimulation practices such as deep breathing exercises to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, cold exposure to literally wake up the vagus nerve, singing/humming, meditation and other stress-reducing techniques, and, you guessed it: chiropractic adjustments.

The connection between chiropractic and the vagus nerve lies in the spine—specifically, the upper cervical spine. A chiropractic adjustment decreases the amount of pressure on the nerves — the vagus nerve included. When there is less pressure on the vagus nerve, there can be clear communication between the brain, vagus nerve, and body. This clear communication help alleviate symptoms or prevent them from even happening at all. 

The vagus nerve travels down through the neck, so any misalignment in the upper cervical spine can interfere with its function. Chiropractic adjustments help ensure that your spine is in proper alignment, reducing pressure on the nerve. When the spine is aligned, the nerve can send signals more efficiently, supporting its normal functions.

Chiropractic adjustments also help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, where the vagus nerve plays a key role. Activating this system promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Regular chiropractic care can help your body manage stress better, which can improve the overall function of the vagus nerve over time.

Chiropractic care focuses on the nervous system, which means chiropractors work to ensure that the brain and body are communicating clearly. The vagus nerve is a major pathway in this communication system. By aligning the spine and relieving any nervous system interference, chiropractic care helps your body return to a more balanced state, improving vagal tone.

The vagal tone refers to how well the vagus nerve is working, and it can be measured with a test called Heart Rate Variability, a test that is offered here at Dr. Gena Chiropractic. It helps our team determine how the vagus nerve is functioning so we can provide the best treatment plan for our patients. 

Chiropractic care isn't just about back pain; it’s about supporting your body’s natural ability to heal and regulate itself. By improving spinal alignment and nervous system function, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and boost your mood—all things that the vagus nerve helps control.

The vagus nerve plays a critical role in keeping your body balanced and healthy, from your heart to your gut and even your mood. Chiropractic care can be a powerful way to improve vagus nerve function by correcting spinal misalignments, enhancing nervous system communication, and reducing stress. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms like digestive issues, anxiety, or inflammation, contact our office at 954-417-5815 to schedule a consultation and see how chiropractic care can help support your vagus nerve and overall health. 

Dr. Gena Chiropractic is the premiere pediatric and family chiropractic clinic serving the Plantation and the greater Fort Lauderdale community in Broward County. Remember, your health is in your hands; our hands are here to help.