The Vagus Nerve and Health - Atlas Specific Chiropractic

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What is the Connection Between the Vagus Nerve and the neck?

The upper cervical spine, comprising the Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2) vertebrae, is closely associated with the brainstem, where the Vagus nerve originates. The Vagus Nerve also descends down to the rest of the body by closely passing the front of the Atlas and the Axis. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can affect the function of the brainstem and, consequently, the Vagus nerve. These misalignments can be involved in a range of health issues, including

Digestive Disorders: Such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux.
Cardiovascular Problems: Including irregular heartbeats and hypertension.
Respiratory Issues: Such as dimculty breathing or chronic coughing.
Chronic Inflammation and inability to manage stress Edit screen save it collection
Altered Moods and Self Perception: The Vagus nerve is the communication pathway for the brain gut axis, recent evidence has shown the importance of good gut health andcommunication between the brain and digestive system for our mental wellbeing (Zhu et al. 2022).
two adjustments here bowel movements became daily, leading to better digestive health and her having more energy (Eriksen, K., 2006)

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Can Help with Vagus Nerve Issues:

Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on correcting misalignments in the atlas and axis vertebrae to restore proper function to the nervous system, including the Vagus nerve. Here’s how it works:

Precise Adjustments: Upper cervical chiropractors use gentle, precise adjustments to realign the atlas and axis vertebrae. These adjustments are tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
Restoring Communication: By correcting these misalignments, upper cervical adjustments help restore proper communication between the brain and body, enhancing the function of the Vagus nerve.
Promoting Healing: Improved Vagus nerve function can lead to better regulation of autonomic functions, promoting overall health and well-being.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Success Stories:

Many people have experienced significant improvements in their health after receiving upper cervical chiropractic care. For instance:

Improved Digestion: a 5-year old female struggled with chronic constipation since the age of 2. She had not responded to drug therapy or conservative care. After one upper cervical adjustments, her bowel movements increased to 4-6 per week. After a further two adjustments here bowel movements became daily, leading to better digestive health and her having more energy (Eriksen, K., 2006)
Better Heart Health: A 50yr old female found relief from Postural Orthostatic
Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) with cervical chiropractic adjustments. For 3 years, she struggled with neck pain, dizziness and fatigue, after 3 months of care she reported full resolution of her issues. Prior to care, she had a reverse kyphosis of the cervical spine and thoracic scoliosis that were affecting her nervous system, as misalignments place pressure and interference upon the structures around them (Chu and Lin, 2022)

Conclusion:

The Vagus nerve is vital for maintaining many essential bodily functions, and its health is closely linked to the alignment of the upper cervical spine.

Upper cervical chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, effective solution to support the Vagus nerve and improve your overall health (Schalow et al.2021). If you’re experiencing issues related to digestion, heart health, respiratory function, or chronic inflammation, chronic fatigue, chronic stress, Migraines or Long COVID then schedule a consultation with us by pressing our contact button.

References

Zhu F, Tu H, Chen The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Depression: The Potential Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Microbiota Combined Antidepression Effect. Nutrients. 2022 May 16;14(10):2081. doi: 10.3390/nu14102081. PMID: 35631224; PMCID: PMC9144102.
Eriksen, K., 2004. Upper Cervical Subluxation Textbook. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Schalow, R., Kimball, K. A., Schurger, F. T., Sooley, G. R., Bales, S. P., Rochester, R. P., Brooks, R. T., & Hunt, J. M. (2021). Secretory Immunoglobulin A and Upper Cervical Chiropractic: A Preliminary Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 20(3), 121–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2021.10.003

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