Yes, chiropractors believe they can help the vagus nerve by using spinal adjustments, particularly in the neck, to reduce pressure, improve nerve function, and balance the autonomic nervous system, thereby supporting "rest and digest" functions like digestion, heart rate, and mood regulation, alongside techniques like deep breathing and cold exposure.
Chiropractors help vagus nerve health by realigning the spine and correcting misalignments. When the spine is in alignment, it puts less pressure on the nerves, including the vagus nerve. This can help reduce or prevent symptoms of vagus nerve damage, such as heartburn, indigestion, and GERD.
Cervical instability-induced vagus nerve compression: The most common structural condition that leads to poor vagus nerve function is upper cervical instability.
At UCSF Health, our neurologists and neurosurgeons have expertise in implanting vagal nerve stimulators to treat seizures caused by diseases such as epilepsy.
Signs of Vagus Nerve Dysfunction
Common symptoms include chronic neck and shoulder pain, unexplained dizziness, digestive problems, anxiety, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, and persistent fatigue. Many people also experience heart palpitations, blood pressure fluctuations, and heightened sensitivity to stress.
There are many useful techniques that one can engage in to calm the vagus nerve at home, such as:
There's no single “best” position to stimulate your vagus nerve; instead, focus on maintaining spinal alignment (like sleeping on your back with a supportive pillow) for better sleep quality.
How are vagus nerve disorders diagnosed?
Six reasons you should see a neurologist
Distal vagal lesions occur as an isolated paralysis of the vagus nerve with no symptoms or signs referable to the oropharynx. Either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging can be used to diagnose proximal or distal lesions.
6 Vagus Nerve Exercises
When posture is compromised—for example, through slouching, forward head posture, or rounded shoulders—the pathways of the vagus nerve can become compressed or irritated. This disruption can affect its ability to regulate critical functions, leading to symptoms such as digestive issues, anxiety, and chronic fatigue.
Don't seek a chiropractic adjustment if you have:
All types of massage, from the scalp to the feet, help stimulate the vagus nerve. One exception: deep tissue, or painful massage, which can trigger the “fight or flight response.” Gentle and moderate pressure is best, and primary areas of focus are the neck, shoulders and feet.
Chiropractic Adjustments and the Nervous System
By restoring alignment and mobility, chiropractors can help the body return to a more parasympathetic-dominant state. This means your nervous system becomes better at shifting from “fight or flight” into “rest and digest.”
Five significant signs your brain might be in trouble include memory loss (especially recent events), difficulty with familiar tasks or language, confusion about time/place, significant personality/behavior changes, and problems with judgment, focus, or coordinating movement, often indicating conditions like dementia, brain injury, or other neurological issues, requiring a doctor's visit.
Symptoms may include:
What are neurological symptoms that should never be ignored? Key symptoms to watch for include sudden severe headaches, unexplained numbness or tingling, vision changes, cognitive decline, muscle weakness, tremors, balance problems, speech difficulties, and seizures.
How long does it take for vagus nerve exercises to work? Some people feel a shift after just a few minutes, especially with breathwork or cold exposure. Others could notice more gradual benefits over time.
Distal vagal lesions occur as an isolated paralysis of the vagus nerve with no symptoms or signs referable to the oropharynx. Either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging can be used to diagnose proximal or distal lesions.
Here are some things that you can do to strengthen your vagus nerve:
The unhealthiest sleeping position is generally considered to be sleeping on your stomach (prone position), as it forces your neck to twist and flattens the natural curve of your spine, leading to neck, back, and shoulder pain, numbness, and poor sleep quality. An overly curled fetal position is also harmful, causing joint stiffness and restricted breathing, while sleeping on your back can worsen snoring and sleep apnea for some individuals.
Heart 7 (HT 7) – Located on the wrist, HT 7 is a powerful point for stimulating the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Stomach 36 (ST 36) – Located on the leg, ST 36 can help regulate the vagus nerve, promoting digestion and reducing stress.
Stress, sleep disorders, chronic illness, underlying mental health conditions like ADHD or depression, relationship issues and diet often play a role. “One major reason people wake up with anxiety could be chronic stress and our bodies being in a constant state of fight or flight.