The vagus nerve runs down both sides of the neck, alongside the carotid artery and jugular vein, as two separate nerves (right and left) that extend from the brainstem down into the chest and abdomen, connecting to major organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive system. While both sides have vagus nerves, stimulation often targets the left side for conditions like epilepsy due to its pathway, but both are crucial for involuntary functions, hence the name meaning "wandering".
You may experience:
Depending on the individual and the area of injury, dysfunction of the vagus nerve may present in various ways. Common concerns involve abnormal GI function, including abdominal bloating or pain after eating, reflux, nausea, vomiting, and taste alterations.
Under pressure....using the Coregeous Ball against the sides of your neck is one of the easiest ways to promote vagal response. Gentle pressure using the skin rolling/ shearing technique not only helps release the highly overused neck muscles but induces the relaxation response by gently pressurizing the carotid artery.
In the neck:
The vagus nerve descends vertically within the carotid sheath between the internal jugular vein and the internal carotid artery, to the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, and then passes between the vein and the common carotid artery to the root of the neck.
Irritation of these nerves can therefore lead to such horrific stabbing or lightning-like pharyngeal pain that it can make it hard to swallow and is associated with nausea and vomiting. The condition is called is vago-glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
Based on research results and clinical experience, cervical region tightness can be considered to cause stomach problems through the vagal nerve, and soft tissue relaxation of the cervical region can be a promising treatment method for stomach symptoms.
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.
There are two main causes of vagus nerve dysfunction: previous infection or inflammation and physical or psychological stress.
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.
The Lasting Impact of Trauma
This can contribute to an overactive vagus nerve and cause physical trauma symptoms such as unexplained pain and nausea. As the dorsal side of the vagus nerve is on high alert for danger, those who have experienced past trauma can jump immediately into the freeze or immobilisation response.
The definition of neck-stomach symptoms is gastro-intestinal disorders resulting from cervical spondylosis. The sympathetic fibers are distributed in the periphery of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The adventive nerves interact with the neurons of the DRG by a non-synaptic signaling[20,21].
Symptoms include a very fast or irregular heartbeat. Palpitations are a sensory symptom. They are often described as a skipped beat, a rapid flutter, or a pounding in the chest or neck.
High-resolution MRI identifies vagus nerve conflicts, but imaging findings must match clinical symptoms.
At UCSF Health, our neurologists and neurosurgeons have expertise in implanting vagal nerve stimulators to treat seizures caused by diseases such as epilepsy.
If the upper roots, C2, C3 and C4, are irritated they may complain of occipital headaches, often typical of migraine, with pain radiating to the eyes and behind the ears, blurring of vision, dizziness and nausea especially when attempting to lie down, numbness of the side of the neck, tension and “knots” in the neck ...
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.
While no specific vitamin can “cure” the vagus nerve, maintaining adequate levels of vitamins B12 and D is essential for full vagus nerve activity and health. These vitamins support the nervous system and overall well-being.
SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been identified at the entry site of the vagus nerve into the brainstem of COVID-19 patients [24] which implies that SARS-CoV-RNA is detectable along the entire route of the 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.
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.
Anything that the body physiological knows is stressful will eventually damage the vagus nerve; likely anything the body physiological knows is there to give it health will strengthen the vagus nerve.