Understanding the Vagus Nerve: What It Does and Why it Matters

When it comes to health, most of us think about diets, exercise, or good sleep. But there’s one hidden player that often goes unnoticed – the vagus nerve.

It’s the longest cranial nerve in the body and acts like a two-way motorway, carrying information between your brain and vital organs such as your heart, lungs and digestive system. 

So, why should you care about it? Because how well your vagus nerve works can influence everything from stress levels to gut health – and even how resilient you feel day to day. 

What the Vagus Nerve Does

The vagus nerve is the body’s key player in the parasympathetic nervous system – the “rest and digest” side of your nervous system that balances the “fight or flight” stress response. 

Some of its important jobs include: 

• Heart health – it helps slow your heart rate and regulate blood pressure. 

• Digestion – it controls muscle movement in the gut, keeping food moving smoothly. 

• Immune regulation – it dampens excessive inflammation through what’s called the inflammatory reflex. 

• Mood and wellbeing – Stimulation of the vagus nerve has been shown to influence brain chemistry, helping with calmness and emotional regulation. 

In short, the vagus nerve is essential for balance in both body and mind. 

Why Chiropractors Care About the Vagus Nerve 

Here’s where things get interesting: the vagus nerve exits the brainstem and passes through the upper neck (cervical spine) before travelling down into the body. If the upper neck is misaligned – even slightly – it may irritate or interfere with the nerve’s function and blood flow in the surrounding area. 

Chiropractic care, particularly upper cervical adjustments, aims to restore proper alignment and reduce tension in this sensitive region. 

When pressure is relieved, the vagus nerve can often do its job more effectively. 

The Research Connection 

• Heart Rate Variability (HRV): HRV is a reliable marker of vagal tone (how well the vagus nerve is functioning). A review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2018) found that spinal adjustments can positively influence HRV, suggesting improved balance between stress (sympathetic) and rest (parasympathetic) nervous system activity. 

• Neck Alignment and Autonomic Function: A 2017 study in the Journal of Clinic Medicine Research found that upper cervical chiropractic adjustments were linked to improvements in autonomic nervous system balance – again pointing towards vagus nerve involvement. 

• Gut-Brain-Spine Connection: More recent commentary (2025, Psychology Today) highlights how spinal adjustments may influence the “gut-brain axis” via the vagus nerve, helping conditions linked to stress, digestion and emotional wellbeing. 

While more high-quality research is needed, these findings support what many chiropractors and patients already notice in practice – improvements in digestion, relaxation, and stress resilience after care. 

Why This Matters for You 

If you’ve been struggling with issues such as: 

• Poor digestion (bloating, reflux, sluggish bowels) 
• Feeling constantly “on edge” or stressed. 
• Difficulty relaxing or sleeping. 
• Neck stiffness or tension headaches 

…it may be worth considering that your vagus nerve isn’t firing at full capacity. 

Through gentle adjustments, chiropractors help ensure the upper neck is properly aligned, supporting nervous system balance and giving the vagus nerve the best chance to work as nature intended. 

Supporting Your Vagus Nerve Beyond Chiropractic Care 

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, there are several natural ways to help support vagus nerve function: 

• Deep breathing exercises (diaphragmatic breathing) 
• Cold exposure (cold showers, ice baths)
• Meditation and mindfulness practices 
• Singing, humming or gargling (stimulates the vagus nerve) 
• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil, flaxseeds, and walnuts) 
• Regular exercise and movement. 

Some Final Thoughts 

The vagus nerve may not get as much attention as diet trends or exercise plans, but it’s a cornerstone of human health. Supporting its function can mean better digestion, calmer stress responses, stronger immunity, and even a more balanced mood. 

If you’re curious about whether your upper neck alignment could be affecting your vagus nerve, come and have a chat with one of our chiropractors – James, Tom & myself are always happy to help, and offer any advice we can because sometimes, a small adjustment can make a big difference in how your whole body feels and functions. 

With love,

Sophie