11/26/2025
I've been getting a lot of questions about the Vagus Nerve lately, so I wanted to share some great information on the subject again!
The vagus nerve, also known as cranial nerve number 10, comes in pairs - one on each side of your body. These nerves play a crucial role in managing involuntary sensory and motor functions.
Think of them as an information highway bridging your brain and gastrointestinal tract. They transmit a complex range of messages between your brain, digestive system, and various organs.
The primary functions of the vagus nerves include regulating blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and even mood! They also influence speech, urine output, saliva production, muscle movement, and more. When these nerves aren’t functioning properly, it’s referred to as vagus nerve dysfunction.
What can cause vagal nerve dysfunction?
Environment – Exposure to environmental toxins, ongoing social stress, and unhealthy daily habits can all place strain on the vagus nerve.
Stress & Anxiety – High vagal tone supports better stress recovery by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps ease physical symptoms like a racing heart or muscle tension and encourages a calmer, more relaxed state.
Gut – More information travels between your brain and gut than any other system in the body. In fact, your gut contains more nerve cells than anywhere outside the brain. When gut health is disrupted, inflammation can interfere with the messages being sent back to the brain.
Dental Work – The trigeminal nerve serves the teeth, sinuses, and much of the face, and it sits very close to the vagus nerve as it exits the skull. Irritation or inflammation of the trigeminal nerve can indirectly impact vagus nerve function.
Physical Trauma – Injuries to the head, neck, or abdomen—such as whiplash or surgical trauma—can affect the vagus nerve and disrupt its normal activity.
Illness – Certain viruses, including herpes simplex and COVID-19, may cause temporary or long-term vagus nerve issues. Poorly controlled blood sugar and conditions like scleroderma can also contribute to nerve damage.
Cervical Instability – Changes in the natural curve of the neck can stretch or compress the vagus nerve, limiting its ability to function properly.
At times, the vagus nerve can become overstimulated, often triggered by stress, hormonal imbalances, or inflammation. This overstimulation can lead to a sudden drop in heart rate - known as vasovagal syncope - which may result in symptoms like fainting, fatigue, blurred vision, sweating, or ringing in the ears.
Other Possible Symptoms of Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Include:
1. Digestive and gastrointestinal symptoms
2. Abdominal pain and bloating
3. Acid reflux (GERD)
4. Difficulty swallowing or loss of gag reflex
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Feeling full after eating very little
7. Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
8. Constipation or diarrhea
9. Hoarseness, wheezing, or loss of voice
10. Heart rate and blood pressure changes
11. Anxiety, depression, or brain fog
12. Chronic fatigue
13. Heart palpitations
14. High sensitivity to stress
15. Issues with exercise intolerance or temperature regulation
16. Possible TMJ dysfunction as there is a connection between
the vagus nerves and trigeminal nerves.
MANUAL THERAPISTS are incredible resources for addressing Vagus Nerve Dysfunction. Research suggests that osteopathic manipulative therapy can positively impact the autonomic nervous system. Techniques like myofascial release, balanced ligamentous tension, and cranial techniques have been shown to boost heart rate variability (HRV). Increased HRV is associated with better stress resilience, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance. Additionally, manual therapy focused on the upper cervical region, especially manipulation, has been linked to enhanced parasympathetic nervous system activity.
Some easy strategies you can use at home to improve your vagus nerve include connecting with nature, diaphragmatic breathing, and regular exercise. Simple everyday acts such as laughing, and smiling will also improve vagal nerve tone and benefit your mental health.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22279-vagus-nerve
https://caringmedical.com/prolotherapy-news/vagus-nerve-compression-cervical-spine
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-stress-affects-the-vagus-nerve-6740155
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/the-gut-brain-connection
