Is Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Related To My Neck?

Vagus nerve dysfunction is when the vagus nerve has reduced signals to the organs they control. This can manifest in different symptoms and can have various causes. Many people wonder if in some way their spine (more likely their neck) is related to the vagus nerve dysfunction.

Many people will say:

● “Ever since Covid Iv’e been chronically fatigued”

● “For the past few years my digestion has been sped up or slowed down”

● “I feel tired all of the time but I don't get good sleep at night”.

Many people notice in addition to vagus nerve dysfunction they have a tension at the base of their skull, they get brain fog, or low grade headaches.

What Causes Vagus Nerve Dysfunction?

Many people think that the cause of vagus nerve dysfunction is chronic stress or a viral infection. While chronic stress and viral infections may have triggered the onset of vagus nerve dysfunction. Oftentimes we find that there is an underlying neuro-mechanical issue that has not been uncovered in the upper-spine.

The unique thing about the vagus nerve is that it originates directly at the brainstem. This area is the start of the signal for all vagal tone.

The video linked below shows the top bone in the spine (Atlas). If it misaligns as demonstrated below. It can put direct pressure on the starting point of the brainstem and or can put pressure on it by pinching it between the carotid sheath and the Atlas, as demonstrated below.

Vagus Nerve Related to Spine Link Explanation

Common Symptoms Associated With Vagus Nerve Dysfunction

People dealing with Vagus Nerve Dysfunction commonly experience:

● Chronic Fatigue

● Nausea ● Chronic Neck Pain

● Stomach Bloating or Constipation

● Poor Sleep Quality or Quantity

It wasn't until recently that doctors began to understand that the relationship between the C1 Vertebrae (Atlas) and the Vagus Nerve would be directly related. There are very few doctors that focus specifically on this relationship. They are called Upper Cervical Doctors of Chiropractic. (Upper Cervical Chiropractors).

Why Does My Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Not Seem To Resolve

Have your symptoms improved for a short period of time using deep breathing, cold plunges, Physical Therapy, or Vagus Nerve Stimulation.

If you have tried some or one of these methods and it provided temporary relief but did not permanently correct the issue, that is an indication that it IS coming from your Vagus nerve but the Neuro-Mechanical cause has not been corrected.

At Ace Chiropractic, we begin by looking at the nervous system and upper cervical spine to determine whether it's functioning properly. With our team of Upper Cervical Doctors of Chiropractic, our focus lies directly in these types of cases.

Upper Cervical Doctor of Chiropractic Approach At Ace Chiropractic

At locations in Scottsdale, Phoenix, or Gilbert Arizona, we evaluate the exact location of the cause of vagus nerve dysfunction. At our clinics we do not just guess based on your symptoms, we use functional neurologic thermographic scans to determine the function of your nervous system to measure progress throughout care. We also closely analyse the structure of your spine in relation to your nervous system to ensure our care is working towards stabilization.

At Ace Chiropractic we are not looking for short term relief, we are looking to correct the cause of vagus nerve dysfunction long term without drugs and surgery. Allowing patients to regain their lives!

Who May Benefit From Upper Cervical Care?

People commonly seek our office for:

● Vagus Nerve Dysfunction

● Headaches or Migraines

● Meniere's Disease or tinnitus

● Vertigo or Dizziness

● POTS and Dysautonomia

The people who seek care at our clinics have been struggling with one of these symptoms or diseases for a prolonged period of time. The goal at our clinics is to help people uncover the root cause of chronic neurologic dysfunction.

Is Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Related To My Neck? | Who May Benefit From Upper Cervical Care?

People commonly seek our office for:

● Neurologically focussed chiropractor

● Upper cervical chiropractor

● Chiropractor that helps with Vagus Nerve Dysfunction

● Natural vagus nerve dysfunction doctor

Reviewed and approved by Dr. Alexzander Simmons and Dr. Brandon Keys — View Doctor Bios Last reviewed: June 2026