The Vagus Nerve: Why It Matters for Chronic Illness and Healing

If you live with POTS or a chronic illness, you have probably heard about the vagus nerve. It is the longest cranial nerve in your body, running from your brainstem down to your gut. It is also a major part of your parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s built-in recovery mode. When the vagus nerve is not functioning well, symptoms accumulate quickly: rapid heart rate, dizziness, gut issues, fatigue, and more.

Interest in vagus nerve stimulation—through devices, exercises, and cold plunges—has surged. However, unless the underlying issues affecting the vagus nerve are addressed, these methods will have limited effectiveness.

Vagus Nerve Dysregulation Cheat Sheet

What’s Really Going On with Your Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve passes through a sensitive area near the C1 and C2 vertebrae at the top of your spine. Even a slight misalignment here can cause mechanical irritation. This is not a case of bone pressing directly on the nerve, but of surrounding tissues interfering with its function. For individuals with nervous system dysregulation, such as those with POTS, this interference can make symptoms worse.

Correcting these misalignments can alleviate symptoms not only in the neck but throughout the entire body. That is because restoring alignment improves communication between the brain and the rest of the nervous system.

Devices vs. Real Alignment

Many gadgets claim to "stimulate the vagus nerve," providing short-term relief for some. However, if your spine is misaligned, no device can overcome this physical obstacle. It is like trying to amplify a signal on a disconnected line.

Structural approaches like NUCCA focus on resolving these issues at the source. Using precise imaging, practitioners assess each individual’s anatomy and make gentle corrections to the upper cervical spine—without cracking or forceful manipulation. This personalized care stands in contrast to the one-size-fits-all nature of commercial devices.

Fixing the Gut-Brain Connection

The vagus nerve plays a critical role in the gut-brain axis. When signals between your brain and gut are disrupted, digestion suffers. Nutrient absorption drops, and even the best supplements may not work as intended. Restoring proper vagal function can improve how your body processes and uses nutrients—something especially important for people rebuilding strength after illness.

What Real Healing Looks Like

If you have been chasing symptoms for years, this might be the missing piece. Healing does not always mean doing more—it often means removing what is blocking your body from doing what it is naturally designed to do.

When the head and neck are properly aligned, vagal tone improves and the entire nervous system becomes more stable. The result is not just symptom relief but a body that is more resilient, responsive, and able to recover.

POTS and chronic illness are not just collections of symptoms—they are signs that communication inside the body is breaking down. The vagus nerve helps restore that connection. But for it to do its job, the physical and neurological pathways must be clear and supported. Devices can assist, but real progress often starts with restoring alignment and removing interference.