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Upper Cervical Chiropractic and the Gut-Brain Connection: What You Need to Know

4/14/2025

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Upper Cervical Chiropractic and the Gut-Brain Connection: What You Need to Know
The gut-brain connection is an essential and fascinating aspect of human health, influencing everything from digestion and metabolism to mood and cognitive function. While most people associate gut health with diet and probiotics, the nervous system plays a significant role in regulating digestion and communication between the gut and brain.

Upper cervical chiropractic care offers a unique approach to improving this connection by addressing misalignments in the spine that may interfere with nervous system function.

​
Dr. Joey Miles at Healthy Living Spinal Care in Hickory, NC, explains how upper cervical chiropractic care may support gut health by enhancing brain-gut communication and promoting overall wellness.
​

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection


The
gut and brain communicate through a complex network of nerves, neurotransmitters, and hormones. This relationship is often referred to as the gut-brain axis—a bidirectional system in which signals travel between the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (ENS), often called the "second brain" because of its role in digestion and autonomic functions.

Key Components of the Gut-Brain Connection:
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  1. The Vagus Nerve: The primary pathway connecting the gut and brain, the vagus nerve transmits signals that regulate digestion, inflammation, and even mood.
  2. Neurotransmitters: The gut produces key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which affects mood and cognitive function.
  3. The Microbiome: A diverse population of gut bacteria that supports digestion, immunity, and mental well-being.
  4. The Brainstem: The control center for autonomic functions, including digestion, that relies on clear nerve signaling.

When misalignments occur in the
upper cervical spine, they can interfere with nerve signaling between the brain and gut, disrupting this essential communication and potentially leading to digestive issues, inflammation, and mood disturbances.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Supports the Gut-Brain Connection

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1. Enhancing Vagus Nerve Function


The vagus nerve originates at the brainstem, which is protected by the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae in the upper cervical spine. When these vertebrae become misaligned, it can irritate the vagus nerve, leading to:
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  • Slow digestion
  • Increased gut inflammation
  • Imbalances in gut microbiota
  • Poor absorption of nutrients

​By
correcting upper cervical misalignments, chiropractic adjustments remove pressure on the vagus nerve, allowing for better gut motility, improved digestion, and a stronger immune response.


2. Reducing Stress and Inflammation


Chronic stress is a major disruptor of gut health, often triggering conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and bloating.

Upper cervical misalignments can overactivate the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response), increasing cortisol levels and suppressing gut function. Chiropractic adjustments help shift the body back into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, which allows the gut to:
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  • Properly break down food
  • Absorb nutrients efficiently
  • Reduce inflammation in the digestive tract
​

3. Improving Blood Flow and Oxygenation to the Gut


Restricted blood flow due to spinal misalignments can reduce oxygen and nutrient delivery to the
digestive organs, affecting their function. Chiropractic care promotes better circulation, supporting the gut’s ability to heal and function optimally.
​

4. Regulating Neurotransmitter Production


Did you know that
90% of serotonin (the "feel-good" neurotransmitter) is produced in the gut? When brain-gut communication is disrupted, serotonin production can become imbalanced, leading to mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

By optimizing nervous system function, upper cervical chiropractic care supports the body’s ability to produce and regulate essential neurotransmitters, helping to balance mood and digestion simultaneously.
​

Common Gut Health Issues That May Improve with Chiropractic Care


Upper cervical chiropractic adjustments may help individuals suffering from:
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  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Linked to vagus nerve dysfunction and nervous system imbalances.
  • Acid Reflux (GERD) – Often influenced by poor autonomic control of the digestive tract.
  • Bloating and Indigestion – Can be caused by improper nerve signaling and stress-related gut dysfunction.
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome – Inflammation in the gut lining, often aggravated by nervous system imbalances.
  • ​Constipation or Diarrhea – Nervous system dysfunction can impact peristalsis (the movement of food through the digestive tract).
​

Scientific Support for Chiropractic and Gut Health


Studies suggest that chiropractic care may play a role in improving gut health:

  • A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that patients with digestive disorders reported symptom relief after receiving chiropractic adjustments.
  • Research in Neurogastroenterology & Motility highlights the importance of the vagus nerve in gut function, reinforcing the connection between spinal alignment and digestive health.
  • A case study in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research documented improvements in IBS symptoms following chiropractic care, suggesting that nervous system function influences digestive health.

While more research is needed, these findings support the critical role of spinal health in maintaining gut function.
​

How to Support Gut Health Alongside Chiropractic Care


In addition to upper cervical chiropractic adjustments, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can further enhance gut function:
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  1. Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet: Whole foods, fruits, and vegetables support a diverse gut microbiome.
  2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water promotes digestive motility and prevents constipation.
  3. Manage Stress: Meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness help keep the nervous system in a parasympathetic state.
  4. Get Regular Exercise: Physical activity stimulates digestion and supports nerve function.

By combining these natural approaches, individuals can achieve optimal gut health and overall well-being.
​

Community Impact


Healthy Living Spinal Care serves residents of
Hickory, Lenoir, Conover, Lincolnton, and Statesville, NC, offering expert upper cervical chiropractic care for gut-brain communication and overall nervous system health. Dr. Joey Miles helps patients explore holistic, non-invasive approaches to improving their digestive and neurological health.
​

A Natural Path to Gut-Brain Health


The
gut-brain connection is a crucial factor in maintaining digestive, mental, and overall health. By correcting upper cervical misalignments, chiropractic care supports the nervous system, enhances vagus nerve function, and improves digestive efficiency.

For those struggling with digestive disorders, stress-related gut issues, or nervous system imbalances, upper cervical chiropractic care offers a natural, holistic approach to healing from the inside out.
​

Medical Disclaimer


​This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment or therapy, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care or treatment for serious conditions.
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How To Manage A Pinched Nerve With A Chiropractor for Migraines In Hickory

Neck pain in Hickory, or soreness in other parts of your body, can come from a variety of different sources. These range from arthritis to tendonitis to torn cartilages in your joints. This also doesn’t include the variety of other conditions that have back pain in Hickory as a common symptom. One common such example is getting a pinched nerve in the upper part of the spine, also known as cervical radiculopathy. This generally occurs when bone spurs start to appear around the discs in the spine. When everything is working well, the discs should absorb the shocks between each individual vertebra. A bone spur is a small bit of bone that is formed as we age and discs get weaker. When things go properly, bone spurs support the vertebrae as they get weaker, However, in some cases, those spurs press on nerve roots, leading to other symptoms.
 
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
How do you tell that the soreness you are dealing with stems from a pinched nerve? No matter what area it’s in, you’re going to need to have an in-depth exam of the affected area to be absolutely certain. As an example, a pinched nerve is generally localized in one area. Another thing to note is that these are normally very sharp soreness. By comparison, if you simply overexerted a muscle, the sensation would likely be a duller strain. In some cases, a pinch may never have any other symptoms. Some people feel a sensation of pins and needles in a certain area. Others may feel numbness or weakness when trying to lift something.
 
Depending on where you feel your symptoms and the exact nature of them, your medical professional may be able to determine if it is a pinched nerve or not quite quickly. Generally, though, an exam will still be administered. These start by testing sensitivity, strength, and reflexes. You may be told to do different stretches and movements to determine what leads to symptoms and what relieves them. You’ll also likely need to provide details about your pain. For example, be sure to have a record of when the pain started, and any activities that you do that cause soreness to flare up. If it is soothed by certain activities, be sure to mention those as well. Your doctor might also ask if you have had other health changes or recently increased your physical activities. If the spinal nerves are impacted, they can manifest in surprising ways, like bladder and bowel issues.
 
Say that your standard exam isn’t enough to get to the root of these issues. Your doctor may instead decide to do imaging tests to figure out what’s causing the pinched nerve and where it is. This is mostly administered through X-rays or MRI scans. An X-ray can showcase details going on with your bones, but won’t show your discs and nerves. With this said, they can be useful for determining if you have narrow vertebrae or bone spurs. An MRI is able to do more, showing how healthy your nerves and discs are in detail. In some cases, an X-ray may be done to a certain area to check for bone injury. Lastly, if the issue is due to injured ligaments or tendons, an ultrasound may be needed.
 
Working With Your Fibromyalgia Chiropractor In Hickory
So, if you suspect that a pinched nerve is behind your soreness, or know it for a fact, what can you do? One asset that you have is doing a posture adjustment. To start, try and find a position that helps you feel comfortable with your soreness. After this, you can adapt your lifestyle and living spaces to help you stay in that posture as much as possible. For a lot of people, doing this in the workplace is a major source of problems. One way to get around this is by using a standing workplace. These help prevent pinched nerves, treat existing ones, and just lower overall soreness. You can either ask the HR department to modify your existing space or buy your own.
 
Another thing to note is that whenever you are dealing with a pinched nerve, you want to make sure that you are as rested as possible, along with lowering any activity that leads to soreness. Try and keep the cycle of rest going until your symptoms subside. After this, you can begin to start testing things together. For certain types of issues, like carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be able to use a splint to protect your wrist.
 
You have a lot of options that you can do at home to help lower soreness from pinched nerves. For example, a gentle stretch can help provide relief, but you don’t want to overextend yourself. Focus on smaller movements, and if you find yourself getting sore again, try and do something less intensive. Think about applying heat to your muscles in the affected area to help them loosen. Heat also supports healing by promoting blood flow. Generally, you want to apply it for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can also do ice instead if you prefer. Simply get some ice, wrap it in a washcloth, and apply it to the area for 10-15 minutes as well.
 
If you want additional help, consider looking into NSAIDs. These can help quite a bit with mild soreness and can be brought over the counter. With that said, just make sure that you read and stick to the recommended dosage. These aren’t going to be able to provide total coverage as well. If you find that you’re dealing with consistent, extreme, or repeated soreness, reach out to a medical professional. On top of performing the exams before, they may be able to provide a prescription for more powerful medication. They may also recommend a specialist like a chiropractor in Hickory. This will help you get the treatment you need.

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