Chiropractic care is widely recognised for its role in alleviating musculoskeletal pain, but emerging research reveals it's wider impact on the autonomic nervous system -particularly the parasympathetic branch, which is crucial for rest, recovery, and healing.

Understanding the Parasympathetic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) consists of two main branches: the sympathetic ("fight or flight") and the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") systems. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is responsible for calming the body, reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, stimulating digestion, and promoting healing and recovery. When the PNS is functioning optimally, the body is better equipped to repair itself and maintain overall health.

Chiropractic Care and the Nervous System

Chiropractic care focuses on spinal health and nervous system function. Spinal restrictions, known as subluxations, can interfere with nerve signalling, potentially disrupting the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. By correcting through spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to restore proper nerve flow, which can enhance the function of the PNS.

Toxic stress is an un-avoidable aspect of modern life, so it is important to also support the body's natural detoxification process as well. The body uses the liver, gall bladder, kidneys, lungs, and skin to eliminate toxins.

You can support this process by drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can also help protect your body from the negative effects of toxins. Supplements can also support the body's natural detoxification processes. For example, milk thistle is a herb that supports liver function, which is important for detoxification.

Mechanisms: How Chiropractic Adjustments Influence the Parasympathetic Nervous System

  • Spinal Alignment and Nerve Flow:The spine houses the spinal cord, a central pathway for nervous system communication. Subluxations can create nerve pressure, including on those nerves associated with the PNS. Chiropractic adjustments stimulate mechanoreceptors, improving nerve signalling and supporting parasympathetic activity.

  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation:The vagus nerve is a major component of the PNS, influencing heart rate, digestion, and inflammation. Chiropractic adjustments, especially in the upper cervical (neck) region, can stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to increased parasympathetic tone, reduced stress, and improved heart rate variability.

  • Balancing Autonomic Function:Research suggests that chiropractic care can help rebalance autonomic function by reducing excessive sympathetic activity (linked to stress and anxiety) and enhancing parasympathetic responses. This shift promotes relaxation, better sleep, and improved digestion.

Research Evidence Supporting Chiropractic's Role

Several studies and reviews have explored the connection between chiropractic care and the autonomic nervous system:

  • Neurobiological Basis of Chiropractic Manipulation: A review published in Acta Biomedicafound that chiropractic care and spinal manipulation can regulate the autonomic nervous system at both peripheral and central levels. Specifically, cervical (neck) adjustments are associated with parasympathetic activation, leading to lowered heart rate and blood pressure, and improved relaxation. This effect is partly attributed to stimulation of the vagus nerve, which releases neurotrophins essential for healing and mental health.

  • Segmental Responses to Adjustments: Research published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine demonstrated that upper cervical chiropractic adjustments are likely to elicit a parasympathetic response, while thoracic adjustments are more associated with sympathetic activation. This supports the idea that targeted chiropractic care can influence autonomic balance.

  • Patient-Reported Outcomes: Surveys and clinical observations consistently report that patients receiving chiropractic care often experience reduced stress, improved sleep, and a greater sense of well-being—outcomes linked to enhanced parasympathetic activity.

How Chiropractic Care May Support Healing

By enhancing parasympathetic function, chiropractic care may:

  • Promote relaxation and reduce chronic stress

  • Improve sleep quality and recovery

  • Support digestive health

  • Reduce systemic inflammation

  • Accelerate tissue repair and healing

Key Research Papers and Reviews:

  • "Neurobiological basis of chiropractic manipulative treatment of the spine in the care of major depression: A literature review" (Acta Biomedica, 2020).
  • "Sympathetic and parasympathetic responses to specific diversified adjustments to chiropractic subluxations" (Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2008).
  • "How Chiropractic Care Helps the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promoting Relaxation and Balance" (Wimborne Wellness Centre, 2025).

Dr Hannah Douglas
Doctor of Chiropractic

You can contact me: hannah@northcotechiropractic.co.uk

Sending you all my support!

Hannah

You can also see Hannah's website https://www.thehormonehealthclub.co.uk to find out how else she can help you.