Cranial X, or the Vagus Nerve, Controls Headaches, Heart and Stomach
Many patients get headache relief from upper cervical chiropractic adjustments. It is easy for them to see, that the upper cervical vertebrae, or neck bones, when out of alignment, may reduce spinal nerve or spinal cord pressure in the upper neck. This causes decreased nerve and blood flow to the head, which then results in their headache. When discovering the cause, it is easy to understand that a specific upper cervical adjustment, may restore proper nerve and blood flow to the head, bringing with it relief from headache. Many times a headache can involve the Vagus Nerve. The Vagus Nerve also has control over heart and stomach function  Dr. Fred Schofield at Atlas Chiropractic in Northwest Phoenix has focused on improving patient’s health through proper upper cervical and Vagus Nerve function for 25 years.

The Vagus Nerve’s role in Headache, Heart and Stomach Function
The cause of headache is not always as simple as it appears. The Vagus Nerve (also known as the “wandering nerve”) exits the upper cervical spine and descends down to the heart and the stomach. The Vagus Nerve helps to control heart rate, blood pressure, gastric (stomach) motility and gastric acid secretion. Many patients say that they experience dizziness and upset stomach when they have a headache or migraine. How many times have you heard someone say “I have a headache, I need to eat something.”
Headaches are commonly caused by decreased blood flow to the head. Decreased blood flow to the head, may be caused by decreased heart rate and blood pressure. The decrease in heart function may be caused by decreased signals from the Vagus Nerve, as it exits the upper neck. The same can be said for the stomach. Decreased Vagus Nerve signals from the upper neck may cause slow and improper digestion.

Restoring Vagus Nerve Function with Chiropractic Adjustments
The next time you have a headache and get your upper neck adjusted, you may find yourself asking “Did that adjustment just restore my Vagus Nerve function, allowing my heart to work better, as the right blood flow gets to my head?” It is also nice to know, that when YOU get YOUR upper cervical alignment checked, YOU are also insuring that YOUR heart and stomach are working right.

Call Atlas Chiropractic for an Upper Cervical Check Up Today

Call Atlas Chiropractic at 1-602-938-8868 to have your upper cervical alignment checked by Dr. Fred Schofield today. Learn more at www.atlaschiropracticphoenix.com