The nervous system is the body’s master control centre, regulating everything from movement and digestion to mood and sleep. When trauma occurs, whether physical or emotional, this delicate system may become disrupted.
Instead of returning to balance, the body may get stuck in a constant state of ‘survival mode’. This is where stress and tension remain switched on.
Over time, this has the potential to affect both physical health and emotional well-being. Today, we’ll explore how the nervous system works and how chiropractic care may help.
Rooted in the Preston community, we’re a family-run practice built on trust and genuine care. For personalised advice, contact our team at Northside Chiropractic today.
Understanding the Nervous System
Your nervous system sends messages between your brain and body in an effort to keep everything running smoothly. A critical part of this system is called the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It has two main branches:
- Sympathetic system: known as ‘fight or flight’. This is what kicks in when you feel stressed, scared, or under pressure.
- Parasympathetic system: known as ‘rest and digest’. This helps you relax and recover.
You may think of these like a car: the sympathetic system is the accelerator, and the parasympathetic system is the brake. Your body needs both working in balance.
Trauma and Nervous System Dysregulation
When trauma happens, whether it’s physical or emotional, it may leave the nervous system ‘stuck’ in survival mode. Instead of switching back into calm, the body keeps the fight-or-flight system turned on. This may look like:
- Constant tension or hypervigilance
- Anxiety and racing thoughts
- Trouble sleeping
- Physical pain or discomfort
Trauma may also affect the way the brain and body communicate. After trauma, the nervous system may keep sounding the alarm, even when the danger has passed.
The Vagus Nerve and Polyvagal Theory
The vagus nerve is a messenger that runs between your brain, heart, lungs, and gut. It plays a big role in helping you feel calm and connected.
According to Polyvagal Theory (developed by Dr Stephen Porges), our nervous system has different states. One is for calm and connection, and others are for stress and shutdown. The vagus nerve is central in shifting between these states.
When your vagus nerve is healthy, you may recover from stress more easily. But when trauma disrupts it, the body may struggle to get out of survival mode.
Neuroplasticity and Healing Stored Stress
The nervous system has an incredible ability to adapt and rewire itself, known as neuroplasticity.
Trauma may ‘imprint’ stress patterns into the body. The good news is that the nervous system may relearn balance with the right support.
Just as muscles get stronger with practice, you may also be able to train your nervous system to shift away from stress. Over time, this allows the body to release stored tension and build new, healthier patterns.
How Chiropractic Care May Support Nervous System Regulation
Chiropractic care may help support the nervous system as a whole. Gentle chiropractic adjustments that target the spine and brainstem may:
- Regulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which may bring balance back
- Improve vagal tone, potentially helping the body find security and relaxation more easily
- Encourage neuroplasticity by giving the brain and body positive input that reinforces healthier patterns
- Build resilience, potentially helping the body shift out of stress and into recovery
Research has shown chiropractic care may reduce stress, improve heart rate, and support well-being.
A Holistic Approach to Recovery
Chiropractic care doesn’t aim to ‘fix’ trauma. It supports the nervous system so that the body may find balance again.
Trauma often shows up as stored stress or tension, patterns the body has created to protect itself. Through gentle adjustments, chiropractic care may help improve the system and help you shift out of protection mode.
This is most useful when combined with other supportive practices such as counselling and mindfulness. Recovery works best in an environment of consistency and holistic care, meeting both the body and mind where they are.
As Dr Monique Andrews reminds us, ‘We can’t heal while we’re in survival. The body needs safety to truly begin to heal’.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Recovery and Regulation
Chiropractic care offers a gentle way to support nervous system dysregulation, encourage resilience, and guide the body back into balance. With the right support, your body may move out of survival and into a state where true recovery becomes possible.
At Northside Chiropractic, we welcome new and current patients into our Preston clinic. If you’re considering coming to Northside Chiropractic for the first time, we’re currently offering initial chiropractic consultations for new patients for just $59. Reach out today to learn how we may support your health journey.