And how chiropractic care can help

Ever wonder how your gut can influence your mood, or why you feel "butterflies" when you're nervous? Welcome to the wild world of the Gut-Brain-Spine Axis, where your gut, brain, and spine are in a constant, intricate conversation.

Yep, these three buddies are more connected than you might think! It all starts with the gut—often called your "second brain"—which sends signals to your brain about what’s going on down there. But wait, the spine isn’t just hanging out; it’s a key player in this communication network, acting as a highway for messages traveling back and forth. 

And here’s where it gets really interesting: inflammation can throw a wrench into this whole system. When your gut gets inflamed, it can affect your brain, which can then impact your spine, creating a feedback loop that’s not so fun.

But don’t worry; a holistic chiropractic approach can help restore balance to this triad. By focusing on the connections between your gut, brain, and spine, we can tackle the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms. So, let’s dive deeper into this fascinating connection and explore how you can keep the communication flowing smoothly! 

How the Gut and Brain Talk to Each Other

The gut and brain are in constant communication through the vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body. This nerve connects the brainstem to the digestive tract, sending signals in both directions.

Here’s what the vagus nerve helps regulate:

• Digestion (motility, enzyme release, peristalsis)
• Immune responses
• Mood and stress responses
• Inflammation and healing

Roughly 80% of vagus nerve traffic goes from the gut to the brain, not the other way around. That means your digestive system is constantly sending information to your brain about how you’re doing internally.

Gut imbalances — like dysbiosis, leaky gut, or poor motility — can lead to mood issues, brain fog, or fatigue. Similarly, high stress or spinal tension can disrupt vagus nerve tone, leading to digestive discomfort.

Moreover, the gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms living in our intestines, plays a crucial role in this gut-brain axis. These microorganisms produce neurotransmitters and metabolites that can influence brain function and mental health.

For instance, about 90% of the body's serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, is produced in the gut. This connection highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome for mental well-being.

Research has shown that specific strains of probiotics can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, suggesting that by optimising gut health, we may be able to improve mental health outcomes. Conversely, mental health conditions can also influence gut health; stress and anxiety can lead to digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and exacerbate existing gut imbalances.

How Spinal Issues Can Affect Gut-Brain Communication

So where does the spine come in?

The vagus nerve exits the skull and travels down the neck before branching into the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine or upper thoracic spine can create tension or interference in this pathway.

Here’s how spinal issues may affect gut-brain communication:

• Cervical subluxations may impair vagus nerve signalling
• Thoracic tension can restrict diaphragmatic movement (impacting digestion and breathing)
• Lumbar and sacral misalignments may affect nerve flow to the colon and pelvic organs

When these areas are adjusted and freed from restriction, it may support improved nervous system flow and reduce physical stress on vagus-related structures.

This improved function can lead to a variety of positive outcomes for both the gut and the brain. For instance, as the vagus nerve operates as a key communicator between the brain and the digestive system, any interference in its pathway can lead to disruptions in digestive processes, mood regulation, and overall health.

Enhanced Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

When spinal adjustments alleviate tension in the upper cervical and thoracic regions, proper vagus nerve signalling can enhance digestive functions. This can lead to improved peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract, as well as better secretion of digestive enzymes. As a result, nutrient absorption may increase, contributing to overall vitality and well-being.

Reduced Stress Response

Moreover, spinal health is closely tied to the body’s stress response. Misalignments in the spine can lead to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which is often termed the "fight or flight" response. This heightened state can inhibit vagal tone, reducing the body's ability to relax and recover. By restoring proper alignment, individuals may experience a decrease in stress and anxiety levels, fostering a greater sense of calm and balance.

Improved Mood and Mental Clarity

Additionally, the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating mood and emotional responses. When spinal adjustments promote optimal vagal function, individuals may find improvements in their mental clarity and emotional resilience. Enhanced vagal tone is associated with increased levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can lead to better mood stability and a reduced risk of depression.

The Inflammation Loop: Gut, Brain, and Spine

Chronic inflammation is a major player in modern health problems — and the gut-brain-spine axis is deeply involved.

• Poor spinal health can increase systemic inflammation
• Gut inflammation can trigger nervous system hypersensitivity
• Chronic stress can lead to sympathetic overdrive, impairing digestion and immune function

Chiropractic care may help break this cycle. By improving spinal motion and nervous system regulation, adjustments may lower stress responses, support vagal tone, and create an environment more conducive to healing in the gut and brain.

In turn, a healthier gut supports less systemic inflammation, which protects the brain and reduces pain sensitivity.

The relationship between the gut and the brain is further complicated by the role of inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to a leaky gut, allowing toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, which can trigger inflammatory responses in the brain. This inflammation has been linked to various neurodegenerative diseases and mood disorders.

Furthermore, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and sleep can significantly impact both gut and brain health. A diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and healthy fats can support a diverse microbiome, while regular physical activity has been shown to improve gut motility and enhance mood through the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals.

In conclusion, understanding how the gut and brain communicate opens up new avenues for addressing mental health and digestive issues. By focusing on holistic approaches that consider both gut and brain health, individuals can take proactive steps to enhance their overall well-being. This includes incorporating probiotic-rich foods, managing stress through mindfulness practices, and ensuring adequate sleep, all of which can contribute to a healthier gut, a happier brain, and a more balanced life. 

A Holistic Chiropractic Approach

Understanding the gut-brain-spine axis empowers chiropractors to think more broadly about their patient’s symptoms.

Patients may present with:

• Bloating or constipation
• Anxiety or brain fog
• Sleep disruption
• Chronic pain without clear cause

In these cases, it may be worth exploring spinal involvement, digestive health, and nervous system regulation together. Chiropractors who integrate lifestyle advice, nutrition, stress management, and nervous system-based care are ideally positioned to help rebalance this triad.

Even simple lifestyle shifts can support the axis:

• Deep diaphragmatic breathing (supports vagal tone)
• Gentle movement and walking (stimulates digestion)
• Anti-inflammatory diet (reduces gut permeability and systemic inflammation)
• Chiropractic adjustments (support nerve flow and spinal mobility)

By addressing these interconnected systems, chiropractors can help patients achieve a more comprehensive understanding of their health. It’s not just about alleviating pain or discomfort; it’s about fostering a wellness-focused mindset that encourages self-care and proactive health management.

In practice, this holistic chiropractic approach may involve:

Assessment of Spinal Alignment: Evaluating how misalignments or subluxations in the spine may be affecting the nervous system's communication with the gut and brain. Adjustments can help restore optimal nerve function, potentially alleviating symptoms tied to digestive issues and mental health.

Nutritional Counselling: Guiding patients toward dietary choices that support gut health can make a significant difference. This includes educating them on the benefits of whole foods, probiotics, prebiotics, and avoiding processed foods that can contribute to inflammation and gut dysbiosis.

Stress Management Techniques: Teaching patients stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can aid in regulating the autonomic nervous system. Stress is a well-known contributor to both digestive issues and chronic pain, so equipping patients with tools to manage stress effectively is crucial.

Regular Physical Activity: Encouraging patients to engage in regular movement can enhance circulation, boost mood, and improve digestive function. Simple activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can be effective and are often more sustainable than more intense workout regimens.

Sleep Hygiene: Addressing sleep issues is essential in this holistic framework. Educating patients on the importance of good sleep practices, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and limiting screen time before bed, can support overall health and enhance recovery.

Patient Empowerment: Empowering patients to take an active role in their health journey is key. Providing them with resources, tools, and knowledge can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for their well-being, leading to better outcomes.

We’re Here To Help!

The spine's alignment significantly impacts the vagus nerve and, consequently, the intricate communication between the brain and the gut. By prioritizing spinal health, individuals may not only experience improvements in digestive function but also enhance their mental and emotional well-being. Embracing this interconnectedness can lead to a more holistic approach to health, fostering a vibrant and balanced life. 

If you’re interested in incorporating chiropractic care, consider booking an appointment with us. As your local chiropractor for Camira and surrounding areas we’re here to hep! Book an appointment online here or give us a call on 07 3381 0440.

🔗 Reference:

Bonaz B, Bazin T, Pellissier S. The Vagus Nerve at the Interface of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Front Neurosci. 2018;12:49. doi:10.3389/fnins.2018.00049

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for individual concerns.