Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Chronic Pain

The vagus nerve may be connected with relief from chronic pain, according to new research.

 

The vagus nerve is known for regulating the body’s automatic functions by controlling the parasympathetic system, commonly known as the “rest and digest” system. It helps to slow heart rate, support digestion, and coordinate communication between the brain and the body’s major organs. The nerve also sends sensory information back to the brain, allowing it to monitor internal conditions. It maintains balance in vital physical processes and counteracts stress by promoting relaxation and recovery throughout the body.

 

The vagus nerve begins in the brain stem, runs down the back of the neck, and into the chest. It also connects with major organs like the heart, lungs, and portions of the digestive system.

 

 

A new device, about the size of a jellybean, is showing its potential as a way to stimulate the vagus nerve and help relieve chronic pain as a result. A recent clinical trial used this device, which is implanted under the skin on the back of the neck, to send electrical impulses to the vagus nerve for one minute a day. The end result was a clinically significant reduction in the chronic pain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 

 

It works by impacting the body’s triggers to increase inflammation. Through stimulation, inflammation in the body was reduced, and pain lessened as a result of this. Other studies have also found similar results, including a research piece that was published about a year ago in the journal, Brain Stimulation.

 

This new research was conducted by Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. Hopefully, the effectiveness and knowledge of this line of treatment continues to grow. Helping people to find more effective treatment and avoid more dangerous treatment paths will only increase the quality of life that seniors experience.

 

Having the right senior care can also help improve the quality of life that people live. Addressing chronic pain is just one of many things that needs to be done to help make this a possibility for more people. Improving safety at home, more access to social situations, and ensuring that healthy meals are always available is a big part of this, too. 

 

At Paradise In-Home Care, our goal is to ensure that seniors are receiving the right assistance to meet their day to day needs. This can look different for different people and situations, but this is what makes in-home care so unique. It has an ability to meet people where they are and help them in a way that no other type of care can. True, it’s not the ideal solution for everyone, but for many people, it’s the best option.

 

We’re sure that you have questions, and that’s okay! That’s why we offer a free consultation session. Give us a call and schedule a session today to get your questions answered. We’ll go over your unique situation and help get you pointed in the right direction. If in-home care isn’t right for you, we’ll let you know. There’s no obligation to go forward on your end.

 

We’re here for you. Call today to get the ball rolling.