What Are the Vagus Nerves?
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is one of the longest and most vital nerves in the human body. There are two vagus nerves—one on each side of the neck. They connect the brain to the body, especially the gut, and play a critical role in controlling essential bodily functions, including:
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Heart rate
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Breathing
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Digestion
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Circulation
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Swallowing
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Speech
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Mood regulation
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Immune response
Because it’s a two-way communicator between the brain and various organs, dysfunction in the vagus nerve can lead to a variety of symptoms such as:
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Shortness of breath
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Nausea
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Fatigue
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Cognitive decline
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Memory loss
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Lhermitte’s sign
What Is Vagus Nerve Instability?
Vagus nerve instability often stems from cervical spine instability, a condition in which the ligaments connecting the skull and upper cervical vertebrae become loose (also called ligamentous laxity). This excessive movement can compress or irritate the vagus nerve, resulting in neurological, muscular, and systemic symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Cervical Instability:
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Occipital headaches or migraines
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Muscle spasms
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Neck, shoulder, or jaw pain
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Difficulty swallowing
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Tenderness at the base of the skull
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Light sensitivity or blurred vision
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Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
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Orthostatic intolerance (dizziness when standing)
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Tremors or clumsiness
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Limb weakness or fainting
How Can Prolotherapy Help?
Prolotherapy—also known as proliferative therapy, ligament reconstruction therapy, or regenerative injection therapy—stimulates the body’s natural healing process by injecting an irritant solution (typically dextrose or other natural substances) into the affected ligament attachments.
How It Works:
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Injections are periarticular, meaning they are placed around the vertebrae—not inside the spinal canal or discs.
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The goal is to tighten lax ligaments that contribute to instability and vagus nerve irritation.
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By strengthening these ligaments, the cervical spine becomes more stable, reducing pressure on the vagus nerve.
Prolotherapy is a non-surgical, natural treatment that may offer long-lasting relief for people with cervical instability. A 2007 case series found that prolotherapy significantly improved neck pain in patients with whiplash—a condition that often leads to similar instability.
How Successful Is Prolotherapy for Vagus Nerve Instability?
The success rate depends on the individual’s health, injury history, and the type of solution used. However, results from clinical studies and physician reports are promising:
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85% to 95% of patients with low back pain and joint hypermobility report pain relief with prolotherapy.
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In contrast, surgical treatments for disc-related issues show only a 52% success rate according to the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
Prolotherapy is showing high success rates for ligament, tendon, and joint injuries—and cervical instability is no exception.
Why Choose Dr. Philipose?
Dr. Alvin Philipose has performed thousands of prolotherapy procedures over more than 20 years in practice. At Venturis Clinic in Oklahoma City, he takes a personalized, comprehensive approach to evaluating and treating cervical instability and vagus nerve-related symptoms.
📞 Call (405) 848-7246 today to schedule your FREE consultation and see if prolotherapy is right for you.