Twin Sisters: the Sympathetic & Parasympathetic Nervous Systems

Chiropractors are experts in getting on your nerves--we see them causing you pain and we get on them until they calm down! But when it comes to the nervous system and how it affects your body, there are two systems that we address most often: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. These two systems work side by side in complementary ways to help your body respond to trauma and stress, both emotional and physical. 

It’s important to recognize the functions of each nervous system to understand how chiropractic care addresses the issues they can cause. 

The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

The SNS is known as the “fight or flight” system of your body. When you encounter danger, this system is activated and sends stress signals from the brain through the nerves, and causes physical reactions such as panic and anxiety. The SNS triggers physical responses such as:

• Increased blood flow to the muscles, making us feel tense

• Increased blood pressure and heart rate (causing dizziness)

• Activation of epinephrine and norepinephrine (stress hormones that cue our energy to combat stress)

• Dry Mouth

• Inhibition of stomach activity (causing nausea)

• Relaxed bladder

• Increased energy

Although these responses help us recognize when we are in real danger, your brain can trick your body into believing you’re in danger even when you’re not, which is why so many of us experience chronic anxiety. 

The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS)

The PSNS is the complement to the sympathetic nervous system. It’s often referred to as the “rest and digest” system because it allows your body to relax by slowing down many of the functions that the SNS stimulates. Physical responses to the PSNS are:

• Slower heart rate 

• Lower blood pressure

• Stimulation of stomach activity 

• Contraction of bladder

• Stimulation of saliva 

• Decrease in energy

If you have a panic attack, your SNS is triggered and you may feel your heart palpitate, your mouth go dry, your body shake and your head spin. When the attack has subsided, this means the PSNS has been triggered, and may feel drained of energy. 

There are many issues outside of panic and anxiety that can be caused by these nervous systems. Even in children, issues like digestion, sleep disruption and chronic stress and pain can be addressed by a chiropractor through the adjustment of the spine, which directly stimulates the PSNS and down regulates the SNS.

If you or a member of your family have an issue that you’d rather address naturally, give Dr. Lauren Golden a call and schedule a consultation!