Could Your Autonomic Symptoms Be Coming From Your Neck?

by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

— Understanding the Link Between Autonomic Dysfunction and Upper Cervical Syndrome

At our clinic, we often meet patients who experience unusual symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, poor digestion, or chronic fatigue, but whose medical tests all come back normal.

These symptoms are often linked to a condition called autonomic dysfunction — and surprisingly, in some cases, the underlying cause may be found in the upper neck (upper cervical spine).

What Is Autonomic Dysfunction?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls automatic body functions like heart rate, digestion, breathing, temperature regulation, and blood pressure.
When this system becomes imbalanced, the result is autonomic dysfunction — a condition that can manifest with a wide range of physical symptoms.

Common symptoms of autonomic dysfunction include:

  • Cardiovascular: heart palpitations, pounding heart, dizziness when standing

  • Digestive: indigestion, bloating, constipation or diarrhea

  • Respiratory: shortness of breath, hyperventilation

  • Skin and circulation: cold hands and feet, excessive sweating

  • Neurological/general: fatigue, anxiety, poor concentration, brain fog, insomnia, tinnitus

How Is the Upper Neck (Upper Cervical Spine) Involved?

The upper cervical spine (C0–C2) is not just a structural area — it is neurologically vital.
It houses and protects critical pathways such as:

  • The vagus nerve (main parasympathetic nerve)

  • The superior cervical ganglion (sympathetic nerve center)

  • The brainstem

  • Key blood vessels supplying the brain and spinal cord

When this region is misaligned, tight, or dysfunctional due to trauma, poor posture, or chronic tension, it can disturb the function of the autonomic nervous system.

When Should You Suspect the Neck as a Possible Cause?

Not every case of autonomic dysfunction is related to the cervical spine.
However, the neck may be involved if the following factors are present:

1. History of neck trauma or long-standing neck tension

  • Previous whiplash, fall, or long-term neck discomfort

  • Postural issues like forward head posture or chronic stiffness

2. Symptoms worsen with neck movements

  • Feeling dizzy or breathless when turning or tilting the head

  • Palpitations triggered by neck extension or rotation

3. Medical workups are inconclusive

  • Normal test results from cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, or internal medicine

  • No clear cause found despite extensive evaluations

4. Signs of upper cervical dysfunction on examination

  • Local tenderness or asymmetry around C1–C2

  • Structural imbalance seen on X-ray or CBCT scan

  • Positive findings in functional assessments such as Prone Leg Check, Head-Neck Differentiation Test

5. Symptom improvement following upper cervical treatment

  • Reduction in autonomic symptoms such as better digestion, more restful sleep, less anxiety, improved circulation, etc.

How We Approach It at Cheolho Son Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic

When a patient presents with signs of autonomic imbalance and conventional medicine cannot explain the cause, we examine the upper cervical spine carefully — including posture, range of motion, neurological function, and sometimes imaging studies.

If structural or functional problems are found, we apply non-invasive upper cervical adjustment techniques and integrative neurorehabilitation, often leading to noticeable improvements in:

  • Heart rate stability

  • Breathing comfort

  • Digestive regularity

  • Sleep quality

  • Mental clarity and overall balance

Final Thoughts

Autonomic dysfunction has many possible causes — including metabolic, hormonal, psychological, and neurological factors.
However, when no clear reason is found, and symptoms persist, it’s essential not to overlook the upper cervical spine.

Addressing misalignments or tension in this region can be a missing link to restoring autonomic balance in some patients. 

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

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