The Role of the Spine in Regulating Fight-or-Flight Responses
Stress is an unavoidable part of modern life, but for many people, it feels constant. Racing thoughts, muscle tension, shallow breathing, fatigue, and difficulty relaxing are often signs that the body is stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode. While stress is commonly viewed as a mental or emotional issue, it is deeply rooted in the nervous system—and the spine plays a critical role in how that system functions.
At Dr. Noah Banks’ Chiropractic office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we help patients understand how spinal health influences the nervous system and why proper alignment can support the body’s ability to regulate stress responses more effectively.
Understanding Fight-or-Flight
The fight-or-flight response is part of the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system. Its job is to keep you alive during perceived danger. When activated, it increases heart rate, raises blood pressure, tightens muscles, and redirects energy away from digestion and recovery.
This response is essential in short bursts. However, when the body remains in this state for extended periods—due to chronic stress, poor posture, injuries, or spinal dysfunction—it can lead to long-term health issues.
Research published in The Journal of Neurophysiology shows that prolonged sympathetic nervous system activation is associated with increased muscle tension, reduced heart rate variability, and impaired recovery. Over time, this can contribute to headaches, back pain, sleep problems, digestive issues, and anxiety-related symptoms.
How the Spine Influences the Nervous System
The spine houses and protects the spinal cord, which serves as the main communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. Spinal joints that are restricted or misaligned—commonly referred to in chiropractic as subluxations—can disrupt normal nerve signaling.
When spinal movement is limited, sensory input to the brain changes. This altered input can cause the nervous system to remain in a heightened state of alert, even when no physical danger is present. Essentially, the body receives signals that something is “off,” keeping the fight-or-flight response activated longer than necessary.
A study published in Spine found that spinal joint dysfunction can affect proprioceptive input—how the brain senses body position and movement. Disrupted proprioception has been linked to increased muscle tone and stress responses, particularly in the neck and upper back.
Stress, Posture, and Spinal Tension
Posture plays a major role in nervous system regulation. Forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and prolonged sitting place stress on the cervical and thoracic spine—areas closely connected to autonomic nervous system regulation.
Research in Surgical Technology International demonstrates that poor posture increases mechanical stress on spinal structures and surrounding muscles. This constant strain sends stress signals to the brain, reinforcing sympathetic nervous system dominance.
Over time, this can make it harder for the body to shift into the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” state, which is essential for healing, digestion, immune function, and emotional regulation.
Chiropractic Care and Nervous System Balance
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper movement and alignment to the spine, allowing the nervous system to function more efficiently. By improving spinal motion and reducing mechanical stress, chiropractic adjustments help normalize sensory input to the brain.
A study published in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic spinal adjustments can influence autonomic nervous system activity, including improved parasympathetic function. This shift supports relaxation, recovery, and improved stress regulation.
Another study in Neuroimmunomodulation showed changes in cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone—following chiropractic care. Balanced cortisol levels are essential for managing stress without overwhelming the body.
Physical Signs Your Body May Be Stuck in Fight-or-Flight
Many people don’t realize their symptoms are related to nervous system overload. Common signs include:
Chronic neck or upper back tension
Frequent headaches
Shallow breathing or chest tightness
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
Digestive discomfort
Feeling constantly “on edge”
Fatigue despite adequate rest
When these symptoms persist, it often indicates that the nervous system is not effectively transitioning between stress and recovery states.
Supporting the Nervous System Beyond Adjustments
Chiropractic care works best as part of a comprehensive approach to nervous system health. In addition to adjustments, patients are often encouraged to incorporate simple habits that support spinal and neurological balance:
Regular movement breaks during the day
Posture awareness, especially during screen time
Gentle stretching to reduce muscle guarding
Proper sleep positioning
Controlled breathing exercises
These strategies help reinforce the benefits of chiropractic care and support long-term nervous system resilience.
Why Nervous System Regulation Matters for Everyone
Fight-or-flight is not just an issue for people with anxiety or high-stress jobs. Children, athletes, office workers, and older adults can all experience nervous system imbalance due to physical stress on the spine. Even small misalignments can have widespread effects when left unaddressed.
At Dr. Noah Banks’ Chiropractic office in Bentonville, Arkansas, care is centered on improving spinal function to help the nervous system adapt more effectively to daily stressors. When the spine moves well, the body is better equipped to regulate stress, recover efficiently, and maintain overall health.
