The relentless pain, swelling, and fatigue that come with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can make even the simplest tasks a monumental challenge.
This autoimmune disorder, which causes the body to attack its own joints, can leave sufferers feeling like prisoners in their own bodies.
For years, the mainstream medical approach has been a parade of harsh medications, each with its own laundry list of side effects.
But what if the key to taming this devastating disease lies not in a pill bottle, but in the complex web of nerves connecting your brain to your body?
A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a surprising way to potentially short-circuit the pain and inflammation of RA—and it all starts with a nerve you’ve probably never heard of.
Enter the vagus nerve, the body’s own information superhighway.
This remarkable nerve, whose name comes from the Latin word for “wandering,” lives up to its moniker by meandering from the brain stem down through the neck, chest, and abdomen. It’s the longest of the cranial nerves and plays a crucial role in regulating many of our unconscious body processes, from heart rate and digestion to immune function.
But what does this wandering nerve have to do with arthritis? More than you might think.
Recent advances in neuroscience have mapped out a fascinating circuit in the brain called the “inflammatory reflex.”
This circuit, which runs through the vagus nerve, acts as a natural brake on inflammation throughout the body. When stimulated, it can inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules like tumor necrosis factor (TNF)—a key target in current rheumatoid arthritis treatments.
Now, researchers at Stanford University have taken this knowledge and developed an ingenious way to tap into the vagus nerve’s inflammation-fighting powers. In a pilot study presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology, they tested a tiny implanted device called a MicroRegulator on 14 rheumatoid arthritis patients who had failed to respond to at least two different biologic or targeted therapies.
The results were impressive to say the least. Patients who received daily stimulation from the device showed significant improvements in their arthritis symptoms. Two-thirds of them achieved what rheumatologists consider a good or moderate response—a dramatic turnaround for people who had previously found no relief from standard treatments.
Even more impressive, the stimulation led to a more than 30% decrease in key inflammatory markers in the blood. This suggests that the treatment isn’t just masking pain, but actually addressing the root cause of the disease.
Dr. Mark Genovese, the James W. Raitt Endowed Professor of Medicine at Stanford and lead author of the study, expressed cautious optimism about the findings. “Our pilot study suggests this novel MicroRegulator device is well tolerated and reduces signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis,” he said. “These data support the study of this device in a larger placebo-controlled study as a novel treatment approach for rheumatoid arthritis and possibly other chronic inflammatory diseases.”
What makes this approach so exciting is its potential to offer relief without the systemic side effects often associated with powerful immunosuppressive drugs. By tapping into the body’s own regulatory mechanisms, it offers a more targeted approach to managing inflammation.
Of course, as with any new treatment, more research is needed. The study was small, and we’ll need larger, placebo-controlled trials to confirm these promising results. It’s also important to note that the device requires surgical implantation, which carries its own risks and considerations.
While we await further research on implanted vagus nerve stimulators, there are several natural ways you can potentially stimulate your vagus nerve at home:
- Cold exposure: Try ending your shower with 30 seconds of cold water, or splashing cold water on your face. This can activate the vagus nerve and reduce inflammation.
- Deep, slow breathing: Practice diaphragmatic breathing, aiming for about six breaths per minute. This can help activate the relaxation response associated with vagal tone.
- Humming or singing: The vibrations from humming or singing can stimulate the vagus nerve. Try humming a tune or chanting “om” for a few minutes daily.
- Gargling: Gargle with water several times a day. This activates the muscles in the back of the throat, which are connected to the vagus nerve.
- Meditation and yoga: These practices can help reduce stress and inflammation while potentially improving vagal tone.
- Massage: Gentle massage of the neck area or foot reflexology may help stimulate the vagus nerve.
While these techniques are generally safe, it’s always wise to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new health practice, especially if you have a chronic condition like rheumatoid arthritis.
To the exciting frontiers of medical science,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. SLASH migraine suffering in half with this “forehead trick.”
Source:
Brody, B. (2019, November 21). Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A New Way to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. CreakyJoints. https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/treatment-and-care/medications/understanding-vagus-nerve-stimulation-rheumatoid-arthritis/
Genovese, M.C., et al. (2019). First-in-human study of novel implanted vagus nerve stimulation device to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 78(Suppl 2):A263. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-eular.8673
