Posted on28 April 2025,in

What Is Long COVID?

The global COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects, but for many individuals, the struggle doesn’t end with a negative test result. Long COVID, medically referred to as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), describes a condition where symptoms persist or arise well after the initial infection has resolved. Estimates suggest that between 10–30% of individuals infected with COVID-19 experience some form of lingering symptoms, with some cases lasting months or even years.

Long COVID symptoms are incredibly diverse and can affect nearly every organ system in the body. Here’s a breakdown:

Common Symptoms of Long COVID:

Persistent Fatigue
Fatigue in long COVID is not simply tiredness. It’s a deep, debilitating exhaustion that doesn’t improve significantly with rest. Individuals often find themselves unable to complete even basic daily tasks.
Brain Fog
Cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and confusion are hallmark features. Tasks that once seemed easy may now seem overwhelming.
Neurological Symptoms
These can include headaches, dizziness, tingling sensations, and even symptoms resembling neuropathies.
Respiratory Problems
Even months after recovery, many patients report shortness of breath, chest pain, or ongoing coughing episodes, impacting their ability to exercise or exert themselves.
Heart Palpitations and POTS-like Symptoms
Some individuals develop rapid heart rates when standing, mimicking Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Palpitations, chest discomfort, and even fainting episodes are not uncommon.
Digestive Disorders
Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits have been observed, even among those without prior gastrointestinal issues.
Mood Disorders
Anxiety, depression, and PTSD-like symptoms can emerge, possibly exacerbated by the ongoing physical health struggles.
Loss of Taste and Smell
Many patients report a continued inability to smell or taste foods, a symptom that can deeply affect quality of life.
Joint and Muscle Pain
Aches and stiffness similar to fibromyalgia symptoms often appear, sometimes debilitating enough to limit mobility.

Why Is Long COVID So Complex?

The reason behind long COVID’s complexity lies in the fact that COVID-19 can affect multiple systems: neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and more. Additionally, the virus can trigger autoimmune-like responses, chronic inflammation, and even cause dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system.

This broad spectrum of symptoms points toward the central role of the nervous system and immune system dysfunction—making a nervous system-focused healthcare approach, like upper cervical chiropractic care, an intriguing avenue for long COVID recovery.

How Upper Cervical Misalignment Decreases the Immune System

When people think of their immune system, they often think of white blood cells or the lymphatic system. However, the central command center for your immune response is actually the nervous system—especially the brainstem, which regulates vital autonomic functions.

At the core of this communication network lies the upper cervical spine, specifically the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae. These bones surround and protect the brainstem and the upper spinal cord.
When these vertebrae become misaligned—a condition known as subluxation—they can disrupt critical pathways that regulate immune function.

The Consequences of Upper Cervical Misalignment:

Nerve Signal Interference
Subluxations can compress, stretch, or irritate nerves, leading to improper communication between the brain and the immune organs, such as the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. When this communication breaks down, immune responses can be either hyperactive (leading to autoimmune issues) or suppressed (leading to greater vulnerability to infections).
Brainstem Dysfunction
The brainstem controls respiratory rhythm, heart rate, sleep cycles, and inflammatory responses. Even slight misalignments can cause disruptions that throw off homeostasis, making it harder for the body to regulate inflammation and fight infections efficiently.
Increased Systemic Inflammation
Misalignments can cause chronic low-grade inflammation. This “silent inflammation” wears down immune resilience over time, contributing to the systemic inflammation seen in long COVID.
Stress Hormone Dysregulation
Misalignments may alter the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing cortisol (the stress hormone). Chronically elevated cortisol severely hampers immune cell production and weakens defenses against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
Poor Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Flow
Proper CSF circulation is critical for clearing metabolic waste from the brain, maintaining immune surveillance, and protecting neural tissues. Misalignments at the upper cervical region may inhibit CSF flow, leading to buildup of toxins and a sluggish immune response.

Long COVID and Immune Dysregulation: The Perfect Storm

In long COVID, patients often have persistent immune dysfunction and inflammation. If an upper cervical misalignment is present—whether from trauma, posture issues, or even the initial infection stress itself—it can compound the immune dysfunction, making recovery more difficult.

That’s why correcting upper cervical misalignment is a crucial yet overlooked strategy in enhancing immune recovery post-COVID.

Boosting the Immune System with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Corrections

The beauty of upper cervical chiropractic care is that it focuses on restoring neurological balance and homeostasis. Instead of simply managing symptoms, it addresses one of the root causes of immune dysfunction.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Enhances Immunity:

Restoration of Brain-Body Communication
Correcting the atlas and axis alignment removes mechanical pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord, allowing clean, uninterrupted communication between the brain and the immune system.
Reduction of Stress Response
As misalignments are corrected, the body moves out of chronic sympathetic (fight-or-flight) dominance and into parasympathetic (rest, digest, and heal) mode. This shift dramatically improves immune resilience.
Decrease in Systemic Inflammation
Clinical observations and preliminary studies suggest that spinal corrections can lower levels of inflammatory cytokines, a crucial factor in long COVID recovery.
Optimization of Organ Function
With better nervous system function, critical organs involved in immunity (spleen, liver, gut) can perform their tasks more efficiently, improving detoxification and reducing systemic burden.
Improved Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow
Proper atlas alignment promotes better cerebrospinal fluid circulation, enhancing immune surveillance in the central nervous system—a crucial factor given the neurological symptoms of long COVID.

The Brainstem, Lymphatic Drainage, and Immune System Health

One of the most critical but often overlooked aspects of immune system regulation lies in the brain’s ability to manage lymphatic drainage through a network called the glymphatic system. This network is largely controlled and influenced by the brainstem.

The Brainstem and the Glymphatic System

The glymphatic system acts as the brain’s waste clearance pathway, moving cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the brain’s tissues to remove metabolic waste, damaged proteins, and toxins. Unlike the rest of the body, the brain doesn’t have its own traditional lymphatic vessels—it relies on this unique CSF-based system instead.

The brainstem regulates:

CSF production
CSF flow patterns
Venous drainage
Sleep cycle regulation, which is vital for optimal glymphatic function

When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, pressure on the brainstem can impair the normal flow of CSF, leading to stagnant drainage and accumulation of inflammatory toxins in the brain.

This stagnation can:

Weaken immune surveillance inside the brain
Promote chronic inflammation
Increase neurological symptoms like brain fog, dizziness, and fatigue (hallmarks of long COVID)

Upper cervical chiropractic corrections help by restoring ideal alignment, taking pressure off the brainstem, and allowing lymphatic drainage and immune surveillance to return to optimal levels.

Why This Matters in Long COVID

Emerging research suggests that neuroinflammation and poor lymphatic clearance are central to many long COVID symptoms, especially brain fog, fatigue, and chronic headaches.

In short: if your brain can’t efficiently clear toxins and immune waste, you’ll continue to feel sick—no matter how many supplements or medications you take.

Upper cervical chiropractic thus offers a vital way to “reboot” the brain’s drainage and immune detoxification pathways.

The Vagus Nerve, Vagus Nerve Dysfunction, and Immune Health

Another vital player in the intersection between nervous system health and immunity is the vagus nerve. It’s one of the most important nerves in your body—and it originates at the brainstem.

What Is the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve, and it plays an essential role in:

Regulating heart rate
Controlling digestion
Managing respiratory rate
Modulating immune responses
Controlling inflammation levels throughout the body

Essentially, the vagus nerve acts as the communication highway between the brain and the vital organs of the body.

When functioning properly, the vagus nerve:

Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”)
Reduces systemic inflammation through what’s known as the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway
Enhances gut health (which itself is 70–80% of your immune system)

Vagus Nerve Dysfunction in Long COVID

Many individuals suffering from long COVID show signs of vagus nerve dysfunction, including:

Rapid heart rate (POTS symptoms)
Digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, gastroparesis)
Inflammation-related symptoms (fatigue, joint pain, brain fog)
Anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances

When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can create mechanical tension on the brainstem where the vagus nerve nuclei reside. This can impair vagal output, leading to widespread systemic dysfunction.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Can Help the Vagus Nerve

Correcting the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae helps:

Remove mechanical irritation from the brainstem
Restore normal vagus nerve signaling to the heart, gut, lungs, and immune system
Rebalance the autonomic nervous system (reducing sympathetic “fight or flight” dominance)
Enhance the body’s ability to regulate inflammation naturally

Studies have shown that stimulation of the vagus nerve reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha—both of which are elevated in long COVID sufferers.

By freeing the brainstem and vagus nerve from compression and irritation, upper cervical chiropractic offers a natural way to “reboot” the immune system and heal from long COVID.

Clinical Evidence:

Several case studies and observational research projects have shown that upper cervical care patients report fewer illnesses, faster recovery from infections, and improved energy levels. While more large-scale studies are needed, the existing evidence points toward upper cervical care as a key adjunct for immune system enhancement.

In today’s world, strengthening the immune system naturally has never been more important. Many people turn to supplements, medications, and lifestyle changes to boost their defenses. However, one of the most overlooked and powerful ways to build natural immunity is through upper cervical chiropractic care.
This specialized form of chiropractic focuses on the alignment of the upper neck region—specifically the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae—where the brainstem and spinal cord meet.
Correcting misalignments at this vital area has profound effects on the nervous system, and by extension, the immune system.

Let’s explore exactly how upper cervical chiropractic care can make you more resilient to sickness, infections, and chronic disease.

The Connection Between the Nervous System and the Immune System

Your nervous system is the master controller of your entire body—including your immune responses. Every function of the immune system, from white blood cell production to inflammatory signaling, is directed or influenced by nerve signals originating from the brain and brainstem.

When the nervous system is functioning properly:

Immune cells are dispatched efficiently.
Inflammation is regulated appropriately.
The body can identify and neutralize threats like viruses, bacteria, and even cancer cells.

However, when there is interference in nervous system communication—especially at the brainstem—the immune system becomes compromised.

This is why protecting and optimizing the brainstem’s function through upper cervical care is critical for maintaining a strong, efficient immune response.

How Upper Cervical Misalignment Weakens Immunity

Misalignments of the atlas and axis vertebrae—called subluxations—can occur from:

Birth trauma
Car accidents (even minor ones)
Sports injuries
Slips, falls, or even poor posture over time
Emotional stress

When the upper cervical spine is out of alignment:

Pressure on the brainstem disrupts autonomic control over the immune system.
Stress hormones like cortisol become elevated, which suppress immune function.
Vagus nerve signaling is impaired, reducing anti-inflammatory control.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow is reduced, leading to a buildup of waste and toxins in the brain and body.
Chronic low-grade inflammation sets in, depleting immune reserves over time.

In short, upper cervical misalignments silently sabotage your body’s ability to fight off infections and recover from illnesses.

The Immune-Strengthening Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Upper cervical chiropractic corrections are gentle, precise adjustments that restore the alignment and balance of the upper neck.
When this critical area is corrected, the body’s natural healing systems can begin working at full capacity again.

Here’s how upper cervical care boosts immune strength:

1. Restores Brainstem Communication

Correcting misalignments removes pressure on the brainstem, allowing it to send clear signals to immune organs like the thymus, spleen, and bone marrow.
This reboots immune coordination, allowing the body to respond faster and more effectively to pathogens.

2. Reduces Stress Response (Cortisol)

Misalignment leads to a constant low-level stress response, keeping cortisol levels elevated.
Chronic cortisol suppresses immune cell production and weakens your defenses.
After upper cervical adjustments, cortisol levels naturally decline, allowing the immune system to rebound and strengthen.

3. Enhances Vagus Nerve Function

The vagus nerve, which controls anti-inflammatory responses throughout the body, originates in the brainstem.
When atlas misalignments are corrected, vagus nerve function improves, leading to better regulation of systemic inflammation and faster immune responses.

4. Improves Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and Lymphatic Drainage

Alignment of the upper cervical spine allows for proper cerebrospinal fluid circulation and glymphatic drainage (the brain’s waste removal system).
This means toxins, inflammatory byproducts, and pathogens are cleared more efficiently, reducing the burden on your immune system.

5. Reduces Systemic Inflammation

Upper cervical corrections help lower the levels of inflammatory cytokines (like IL-6 and TNF-alpha) that are elevated during infections and chronic illnesses.
With inflammation under control, the body can focus its resources on maintaining robust defenses rather than fighting internal fires.

Real-Life Impacts: Fewer Illnesses, Faster Recovery

Patients under regular upper cervical chiropractic care often report:

Fewer colds and respiratory infections
Quicker recovery times when sick
Less severe symptoms during illnesses
Better energy and vitality overall
Fewer autoimmune flares
Better allergy control

This is not surprising when you understand that upper cervical care helps restore the body’s natural self-healing mechanisms rather than forcing artificial changes.

It’s important to note: Upper cervical chiropractic doesn’t “treat” disease.
Instead, it optimizes your internal environment, giving your body the best possible chance to resist, fight, and recover from whatever it encounters.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic: A Proactive Approach to Health

In a society focused heavily on reactive healthcare (waiting until you’re sick to act), upper cervical chiropractic care offers a proactive solution.

Instead of masking symptoms, it strengthens your internal defenses, allowing you to stay healthier year-round.
Whether it’s cold and flu season, ongoing pandemic concerns, or just a desire to feel more resilient, upper cervical care is an essential tool in your immune-boosting toolkit.

By investing in regular upper cervical care:

You invest in true preventive healthcare.
You reduce the need for antibiotics, antivirals, and other medications.
You minimize downtime from work, family activities, and hobbies.
You build a body capable of adapting and thriving—not just surviving.

Lavender Family Chiropractic: Sarasota’s Premier Upper Cervical Chiropractic Center

When it comes to expert upper cervical chiropractic care in Sarasota, and surrounding areas like Bradenton, Palmetto, Parrish, Venice, Nokomis, Osprey, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, St. Pete, and Lakewood Ranch—Lavender Family Chiropractic stands apart.

Who We Are

At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we specialize exclusively in upper cervical chiropractic care. Our mission is simple yet profound: to help the body heal by restoring proper alignment at the brainstem level. We believe in addressing the root cause of health issues, not just masking symptoms.

Our founder and lead doctor is passionate about helping individuals suffering from chronic health conditions—including those battling long COVID—achieve vibrant health through gentle, effective, and precise adjustments.

What Makes Us Different

Precision Imaging
We utilize state-of-the-art 3D CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) imaging and digital X-rays to identify the exact nature of your upper cervical misalignment.
Functional Nervous System Scans
We assess how your nervous system is functioning, not just how your spine looks structurally. This allows us to measure improvements objectively.
Gentle, Specific Corrections
Our upper cervical adjustments are incredibly precise and do not involve twisting, popping, or cracking. We use the lightest force necessary to achieve profound neurological change.
Customized Care Plans
No two bodies are the same. Our care plans are individualized to meet your specific health challenges and goals.

Conditions We Help Manage:

Long COVID symptoms
Migraines and headaches
Vertigo and dizziness
TMJ dysfunction
Post-concussion syndrome
Neck pain and whiplash injuries
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
POTS and autonomic dysfunction

Areas We Serve:

Our office proudly welcomes patients from across the Gulf Coast of Florida:

Sarasota
Bradenton
Palmetto
Parrish
Venice
Nokomis
Osprey
Port Charlotte
Punta Gorda
St. Petersburg
Lakewood Ranch

Whether you live locally in Sarasota or are driving in from Bradenton, Venice, or Port Charlotte, our centrally located office ensures you’re never too far from receiving the care you need.

Why Choose Lavender Family Chiropractic?

We focus on correcting the cause, not masking symptoms.
We offer gentle, effective, and non-invasive care.
We use cutting-edge technology to guide your healing.
We are passionate about empowering you to reclaim your health naturally.

Ready to Reclaim Your Health?

If you’re suffering from the lingering effects of long COVID—or simply want to ensure your immune system is functioning at its best—Lavender Family Chiropractic is here to help.

Reach out to schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward vibrant, resilient health!

Schedule With Us!

Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota Florida offers complimentary consultations to learn more about you. Click the link below!

https://intake.chirohd.com/new-patient-scheduling/724/lavender-family-chiropractic

Visit our Website!

To learn more about us go to http://www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com

We also service Bradenton, Parrish, Ellenton, Ruskin, Venice, Tampa, St. Pete, Osprey, Longboat, Lakewood Ranch, Myakka City.

If you are not local, visit www.uccnearme.com to fins a doctor in your area!

Final Thoughts

Long COVID has challenged modern healthcare systems because it doesn’t fit neatly into any single box. It affects multiple systems at once—neurological, cardiovascular, immune, and more.
Rather than addressing each symptom separately, upper cervical chiropractic care offers a whole-body, root-cause approach: restoring balance where it matters most—at the brainstem.

At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we are proud to help Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Port Charlotte, and surrounding communities heal naturally and fully.

Don’t let long COVID define your future. With the right support, you can heal—and thrive.