What is Sympathetic Dominance (SD)?
Our central nervous system is vital for our entire body’s coordination, control and function. Every organ, tissue and cell requires constant communication via our nervous system (body to brain, brain to body) for its function.
Our central nervous system is also composed of two parts:
- The Sympathetic Nervous System
- The Parasympathetic Nervous System
If you have ever had that surge of adrenaline, an instant alarm that kicks in just before you are in danger, maybe it is seeing a spider on the wall or just before a car accident then you will understand that this is the “fight or flight” response kicking in.
Most of us are familiar with the term “fight or flight” response and what is going on is the sympathetic part of our nervous system firing our body up when we are under stress. This is our body’s survival mechanism and the way our brain alarms us putting us in protection mode from danger.
One key element of having a healthy sympathetic nervous system and sympathetic response is timing. The “flight or fight” response is vitally important in kicking in however, what is also just as important is that this response is switched off when we are no longer in danger so that we are not existing in this highly sympathetic state for long periods.
Living in the modern world sees a lot of us existing in a high sympathetic state for prolonged periods. In the Stone Age times, our sympathetic nervous system would kick us into “flight or fight” mode because we were being chased by a bear or lion charging ahead to kill us and we are fleeing danger. Whereas nowadays many more triggers are modern-day stressors such as poor diet, noisy or overcrowded environments, financial worries, and toxins or chemicals exposure which are constantly ever-present.
Sympathetic dominance is the state in which our sympathetic nervous system (SNS) becomes overactive or is switched on high for prolonged periods and can be triggered by various physical, emotional and environmental factors as some of them described above.
Being in a state of SD for extended periods can be detrimental to our health as it leads to symptoms like an elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle tension, digestive issues and anxiety just to name a few.
Symptoms of Sympathetic Dominance
We often experience symptoms of SD when our sympathetic nervous system (SNS) becomes chronically overactive. SD disrupts the balance between the “fight or flight” (sympathetic) and “rest and digest” (parasympathetic) systems.
Common symptoms of Sympathetic Dominance include:
Physical Symptoms
- Increased Heart Rate
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- Muscle tension: chronic stiffness, tightness or pain. Particularly in the neck shoulders or jaw (e.g. Clenching or grinding teeth)
- Excessive sweating even without physical exertion
- Digestive issues – indigestion, bloating, nausea or constipation due to decreased digestive function
- Headaches: tension-type or stress headaches
- Cold hands and Feet
- Tremors or shakiness
Emotional and Mental Symptoms
- Anxiety – persistent worry or dread
- Restlessness – difficulty sitting still or feeling clam
- Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated or reactive
- Difficulty Focusing – Trouble concentrating or experiencing “brain fog”
- Sleep problems – insomnia, trouble falling asleep or waking up frequently with a racing mind
Behavioural Symptoms
- Hypervigilance – a heightened state of alertness or anticipating danger
- Overreacting – exaggerated responses to minor stressors.
Hormonal Imbalances
- Cortisol dysregulation: high cortisol levels leading to fatigue weight gain or weakened immunity
- Thyroid dysfunction: symptoms of hyperthyroidism or adrenal fatigue
- Reproductive issues: irregular menstrual cycles or reduced sex drive
What Causes Sympathetic Dominance?
Common triggers that signal the body to stay in an SD state can be physical, biochemical or emotional stressors. Here is a list of some of the common stressors:
Psychological Stress
- Chronic worry or anxiety
- Emotional trauma or distress
- Work-related stress or burnout
- Relationship issues or personal conflicts.
Physical Stress
- Excessive exercise or overtraining
- Chronic pain or acute injury
- Inflammation, infections or illness
Poor sleep and Inadequate Rest
- Insomnia or sleep deprivation
- Irregular sleep patterns (eg. Shift work)
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
Poor sleep and Inadequate Rest
- Insomnia or sleep deprivation
- Irregular sleep patterns (eg. Shift work)
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
Nutritional Factors
- High intake of stimulants (eg. Caffeine, nicotine)
- Poor diet lacking essential nutrients
- Skipping meals or prolonged fasting
Environmental Stressors
- Exposure to loud noise or bright lights
- Extreme temperatures (heat or cold stress)
- Overcrowded or chaotic environments
Chemical and Toxin Exposure
- Pollution, heavy metals, or toxic substances
- Excessive use of alcohol or recreational drugs
- Chronic use of certain medications
Hormonal Imbalances
- High cortisol (stress hormone) levels from chronic stress
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Blood sugar imbalances
Emotional and Mental Health Conditions
- Depression, PTSD or panic disorders
- Constant negative thought patterns
Prolonged Technology Use
- Overexposure to screens and blue light
- Constant notifications or multitasking with devices
- Lack of digital detox or mindfulness
Lack of Relaxation or Recovery
- Insufficient time spent in parasympathetic activities such as meditation, relaxation etc.
- Lack of hobbies or leisure activities
Addressing sympathetic dominance, counteracting it and bringing balance to our entire nervous system involves addressing the root causes, incorporating relaxation techniques, maintaining a healthy diet, improving sleep hygiene and seeking professional help such as chiropractic care.
Take Control of Your Nervous System Health
To learn more about Sympathetic dominance and how Chiropractic Care can assist reduce Sympathetic Dominance, restore balance, and enhance your health, book a consultation with Connect Chiropractic today! Schedule your appointment today or book online or call (03) 9512 5822
