
The 3 Types of Nerves:
What They Do and Why They Matter for Your Health
Your Nervous System: The Body’s Built-In Communication Network
Think of your nervous system as your body’s electrical wiring. It’s constantly sending messages back and forth between your brain and every cell, organ, and muscle.
When everything’s running smoothly, you feel good—you move well, sleep well, and digest well. But when something’s off (even slightly), you might notice symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or poor digestion.
As a chiropractor, I focus a lot on nerve health—because when your nervous system functions better, so does the rest of your body. And it all starts with understanding the three types of nerves that keep everything connected.
What Are Nerves, and Why Are They Important?
The Nervous System at a Glance
Your nervous system has two major parts:
The central nervous system (brain + spinal cord)
The peripheral nervous system (nerves branching out to the rest of the body)
These nerves control everything—from how you move, to how you feel temperature, to how your heart beats.
How Chiropractors View the Nervous System
In chiropractic, we focus on the spine’s role in protecting and supporting the nervous system. When the spine is out of alignment (what we call a subluxation), it can put pressure on nearby nerves—causing miscommunication between your brain and body.
This nerve pressure can lead to pain, poor movement, and even changes in organ function. That’s why restoring alignment is a core part of chiropractic treatment.
The 3 Main Types of Nerves
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Let’s break those down:
1. Sensory Nerves
These nerves are responsible for feeling—they send messages to the brain about:
Pain
Pressure
Temperature
Touch
If you touch something hot, your sensory nerves tell your brain instantly. They also help explain sensations like:
Pins and needles
Burning or tingling
Numbness
When the spine is misaligned, sensory nerves can become irritated—causing pain or numbness. That’s why many patients come in with radiating pain or tingling in their arms or legs.
2. Motor Nerves
These control movement by sending signals from the brain to your muscles.
They allow you to:
Move your arms and legs
Blink your eyes
Kick a soccer ball
When motor nerves are affected, you might experience:
Muscle weakness
Coordination issues
Reduced reflexes
We often see this in patients with spinal misalignments or disc issues, where nerve flow is disrupted.
3. Autonomic Nerves
These are your “automatic” nerves—they regulate things you don’t consciously control:
Breathing
Heart rate
Digestion
Blood pressure
They’re divided into:
Sympathetic nerves (“fight or flight”)
Parasympathetic nerves (“rest and digest”)
When your nervous system is under stress, this balance can be thrown off—leading to issues like poor sleep, digestive trouble, or fatigue. That’s where chiropractic comes in to help restore function.
What Happens When Nerves Are Compressed or Irritated?
Common Symptoms
When a nerve isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause:
Numbness or tingling
Shooting or burning pain
Muscle weakness
Poor balance or coordination
Digestive or energy issues
These are red flags that your nervous system needs attention.
Spinal Misalignments and Nerve Pressure
Nerve irritation often comes from:
Poor posture
Sports or car injuries
Repetitive movements
Sedentary habits
Conditions like sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, and thoracic outlet syndrome are all tied to nerve interference—and they often respond well to natural, conservative care.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Nerve Health
Spinal Adjustments
We use gentle adjustments to:
Realign the spine
Restore proper nerve communication
Reduce inflammation around irritated nerves
This is one of the most effective ways to reduce symptoms without medication.
Postural and Movement Correction
Many nerve issues stem from poor posture or faulty movement patterns. We help you:
Improve ergonomics
Correct posture
Restore natural joint motion
This is especially important if you’ve had recurring issues or symptoms in the same area.
Lifestyle and Nervous System Support
We also guide patients on how to support their nervous system with:
Proper sleep habits
Stress reduction
Stretching and movement routines
This holistic approach supports lasting change—not just symptom relief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nerves
Can chiropractic care help with nerve pain?
Yes—especially if the nerve is being compressed or irritated due to spinal misalignment or poor posture.
Is nerve damage permanent?
What’s the difference between sensory and motor nerves?
Can nerves affect digestion and sleep?
Healthy Nerves, Healthier Life
Your nervous system is the foundation of everything you do—from movement and strength to sleep and digestion. When nerves are working well, your body can perform the way it was designed to.
Schedule your spinal nerve evaluation and let’s make sure your nervous system is supporting your health—not holding it back.

Meet Dr. Patrick Walsh
Dr. Patrick Walsh is a board-certified chiropractor with 13 years of hands-on experience and the owner of Walsh Wellness Center in Hagerstown, Maryland. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University and is fully licensed in the state of Maryland. Dr. Walsh is certified in physiotherapy and has successfully completed all four parts of the NBCE board exams. His areas of expertise include chiropractic care, pediatric and prenatal chiropractic, sports injury treatment, pain management, dry needling, and physical therapy. He provides trusted, patient-centered care for individuals of all ages.