What role does the vagus nerve play in chronic pain, nervous system regulation and our ability to recover?

In this episode of Beyond The Pain, Leigh Brandon speaks with biomedical engineer and StarSplit founder Jon Hacker about the emerging world of vagus nerve stimulation and neuromodulation.

Jon shares how his own struggles with OCD and feeling unable to control his nervous system led him into the development of technology designed to influence nervous system function. He explains why his team moved from exploring direct brain stimulation towards the vagus nerve, and how they began investigating ultrasound as a non-invasive approach to neuromodulation.

The conversation also explores some of the bigger challenges surrounding medical research. Jon discusses why study design matters, why published research should not automatically be accepted at face value, and how funding structures, commercial interests and academic incentives can influence which treatments are investigated and how evidence is produced.

This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of chronic pain, nervous system regulation, neuroscience and emerging medical technology.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the vagus nerve may influence chronic pain
• The relationship between nervous system dysregulation and persistent symptoms
• Why Jon became interested in neuromodulation
• Vagus nerve stimulation versus direct brain stimulation
• The emerging use of ultrasound in neuromodulation
• Problems with the quality and design of some medical research
• How research funding can influence scientific progress
• The future of neurotechnology for chronic pain and nervous system regulation

If you live with persistent pain, this conversation may help you better understand why pain involves far more than simply the area of the body where symptoms are felt.

Connect with Jon Hacker:

Website: https://zenbud.health/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenbudhealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenbudhealth
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zenbudhealth
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-hacker/

Connect with Leigh Brandon:

Beyond The Pain — Book & Audiobook:
https://amzn.to/4y2HVWg

Consult with Leigh:
https://www.bodychek.co.uk/consultation

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthepainpod/