There is some evidence that VNS can help reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints and other symptoms throughout the body.In 2021, researchersTrusted Source published findings after measuring markers of inflammation in 30 people who used a VNS device to help manage RA for 12 weeks. They found evidence that they experienced “clinically meaningful” reductions in levels of DAS28-CRP, a sign of inflammation in the body.