716-468-9352 Available 24/7
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) & Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, commonly known as POTS, is a form of dysautonomia that affects the autonomic nervous system. Individuals with POTS experience an abnormal increase in heart rate when transitioning from lying or sitting to a standing position, often accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, and brain fog.
POTS can significantly impact daily life and is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. While traditional management includes lifestyle changes, medications, and physical therapy, one area gaining increasing attention is the role of spinal alignment and brainstem function. Upper cervical chiropractic care, a highly specific and gentle form of chiropractic that focuses on the top of the spine, may offer supportive benefits by improving communication within the nervous system and addressing structural stress that could be contributing to symptoms.
Symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
POTS is a type of autonomic nervous system disorder, specifically affecting the body’s ability to regulate blood flow and heart rate when changing postures. It is most commonly diagnosed in young women but can affect individuals of any age or gender.
-
Common symptoms of POTS include:
-
Rapid heartbeat when standing
-
Lightheadedness or dizziness
-
Chronic fatigue
-
Nausea or digestive issues
-
Exercise intolerance
-
Sweating irregularities
-
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
-
Cold or discolored extremities
In POTS, the heart rate typically increases by 30 beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing, often without a significant drop in blood pressure. This abnormal response can cause symptoms that vary in severity from mild discomfort to complete disruption of daily activities.
How Upper Neck Misalignment Affects Autonomic Function
The upper cervical spine, particularly the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae, sits at the crossroads of major neurological, vascular, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) systems. Misalignments at this level may impair brainstem function, vagus nerve activity, CSF flow, and venous drainage—all of which are closely involved in regulating autonomic stability.
-
Brainstem Dysfunction: The brainstem houses autonomic control centers such as the nucleus tractus solitarius. Misalignments at the craniocervical junction may mechanically irritate these regions, leading to instability in heart rate, blood pressure, and vasomotor tone.
-
Vagus Nerve Irritation: Exiting the brainstem near C1, the vagus nerve is a key player in the parasympathetic nervous system. Disruption to its output may push the body toward sympathetic overdrive, worsening symptoms of anxiety, palpitations, and digestive distress.
-
CSF and Venous Flow: Abnormal alignment may obstruct CSF circulation or compress the jugular veins, elevating intracranial pressure and contributing to lightheadedness, headaches, and cognitive impairment.
-
Baroreceptor Reflex Interference: The baroreflex is essential for blood pressure regulation when changing posture. Upper cervical dysfunction may impair proprioceptive feedback, contributing to orthostatic intolerance.
Can An Upper Cervical Correction Help?
The most common misconception about Upper Cervical care is that it only helps back and neck pain.
Upper Cervical care is based on the universal law of cause and effect. For every effect or symptom, physical or mental, there must be a cause.
Upper Cervical doctors recognize that the body is a self-healing organism, controlled and coordinated by the central nervous system, which is protected by the skull and spine.
Using a gentle technique, Upper Cervical doctors locate and remove interference to the nervous system, allowing the body to heal itself naturally without drugs or surgery.
Align Your Spine!
If the first two bones in your neck are misaligned, communication between the brain and body is interrupted and can cause numerous health problems.
Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) can affect the function of the brainstem, which can be a critical factor in many health problems, including POTS. These misalignments can be caused by bumps, falls, car accidents, emotional stress, or even birth trauma.