POTS
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate when moving from lying down to standing up. It can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, extreme fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms that make daily life challenging. We work with POTS patients by addressing a potentially overlooked root cause: dysfunction in the upper cervical spine.
The Upper Neck and Autonomic Regulation
POTS is fundamentally a disorder of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) — the system that automatically regulates heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and many other vital functions. Critically, the autonomic nervous system’s primary control center is the brainstem, which sits directly within and just below the upper cervical spine.
When the atlas (C1) or axis (C2) are misaligned, they can place mechanical stress on the brainstem and upper spinal cord, disrupt normal autonomic signaling (particularly the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic branches), impair cerebrospinal fluid circulation, and affect blood flow through the vertebral arteries to the brainstem.
This dysfunction can contribute directly to the dysautonomia seen in POTS — particularly the inability to properly regulate blood pressure and heart rate when changing positions.
Common POTS Symptoms We Help Address
- Heart palpitations or rapid heart rate upon standing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting or near-fainting (presyncope)
- Extreme fatigue
- Brain fog and cognitive difficulties
- Exercise intolerance
- Headaches, particularly in the back of the head or neck
- Nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms
Upper Cervical Care as Part of Your POTS Treatment
We don’t claim to cure POTS, and we understand it is a complex, multifactorial condition. However, addressing upper cervical misalignment is often a missing piece in POTS management. We work collaboratively with your other healthcare providers and approach your care with the precision and caution this condition demands.
Our Approach
Advanced Imaging: We begin with detailed X-ray views of the upper cervical spine to identify structural misalignments that may be contributing to brainstem or autonomic dysfunction.
Precise Correction: We use the Knee Chest technique — one of the most precise upper cervical methods — to correct misalignments with maximum accuracy.
Careful Monitoring: We closely track your symptoms and neurological function throughout care, adjusting our approach based on your response.
Ready to Explore a New Approach?
If you or someone you love is struggling with POTS and hasn’t found adequate relief, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your upper cervical spine and discuss whether upper cervical care might be a valuable addition to your treatment plan.