Imagine your heart racing, to the point that you feel dizzy or faint, simply from the act of standing up. Those who suffer from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) don’t have to imagine it—this is their daily reality. Ordinarily, the autonomic nervous system (the part of the nervous system responsible for bodily functions that are not consciously directed, like your heartbeat or breathing) carefully balances the heart rate and blood pressure to keep your blood flowing no matter what position your body is in. With POTS, that careful coordination breaks down, causing a variety of symptoms that can differ in severity from person to person.
While POTS can be challenging to diagnose, and there is unfortunately no cure, it is possible to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life with the right lifestyle changes and treatments. Understanding the symptoms and who is at risk can help those who suspect they may have POTS seek appropriate care.
What Is POTS?
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition in which the heart rate increases excessively when someone stands up (at least 30 beats per minute in adults or 40 beats per minute in adolescents when going from a horizontal position to standing).
| Category | Summary |
| Cause | – Exact cause unknown – Linked to dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system (dysautonomia) – Associated with autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, celiac disease, Sjogren’s) – Triggered by major stressors: illness, pregnancy, surgery, trauma |
| Symptoms | – Dizziness, lightheadedness – Fatigue, brain fog – Heart palpitations, shakiness – Sweating, headaches, anxiety – Fainting – Worsens with heat, exercise, prolonged standing, low fluid/salt intake, or illness |
| Diagnosis | – No single test – Medical history, physical exams, blood/urine tests – Tilt table test to evaluate heart rate and blood pressure response to position changes |
| Risk Factors | – Mostly affects women – ~50% develop symptoms during adolescence – Can follow illness or trauma |
| Impact | – Affects daily functioning – Limits physical activity – Makes it difficult to focus or maintain energy levels |
| Complications | – Fainting – Non-epileptic seizures caused by nervous system dysfunction (not brain electrical activity) |
| Treatment | – Increase fluid & salt intake – Medications for heart rate/blood pressure – Gentle, supervised exercise – Avoid known symptom triggers – Lifestyle adjustments – Chiropractic care may help improve nervous system function |
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve POTS Symptoms
Chiropractic treatment focuses on improving the alignment of the spine, which not only promotes better overall body alignment but also improves the function of the nervous system. Misalignments in the spine (called subluxations) can interfere with nerve communication and blood flow between the body and the brain, which can worsen the symptoms of POTS. In fact, research has shown that chiropractic care is effective in relieving POTS symptoms and recommends its adoption as part of a multidisciplinary approach to POTS management.
At Divine Spine, our gentle, computerized chiropractic method is ideal for those with conditions like POTS, who may shy away from the possibility that treatment may cause additional discomfort. We use small, precisely targeted adjustments to correct misalignments, without cracking, twisting, or popping the spine. If you have been suffering from symptoms of POTS and the therapies you have tried so far aren’t producing the relief you had hoped for, Divine Spine can help. Contact us here to schedule your initial consultation.
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