Anyone who has lived with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) knows that it can be both frustrating and confusing. Something as simple as standing up can make your heart race or even make you faint – but the problem goes deeper than just a heart or blood pressure problem. The nervous system is the root of most POTS symptoms and one of the keys to managing it.
POTS is a form of dysautonomia, meaning it affects how the body controls things like heart rate and circulation. To really understand it and to find natural ways to support the body, it helps to look at how both the autonomic and central nervous systems are involved.
The Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is what keeps your body running behind the scenes. It controls things like breathing, digestion, and heart rate—basically all the stuff you don’t have to think about. When someone has POTS, the ANS doesn’t respond the way it should when the body changes position, especially from lying down to standing. That’s why your heart rate may spike or you might feel dizzy or shaky.
These symptoms can be hard to predict and even harder to manage. While some people try medication or lifestyle changes, many still feel like they’re not getting to the root of the problem. That’s where a deeper look at nervous system function comes in.
The Central Nervous System
The central nervous system (CNS)—made up of the brain and spinal cord—is the control center for everything, including the autonomic system. When communication between the brain and body gets scrambled, it can lead to the dysregulation seen in POTS.
When the spine is under stress or out of alignment, especially the neck and upper back, it can impact how well your central nervous system works. That’s why a Billings chiropractor, like Dr. Thomas Keogh, focuses on how the spine impacts nervous system function. Gentle adjustments can help reduce stress on the CNS and lead the body to better balance.
Chiropractic Care and Nervous System Support
Chiropractic care isn’t a fix for POTS, but it can be a supportive piece of the puzzle. Dr. Thomas Keogh works with individuals of all ages to help their bodies function more efficiently by improving spinal alignment. When the spine is in a better position, the nervous system can communicate more effectively, which can help the body respond better to everyday stress and regulation challenges.
Many people with POTS also deal with fatigue, muscle tension, or poor posture from trying to “power through” their symptoms. But with gentle chiropractic adjustments, the body can adapt and feel better throughout the day, which relieves physical stress and creates a cycle of healing.
Living with POTS isn’t easy, but you’re not out of options. There are natural ways to support your body, and nervous system-focused chiropractic care is one of them. If you’re in the Billings area and want to find better balance, schedule your appointment with Bare Chiropractic today!
Sources
Chu, E.C.P., Lin, A.F.C. “Relief of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome with chiropractic rehabilitation.” Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2022 Jul 22; 11 (7): 4006–4009. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9648254/
“Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).” Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots
