Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Help with POTS?

These symptoms may be associated with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and is becoming increasingly recognized, particularly among young adults and following viral illnesses.

At Thrive Spinal Care in West Ashley, we frequently meet patients who have spent months or even years searching for answers to symptoms that interfere with everyday life. While chiropractic care is not a cure for POTS, many patients seek upper cervical chiropractic care as part of a comprehensive approach to supporting nervous system function and overall health.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, the part of the nervous system responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as:

– Heart rate
– Blood pressure
– Breathing
– Digestion
– Body temperature
– Blood circulation

For people with POTS, changing from a lying or sitting position to standing can cause the heart rate to increase abnormally, often by 30 beats per minute or more within 10 minutes of standing (or 40 bpm in adolescents), without a corresponding drop in blood pressure. This can lead to a variety of symptoms that affect daily life.

Symptoms vary from person to person but may include:

– Dizziness or lightheadedness
– Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
– Fainting or near-fainting
– Fatigue
– Brain fog
– Headaches
– Neck pain
– Difficulty exercising
– Shortness of breath
– Shakiness
– Digestive issues
– Difficulty concentrating

Many people find that symptoms worsen after standing for long periods, exercising, dehydration, or exposure to heat.

POTS was long considered a rare condition, with older estimates putting the number of affected Americans at around 500,000. More recent estimates put the number closer to 3 million people in the United States.

Part of that increase reflects better awareness and diagnosis. But a growing body of research points to something more specific: a real rise in cases tied to viral illness, especially COVID-19. A 2025 study published in the European Heart Journal, using health records from millions of patients, found POTS diagnoses rose sharply starting in early 2023, and researchers noted many patients developed POTS after post-viral symptoms, urging clinicians to screen for it in post-COVID patients.

That connection shows up in COVID-specific research too. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis looking at long COVID patients found that roughly 36% went on to develop POTS, a notably higher rate than the general population.

None of this means every case of dizziness or a racing heart is POTS, or that COVID is the only trigger. But it does help explain why more people, and more doctors, are talking about this condition than they were five years ago.

There isn’t one single cause. Researchers believe POTS may develop after:

– Viral infections
– Concussions or head injuries
– Autoimmune conditions
– Surgery or trauma
– Pregnancy
– Periods of prolonged illness or bed rest

Some individuals also have connective tissue disorders or other underlying conditions that contribute to autonomic dysfunction.

Because POTS affects multiple body systems, treatment often involves several healthcare professionals.

Management may include:

– Increasing fluids
– Increasing salt intake (when appropriate)
– Compression garments
– Physical therapy
– Graded exercise
– Medications
– Lifestyle modifications

Many patients also seek complementary approaches that support nervous system regulation.

While chiropractic care does not treat or cure POTS, some patients report improvements in symptoms after addressing spinal dysfunction, particularly in the upper cervical spine.

The upper cervical region plays an important role in protecting the brainstem, an area that helps regulate many autonomic nervous system functions.

At Thrive Spinal Care, our focus is on restoring proper alignment and motion to the upper cervical spine using precise, gentle adjustments guided by advanced 3D imaging.

By improving spinal function and reducing stress on the nervous system, chiropractic care may help support the body’s ability to regulate itself more efficiently.

Every patient responds differently, which is why a personalized evaluation is so important.

Unlike traditional chiropractic approaches that often involve multiple areas of the spine, upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the upper neck, brainstem, and nervous system.

At Thrive Spinal Care, every patient receives a thorough examination that may include:

– Advanced 3D CBCT imaging
– Digital thermal scanning
– Neurological evaluation
– Personalized care recommendations

This allows us to deliver precise adjustments tailored to each individual’s anatomy.

If you experience:

– Frequent dizziness
– Unexplained fatigue
– Brain fog
– Rapid heartbeat when standing
– Chronic headaches
– Neck pain
– Balance problems

It’s important to receive a proper medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

If you’ve been diagnosed with POTS and are looking for additional ways to support your nervous system and overall well-being, upper cervical chiropractic care may be one component of your healthcare plan.

Living with POTS can be frustrating, especially when symptoms interfere with work, school, exercise, and everyday activities.

At Thrive Spinal Care, we believe in helping patients understand how spinal health and nervous system function work together. While chiropractic care is not a cure for POTS, our goal is to improve spinal function, reduce mechanical stress on the nervous system, and help patients move through life with greater comfort and confidence.

If you’re experiencing dizziness, headaches, neck pain, or symptoms related to autonomic dysfunction, we’d be happy to discuss whether upper cervical chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.

Schedule a consultation with Thrive Spinal Care in West Ashley and learn how our personalized approach, advanced 3D imaging, and gentle upper cervical care can support your health journey.