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Managing POTS Symptoms Through Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
If you've been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), you know how life-altering it can be. From persistent dizziness and heart palpitations to extreme fatigue and brain fog, the symptoms can severely disrupt daily living. While most treatments focus on symptom management through medication and lifestyle changes, there's a growing body of evidence—and patient success stories—that suggest upper cervical chiropractic care may offer a powerful, natural support option for managing POTS.
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At our clinic in Hiawatha IA, we specialize in gentle, precise care that focuses on the atlas vertebra (C1) and its connection to the nervous system. We've seen many patients with POTS, dysautonomia, and other neurological conditions benefit from atlas adjustments, helping them regain control and experience meaningful relief.
In this article, we'll explore how atlas misalignment may play a role in POTS symptoms and how upper cervical chiropractic care can help you live a more stable, balanced, and symptom-managed life.
What Is POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a type of dysautonomia—a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. People with POTS experience an abnormal increase in heart rate when moving from lying down to standing, often accompanied by:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Heart palpitations
- Chronic fatigue
- Nausea
- Brain fog
- Sweating or temperature regulation problems
- Shakiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Exercise intolerance
These symptoms occur because the body struggles to regulate blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate properly upon standing.
While the exact causes of POTS are not fully understood, it’s often associated with concussion, infection, autoimmune disorders, or trauma—all of which can contribute to dysfunction in the nervous system and upper cervical spine.
How the Atlas Vertebra Affects the Autonomic Nervous System
The atlas vertebra, also known as C1, is the topmost bone in your spine. It surrounds and protects the brainstem, the control center for many autonomic processes like:
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Digestion
- Temperature regulation
- Balance and proprioception
If the atlas becomes misaligned, even by a small amount, it can place pressure on the brainstem or distort nearby nerves. This can interfere with signals between your brain and body, potentially worsening the neurological dysregulation seen in POTS.
At our upper cervical chiropractic office in Hiawatha IA, we specialize in locating these subtle misalignments and correcting them gently and precisely.
How Atlas Misalignment Contributes to POTS Symptoms
We’ve observed that many people with POTS also present with a history of:
- Head or neck trauma (whiplash, concussion, sports injuries)
- Upper neck pain or stiffness
- Brain fog or lightheadedness
- Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Vestibular issues like dizziness or vertigo
Here’s how atlas misalignment may relate to some common POTS symptoms:
1. Dizziness and Lightheadedness
When the atlas is out of alignment, it can restrict blood flow through the vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brainstem and cerebellum—areas responsible for balance and spatial orientation.
2. Heart Palpitations and BP Fluctuations
Pressure on the vagus nerve or brainstem can disrupt regulation of heart rate and blood pressure, common complaints in those with POTS.
3. Fatigue and Brain Fog
Reduced cerebrospinal fluid flow, poor posture, and neurological stress may all contribute to the overwhelming fatigue and cognitive clouding experienced by POTS sufferers.
4. Temperature Dysregulation and Sweating
Disruption to the autonomic nervous system can lead to abnormal sweating patterns, intolerance to heat, and an inability to maintain core body temperature.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Helps
At our Atlas Specific Chiropractic office in Hiawatha, we focus solely on the alignment and stability of the C1 and C2 vertebrae. Our technique—the Advanced HIO upper cervical method—involves:
- No twisting or cracking
- Detailed digital imaging and paraspinal thermography
- Personalized care plans based on your exact misalignment
- Gentle adjustments that help restore neurological balance
By restoring proper atlas alignment, we help decrease interference to the autonomic nervous system, allowing your body to begin self-regulating again.
What to Expect in Our Office
When you come in for POTS symptom relief, we perform a thorough chiropractic wellness evaluation, including:
1. Infrared Thermography (Tytron scan)
- Measures brainstem and spinal cord function by detecting skin temperature differences.
2. Advanced Atlas Imaging
- High-precision x-rays to analyze your C1 vertebra alignment.
3. Gentle Upper Cervical Adjustment
- Performed on a specialized knee-chest table, this adjustment repositions the atlas without any forceful movement.
4. Follow-up Monitoring and Care
- We track your progress using objective scans and symptom changes.
Benefits Reported by POTS Patients in Our Office
Many POTS patients experience:
- Improved stability when standing
- Fewer dizzy spells
- More consistent heart rate regulation
- Improved energy levels
- Less brain fog and better concentration
- Better sleep quality
- Reduced neck pain and postural tension
Some report benefits within just a few weeks, while others see gradual improvement over time.
Upper Cervical Care: A Complement to Your POTS Plan
Upper cervical chiropractic doesn’t replace medical care for POTS. Instead, it complements your treatment plan by supporting the neurological and structural foundations your body relies on for regulation.
If you're already managing POTS with salt, compression garments, medications, or exercise, adding upper cervical care may help stabilize your nervous system and improve your ability to respond to other therapies.
Why Choose Our Upper Cervical Chiropractic Office in Hiawatha, IA?
- We’re one of only three clinics in Iowa practicing Advanced HIO upper cervical care.
- Our office is the closest option for patients in Southeast Iowa, including Davenport, Burlington, Muscatine, Kalona, and beyond.
- We specialize in neurological chiropractic care, not just back pain.
- Our team is experienced with complex conditions like POTS, dysautonomia, vertigo, and brain fog.
We’re passionate about restoring nervous system function, helping patients live with more energy, clarity, and balance.
Take the First Step Toward POTS Symptom Relief
If you’re tired of struggling with lightheadedness, fatigue, and feeling misunderstood, upper cervical chiropractic care may offer the support you need. By correcting atlas misalignment, we help relieve pressure on the nervous system and empower your body to regulate more effectively—naturally.
📍 Our office is located in Hiawatha IA (52233) and serves patients throughout Cedar Rapids, Marion, Iowa City, and across Eastern Iowa.
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