The journey with POTS and dysautonomia is often a long one, filled with confusing symptoms and a frustrating search for effective care. You might feel like you’ve tried everything, only to find temporary relief. The constant dizziness, fatigue, and heart palpitations are signs that your body's internal communication system is struggling. A critical, yet often overlooked, factor is the structural integrity of your spine, particularly the upper cervical area. This region houses the brainstem, which is the command center for your autonomic nervous system. A subtle misalignment here can create significant interference. Understanding this link is the first step toward finding a solution that addresses the root cause, and finding the best chiropractor for POTS and dysautonomia is crucial for getting the specialized, gentle care you need.
If you've ever felt like your body's internal controls are out of sync, you might be dealing with something called dysautonomia. Think of it as a disruption in your body's "automatic" nervous system—the part that manages all the functions you don't consciously think about, like your heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature. When this system isn't communicating correctly, it can lead to a wide range of confusing and frustrating symptoms.
One of the most common forms of dysautonomia is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS. This condition is specifically defined by a sharp, abnormal increase in heart rate that happens when you change positions, like standing up after sitting or lying down. While it sounds specific, POTS is just one of many conditions we can help with that stem from a problem within the autonomic nervous system. Understanding these conditions is the first step toward finding a solution that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Living with POTS can feel like a constant battle against your own body. The symptoms often show up in ways that can make daily activities incredibly challenging. Many people with POTS report feeling dizzy or lightheaded, especially upon standing. You might also experience a racing heart (palpitations), shakiness, persistent headaches, and even chronic neck pain. These symptoms can appear suddenly and without warning, making it difficult to predict how you'll feel from one moment to the next. Because they can be so disruptive, they are often mistaken for anxiety or chronic fatigue, which can make getting an accurate diagnosis a long and difficult process.
It’s helpful to think of dysautonomia as the umbrella term for a malfunctioning autonomic nervous system, and POTS as one specific condition that falls under it. In POTS, the "fight or flight" branch of your nervous system becomes overactive, while the "rest and digest" side can't quite keep up. This creates an internal imbalance that leads to the characteristic spike in heart rate when you stand up. Essentially, your body overreacts to the simple act of changing posture, sending your heart racing without a real reason. This fundamental miscommunication is why our NeuroBioStructural Analysis focuses on how your body's structure impacts nervous system function.
The effects of POTS and dysautonomia vary greatly from person to person. For some, the symptoms are mild and manageable. For others, they can be completely disabling, making it impossible to work, attend school, or even enjoy simple daily routines. The constant physical discomfort and unpredictability can also take a serious toll on mental health, often leading to anxiety and depression. If you're struggling with these challenges, know that you're not alone and that there are paths to feeling better. The first step is to find a provider who will listen and help you understand what's happening inside your body, which is our primary goal for all new patients.
If you’re living with POTS or another form of dysautonomia, you know how frustrating it can be when your body’s automatic controls go haywire. Your autonomic nervous system (ANS) is supposed to manage things like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion without you thinking about it. But with dysautonomia, that system is out of sync. Chiropractic care offers a unique perspective by focusing on the master control center for your ANS: your spine and nervous system.
The core idea is that your body's structure affects its function. If your spine is misaligned, it can interfere with the critical communication between your brain and your body. This interference can disrupt the very systems that dysautonomia affects. The goal of specialized chiropractic care isn't to treat the symptoms, but to address the underlying structural issues that may be contributing to the nervous system's dysfunction. By restoring proper alignment, we can help remove that interference, giving your body a chance to regulate itself more effectively. It’s about getting to the root of the problem so your body can begin to heal and function the way it was designed to.
Think of your spine as the primary highway for your nervous system. The brainstem, which sits at the very top of your spine, is the main hub for the autonomic nervous system. It’s in charge of all those background functions—breathing, heart rate, blood pressure—that you don’t consciously control. If the bones in your upper neck are even slightly misaligned, they can put pressure on this critical area, scrambling the signals sent between your brain and body. This is why a chiropractor’s work is so focused on the spine. By ensuring it’s properly aligned, we help clear the lines of communication so your nervous system can manage your body’s functions correctly. This approach can be foundational for many of the conditions we help with every day.
One of the hallmark symptoms of POTS is dizziness or fainting upon standing, which is related to how your body manages blood flow and pressure. A misalignment in your upper spine can directly contribute to this problem. When the top vertebrae are out of place, they can affect more than just nerves; they can also impede the flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid to and from your brain. This can disrupt your body's ability to properly regulate blood pressure when you change positions. Gentle, precise adjustments aim to correct these misalignments, restoring proper motion and taking pressure off the surrounding blood vessels. Techniques like Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) are specifically designed to address these issues, helping to improve circulation and support better brain-body communication.
Ultimately, the goal of chiropractic care for dysautonomia is to help your body find balance. Your nervous system is incredibly smart and has an innate ability to self-regulate, but it can’t do its job properly when there’s physical interference. By making precise corrections to the spine, especially the upper cervical area, we remove that interference. This allows your autonomic nervous system to function without disruption. It’s not about forcing your body into a certain state, but rather about creating the right environment for it to heal itself. Our approach is centered on this principle: find and correct the underlying cause, and then let the body’s natural intelligence take over to restore balance and function.
You may have heard that chiropractic care is too aggressive for someone with POTS, or that it’s only for back pain. This is a common misconception that comes from a one-size-fits-all view of the profession. The truth is, not all chiropractic care is the same. The forceful twisting and popping associated with general chiropractic is very different from the gentle, precise, and highly specific techniques used in upper cervical care. For conditions like POTS and dysautonomia, a targeted approach is essential. It’s about using advanced diagnostics to find the exact source of the problem and making subtle corrections without any jarring movements. If you're curious, the best way to find out if our approach is right for you is to schedule a consultation.
When you’re dealing with a condition as complex as POTS or dysautonomia, the type of chiropractic care you receive matters. Not all techniques are created equal, and a generalized approach often falls short. The key is to find care that focuses on the delicate relationship between your spine and your autonomic nervous system. Several gentle, precise methods are particularly effective for addressing the root causes of your symptoms without causing additional stress to your body.
Upper cervical chiropractic care zeroes in on the most critical area of your spine: the top two vertebrae, the atlas and axis. These bones protect your brainstem, the command center for your autonomic nervous system. Even a slight misalignment here can interfere with the vital signals traveling between your brain and body, contributing to the symptoms of POTS. By making precise, gentle corrections to this area, an upper cervical chiropractor can help restore proper communication and allow your nervous system to function more efficiently. This specialized focus is one of the most effective chiropractic techniques for those with autonomic dysfunction.
Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) is an advanced and highly specific upper cervical technique. It goes beyond just looking at the top two bones and considers how their position affects your entire body’s posture and balance. The goal of QSM3 is to bring the body back to a stable, centered position, which takes pressure off the nervous system. This method is exceptionally gentle, using light touches to encourage the body to correct itself. For anyone with POTS, this approach can help restore balance to the autonomic nervous system and improve overall function without any forceful adjustments.
Similar to QSM3, the NUCCA technique is another gentle method that focuses on the upper cervical spine. It is well-regarded for its precision and non-invasive nature, making it a great option for sensitive patients. NUCCA practitioners use detailed measurements to make a very specific correction to the atlas vertebra, which helps restore balance to the entire spine and nervous system. The adjustments are so light that you might barely feel them. This gentle approach aims to improve your body's function and reduce POTS symptoms without causing the jarring movements that can be a concern for those with dysautonomia.
The best chiropractors don’t guess when it comes to your health. They use advanced diagnostic tools to get a clear and objective picture of what’s happening with your spine and nervous system. Technologies like PostureIQ™ and Insight™ neurological scans are essential for creating a truly personalized care plan. These assessments measure your posture, spinal alignment, and nervous system function with incredible detail. For new patients, this data provides a baseline and allows the chiropractor to track your progress accurately, ensuring the adjustments are working exactly as they should.
Finding the right healthcare partner is a huge step when you’re managing a complex condition like POTS or dysautonomia. Not all chiropractic care is the same, and the right approach can make all the difference. You need someone who understands the intricate relationship between your spine, your nervous system, and your symptoms. The goal is to find a practitioner who goes beyond general adjustments and offers specialized, gentle care tailored to your unique needs. When you start your search, focus on a chiropractor’s training, diagnostic process, treatment style, and experience with conditions like yours. Asking the right questions will help you find a provider who can truly support your journey toward feeling better.
When you live with POTS or dysautonomia, you know it’s not just about back pain. These are complex neurological conditions, and you need a chiropractor who gets that. A general practitioner is great, but for this, you want a specialist. Look for a doctor who has pursued post-graduate training specifically in autonomic nervous system disorders. Don’t be shy about asking about their education. A provider who is passionate about helping people with dysautonomia will be happy to share what they’ve learned. You can ask, “What specific training or certifications do you have related to treating autonomic conditions like POTS?” This shows you’re an informed patient and helps you find a doctor who has truly invested in understanding your condition.
A correct diagnosis and treatment plan starts with a thorough assessment. A chiropractor who just asks about your pain and starts adjusting isn't going deep enough. For POTS and dysautonomia, you need someone who uses advanced diagnostic tools to get a clear picture of how your nervous system is functioning. This could include detailed postural analysis, thermographic scans, or other neurological assessments that provide objective data. A key indicator of POTS is an abnormal heart rate response to changes in position, and a knowledgeable chiropractor will understand the importance of these details. Ask what their initial examination for new patients involves and what tools they use to measure your progress over time.
People with dysautonomia can be highly sensitive, and an aggressive adjustment might do more harm than good. The right chiropractor will use a gentle, precise, and individualized approach. Techniques that focus on the upper cervical spine (the top of your neck) are often highly effective because this area is the critical junction between your brain and the rest of your nervous system. By making gentle corrections here, a specialist can help restore proper communication and function. When you’re speaking with a potential provider, ask about the techniques they use. Look for words like “gentle,” “precise,” and “specific,” and be wary of anyone who suggests a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
There’s no substitute for experience. You want to find a chiropractor who has a proven track record of helping other people with POTS and dysautonomia. It’s completely reasonable to ask about their experience with cases similar to yours. You could say, “How many patients with POTS have you treated, and what kind of results have they seen?” While they must protect patient privacy, they should be able to speak generally about their experience and successes. You can also look for patient reviews or testimonials on their website. Hearing from others who were once in your shoes and have found relief can give you the confidence that you’re in the right place.
When you're dealing with the complex and often frustrating symptoms of POTS and Dysautonomia, you need a healthcare partner who looks beyond the surface. It’s not just about managing symptoms day-to-day; it's about understanding why your body is struggling to regulate itself. At Lazar Spinal Care, we move past the temporary fixes to find and address the underlying structural issues that can contribute to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Our entire approach is built around providing precise, gentle, and personalized care that helps your body heal and function the way it was meant to.
We know the journey with chronic illness can be isolating, and finding the right care can feel overwhelming. That's why we've created a supportive environment where your concerns are heard and your health is our top priority. As the only clinic in Ann Arbor specializing in upper cervical chiropractic care, we offer a unique perspective and a focused skill set specifically for conditions like POTS and Dysautonomia. We combine our specialized knowledge with advanced diagnostic technology to create a clear picture of your health and a targeted plan for your recovery. Our goal is to help you find lasting relief so you can get back to living your life more fully.
Instead of just focusing on your symptoms, we start with a comprehensive NeuroBioStructural Analysis. This approach is based on a simple but powerful idea: your body's structure dictates its function. If your spine, particularly at the top of your neck, is misaligned, it can interfere with the critical communication between your brain and your body. For someone with POTS or Dysautonomia, this interference can disrupt the autonomic nervous system's ability to regulate essential functions like heart rate and blood pressure. Our care aims to remove that interference, allowing your nervous system to find a better balance and your body to work more efficiently.
The top two bones in your neck, the atlas and axis, are unique. They protect your brainstem, the vital communication hub that controls your body's automatic functions. A misalignment here can have widespread effects. As Ann Arbor's only upper cervical chiropractic specialists, we focus entirely on this critical area. We use gentle and precise techniques like Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) to correct these misalignments without any popping, twisting, or cracking. This specialized focus allows us to provide a level of care that is specifically suited to the sensitive nature of autonomic nervous system conditions.
Symptom management is important, but it's not a long-term solution. Our primary goal is to find the root cause of your health challenges. Instead of just treating the dizziness, fatigue, or rapid heart rate associated with POTS, we investigate the underlying structural problems that may be causing them in the first place. By correcting the foundational issues within your spine and nervous system, we can help your body regulate itself properly. This focus on the source of the problem is what allows our patients to experience lasting relief and a genuine improvement in their quality of life, which you can see in our patient reviews.
To find the exact source of your problem, we use advanced diagnostic tools that leave no room for guesswork. Our assessments include technologies like PostureIQ™ and Insight™ neurological scans, which give us a detailed, objective look at your spinal alignment and nervous system function. This data allows us to see precisely where the interference is and create a care plan tailored specifically to you. By using our techniques and technology, we can deliver incredibly precise adjustments that are both gentle and effective, ensuring you receive the best possible care for your condition.
Taking the first step toward feeling better can feel like a big deal, but we make the process simple and supportive. If you’re dealing with the complex symptoms of POTS or dysautonomia, you need a team that listens and a plan that gets to the root of the problem. Our goal is to give you clarity and a clear path forward, starting from your very first visit. We focus on understanding your unique situation so we can create a care plan that truly works for you.
Your first visit is all about discovery. We’ll sit down with you to listen to your health history and understand what you’ve been experiencing. From there, we conduct a comprehensive NeuroBioStructural Analysis to get a clear picture of your spinal and neurological health. This includes advanced diagnostics like our PostureIQ™ and Insight™ neurological scans, which give us precise data without any guesswork. Our entire process is designed to uncover the underlying cause of your symptoms. By the end of this first appointment, we promise to let you know if we can help you. You can learn more about what to expect as a new patient on our website.
After we’ve analyzed the results from your initial assessment, we’ll create a care plan tailored specifically to you. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. Your plan is based on your unique structural and neurological findings. Our primary goal is to gently correct misalignments in your upper cervical spine to remove interference from your nervous system. This allows your body to function more efficiently and find better balance on its own. We use precise and gentle techniques like QSM3 to restore your body’s natural healing capabilities, helping you achieve lasting relief instead of just managing symptoms.
We know that managing complex conditions like POTS and dysautonomia often requires a team effort. We believe in a collaborative approach and are happy to work alongside your other healthcare providers, including your primary care doctor, cardiologist, or other specialists. By maintaining open communication, we can ensure your care is integrated and comprehensive. We understand how frustrating it can be when you feel like your "invisible condition" isn't being taken seriously. Our team is committed to validating your experience and being a supportive partner in your health journey.
I've heard chiropractic adjustments can be rough. Is this safe for someone with POTS? This is a completely valid concern, and it’s one of the biggest myths about the kind of care we provide. The forceful twisting or popping you might associate with general chiropractic is not what we do here. Our approach, especially for sensitive conditions like POTS, is incredibly gentle and precise. We use specialized upper cervical techniques that often involve a light touch to encourage your body to return to its proper alignment, without any jarring movements.
How is upper cervical chiropractic different from what a "regular" chiropractor does? Think of it as the difference between a general practitioner and a specialist. While general chiropractic can be great for overall joint and muscle issues, upper cervical care focuses specifically on the critical relationship between the top two bones of your neck and your brainstem. This area is the master control center for your autonomic nervous system, which is exactly what's out of sync with POTS. Our specialized training and advanced diagnostics are all designed to address this one crucial area with precision.
Why is the focus on my neck if my symptoms are things like a racing heart and dizziness? It seems counterintuitive, but the command center for functions like heart rate and blood pressure is located in your brainstem, which is protected by the top bones of your neck. If those bones are even slightly misaligned, they can put pressure on this area and interfere with the signals being sent to the rest of your body. By correcting that misalignment at the source, we can help restore clear communication, allowing your body to regulate itself more effectively.
How soon can I expect to feel better? Everyone’s body heals at its own pace, so there isn't a single timeline that fits all. Some patients notice subtle changes within the first few adjustments, while for others, the process is more gradual as their body adapts and stabilizes over time. Our goal is to create lasting change, not just a temporary fix. During your consultation, we will outline a care plan based on your specific findings, which will give you a clearer expectation of your healing process.
Do I need a referral from my doctor, and will you work with my other specialists? You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with us. We also believe that the best results come from a team approach to your health. We are more than happy to collaborate and communicate with your other healthcare providers, including your primary care doctor, cardiologist, or neurologist, to ensure your care is seamless and comprehensive.