POTS and the Nervous System: Frequently Asked Questions

Living with POTS can be frustrating and overwhelming.

For many people, the symptoms seem to come out of nowhere. One day you feel fine, and the next you're dealing with dizziness, rapid heart rate, exhaustion, brain fog, or feeling like your body just isn't keeping up.

If you've recently been diagnosed or suspect POTS may be contributing to your symptoms, you're not alone.

At Precision Chiropractic, we understand that POTS isn't "just in your head." It's a complex condition involving the autonomic nervous system, the part of the body responsible for regulating many automatic functions like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and digestion.

Our goal is to help patients better understand their nervous system, answer their questions, and explore whether supporting nervous system function may be an important part of their overall health journey.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear about POTS.

You don't have to navigate this journey alone.

Living with POTS can feel isolating, especially when symptoms affect nearly every part of daily life.

While every person's journey is different, understanding how your nervous system functions can be an important step toward improving your overall health and quality of life.

Whether you've recently been diagnosed or have been searching for answers for years, we're here to listen, educate, and help you explore your options.

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  • POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

    It is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that affects how the body responds when moving from lying down or sitting to standing.

    Instead of smoothly adjusting blood flow and heart rate, the body often compensates by increasing the heart rate much more than expected. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, brain fog, and feeling faint.

  • The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the body's automatic control system.

    It regulates functions you don't have to think about, including:

    • Heart rate

    • Blood pressure

    • Breathing

    • Digestion

    • Temperature regulation

    • Pupil response

    • Sweating

    • Circulation

    • Stress responses

    When the autonomic nervous system isn't regulating efficiently, everyday activities like standing up, exercising, concentrating, or even digesting food can become much more difficult.

  • There isn't one single cause of POTS.

    Researchers believe several factors may contribute, including:

    • Viral illnesses

    • Autoimmune conditions

    • Connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

    • Concussions or head injuries

    • Pregnancy

    • Surgery

    • Periods of prolonged bed rest

    • Nervous system dysfunction

    • Genetics in some individuals

    Because POTS can develop for many different reasons, treatment plans often need to be individualized.

  • Symptoms vary from person to person but commonly include:

    • Rapid heart rate when standing

    • Dizziness

    • Lightheadedness

    • Feeling faint

    • Fainting

    • Chronic fatigue

    • Brain fog

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Headaches

    • Exercise intolerance

    • Shortness of breath

    • Nausea

    • Digestive issues

    • Temperature sensitivity

    • Cold hands and feet

    • Shakiness

    • Anxiety-like symptoms

    Some people experience only a few symptoms, while others experience many.

  • Many patients describe POTS as feeling like their body struggles to keep up with everyday activities.

    Simple tasks such as taking a shower, climbing stairs, standing in line, or walking through a grocery store may leave them feeling exhausted, dizzy, or mentally drained.

    For many people, the symptoms fluctuate from day to day.

  • POTS can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in:

    • Teenagers

    • Young adults

    • Women

    • Individuals following a viral illness

    • People with hypermobility disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

    Although it is more common in females, males can also develop POTS.

  • A healthcare provider typically diagnoses POTS using a combination of:

    • Medical history

    • Physical examination

    • Heart rate and blood pressure measurements

    • Standing tests

    • Tilt table testing when appropriate

    Diagnosis should always be made by a qualified healthcare professional.

  • Not usually.

    Although POTS affects heart rate, it is generally considered a disorder of the autonomic nervous system rather than a disease of the heart itself.

    The heart is often healthy, but the nervous system may not be regulating circulation and blood pressure as efficiently as it should.

  • POTS does not cause anxiety in the traditional sense, but many of its symptoms can feel very similar.

    Rapid heart rate, shakiness, dizziness, sweating, and feeling overwhelmed are all symptoms that may occur with autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

    Some people with POTS also experience anxiety as a separate condition, while others find that improving autonomic regulation helps reduce feelings of overwhelm.

  • Your brain depends on consistent blood flow and oxygen to function efficiently.

    When circulation changes during standing, some people experience difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, slower thinking, or trouble finding words. These symptoms are commonly referred to as "brain fog."

  • Yes.

    Because digestion is controlled in part by the autonomic nervous system, many people with POTS experience symptoms such as:

    • Nausea

    • Constipation

    • Bloating

    • Stomach discomfort

    • Feeling full quickly

    • Reflux

    Digestive symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

  • Many people with POTS experience exercise intolerance.

    Activities that involve standing for long periods or sudden position changes can trigger symptoms. However, healthcare providers often recommend carefully guided exercise programs because gradual conditioning may help improve tolerance over time.

    Exercise recommendations should always be individualized.

  • Many people with POTS seek Neuro-Tonal Chiropractic because they want to support healthy nervous system function.

    While chiropractic is not a cure for POTS, the autonomic nervous system plays a central role in regulating heart rate, circulation, blood pressure, digestion, and the body's response to stress.

    Our focus is on evaluating nervous system function and helping the body communicate more efficiently. Many patients choose to include Neuro-Tonal Chiropractic as one part of a comprehensive care plan alongside their medical team.

  • Neuro-Tonal Chiropractic focuses on how well the nervous system is functioning rather than simply addressing symptoms.

    Using gentle, specific adjustments, our goal is to improve communication between the brain and body and support the nervous system's ability to adapt to stress more efficiently.

  • Yes.

    At Precision Chiropractic, every care plan begins with a thorough consultation and neurological evaluation to help us understand your health history, symptoms, and individual needs.

    Our Neuro-Tonal approach is gentle, specific, and personalized. We never use a one-size-fits-all approach, and every adjustment is tailored to your comfort level and how your nervous system is functioning that day.

    Many people with POTS are especially sensitive to changes in position, movement, and physical stress. Because of this, we take extra care to ensure each visit is comfortable and appropriate for your unique situation.

    Your safety is always our priority. If we believe another provider or additional testing is needed, we'll discuss those recommendations with you. We also encourage our patients to continue working with their primary care physician, cardiologist, or other members of their healthcare team as part of a collaborative approach to care.

    Our goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where your nervous system can be evaluated and cared for with compassion and individualized attention.

  • Your first visit includes a conversation about your health history, symptoms, goals, and any previous testing or diagnoses.

    We also perform neurological scans and other assessments to evaluate how your nervous system is functioning.

    Our goal is to understand the bigger picture so we can determine whether Neuro-Tonal Chiropractic may be an appropriate part of your care.

  • No.

    POTS often benefits from a collaborative approach to care.

    Many of our patients continue working with cardiologists, primary care physicians, neurologists, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers while receiving Neuro-Tonal Chiropractic care.

    We believe working together often provides the best support for our patients.

  • Every person's nervous system responds differently.

    The timeline depends on many factors, including your health history, how long you've been experiencing symptoms, your overall health, and your body's ability to adapt.

    Some patients notice improvements in areas like energy, regulation, or overall well-being early in care, while others experience gradual progress over time.

    Our focus is on helping your nervous system function more efficiently and supporting long-term health rather than chasing quick symptom relief.

  • If you've been diagnosed with POTS or you're experiencing symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate when standing, chronic fatigue, brain fog, or frequent lightheadedness, a consultation may be a good place to start.

    We'll take time to understand your story, answer your questions, and determine whether Neuro-Tonal Chiropractic may be an appropriate addition to your healthcare team.