Posture Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome aka “POTS.”
Man…that’s a mouthful and a bunch of high scoring words on a scrabble triple word play.
More importantly, what does it mean?
Simply put – it means that as you change positions from laying to standing, your blood volume changes.
When our body sense a sudden change in blood volume distribution, such as going from sitting to standing, it causes a cascade of events to ensure blood volume is maintained for our vital organs.
As a result, this forces your heart to beat faster to ensure that your vital organs receive enough blood.
Unfortunately, for some people, your engine pumps too fast causing your blood pressure to drop.
This leads to the feelings of dizzy spells and fainting.
Not fun for those who suffer from this condition.
But…why is it only a select population that suffers from this condition?
Doesn’t everyone’s heart have to beat the same when they change positions?
Interesting thoughts…right?
What else do we know?
We know that currently, the only pharmaceutical option is a beta-blocker…which, at best, will temporarily help.
The thought process here was to reduce the heart from overcompensating, however…
The accelerated beat typically returns when these pharmaceutical agents wear off.
Which for most patients, is typically at the end of the day.
Which is rather unfortunate for you if you suffer from POTS.
What else do we know?
We know that POTS is classified as a form of dysautonomia…meaning a nervous system disorder.
Interestingly enough…it is more focused on the central nervous system.
In this specific case – the integration point of the of the system that regulates blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
So what?
I am glad you asked.
Without getting too complicated on the matter, we will cover a 50,000 foot view of how this incredibly specific area is the key to solving the problem.
The integration point for the area of central nervous system responsible for regulating the human cardio-respiratory system is located at the level of the first cervical vertebrae also called the Atlas.
This area is also referred to as the cranio-cervical junction.
As science as advanced, more research has been focused on the alignment and positioning of the relationship between the skull and the atlas.
Modern day advancement as facilitated the discovery that this bone has a crucial role in the entire function of the human body.
This tiny bone is responsible for coordinating over 80% of the neurological function of the human body.
Often time, in the case of disorders such as POTS, what we will find is a disorder referred to as dysautonomia.
Dysautonomia and Dysafferentation
Dysautonomia is directly correlated to another “dys” or “dysafferentation”
This fancy word dissected means there is a misalignment of the atlas vertebrae resulting in a change of the sensory processing mechanism of the central nervous system.
When this happens, a gradual decrease in function begins to take place in our body as a result of a less than optimal function of our sensory system.
This causes a change in the way our essential organs function.
Over time, this can result in cellular chaos resulting in the symptoms that we are seeing experienced in the case of a POTS patient.
More specifically, a compromise in the ability of our nervous system to respond to the demands of our heart and blood vessels.
This small problem, over years, ends up resulting in the symptoms of POTS you experience in your 30’s: dizziness and heart racing on changing your posture.
But what can we do if Beta-Blockers only work temporarily?
I’m glad you asked…
There is HOPE!
Thankfully, there is an entire line of work dedicated to solving the conundrum of the atlas called Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care.
We have found that in using state of the art technology called computerized infrared thermography, we are able to monitor the status of the function of the central nervous system.
If you suffer from POTS and your Central Nervous System is going haywire, it is more likely than a not an issue with your atlas.
If indeed the problem is located at the atlas, we use motion x-rays to evaluate the improper movement.
These two critical factors give us the necessary information to determine:
- How we are going to correct the problem
- How long it will take
- Expected outcomes for you
If you are like a majority of our POTS patients, we have found that a typical treatment plan will take 4-6 months.
Throughout this time frame, we are able to restore central nervous system function and free you from the symptoms of POTS.
So let me ask you now…
If you have been diagnosed with POTS, are sick of taking beta blockers, and are ready to change your life…why wouldn’t you call us at 972-638-0994 to get started?
Believe me, we can definitely help you!
