Navigating POTS with Chiropractic Care
When it comes to managing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), many individuals are turning to chiropractic care as a complementary therapy. Understanding POTS and the role of chiropractic treatments can shed light on why this approach is gaining traction among patients seeking balance and well-being.
What is POTS?
POTS is a condition that affects circulation (blood flow). It involves the nervous system and is characterized by the body's inability to properly regulate blood flow and blood pressure, resulting in a rapid increase in heartbeat when a person moves from lying down to standing up. This condition falls under the umbrella of dysautonomia, a disorder of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
Symptoms and Experiences
The primary symptom of POTS is an excessive heart rate increase upon standing. However, this condition can manifest through a myriad of symptoms that can significantly impact daily functioning. Patients with POTS may experience:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting or near-fainting spells
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
Blurred vision
Nausea
Palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)
Tremors
These symptoms are the body's response to an imbalance in the ANS, which is struggling to maintain vascular stability during postural changes.
Understanding the ANS
The ANS is the part of the nervous system that regulates internal organs and glands, which occur without conscious effort. It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. In POTS, there is a dysfunction in the ANS that leads to poor blood circulation and variable blood pressure, among other symptoms.
The Chiropractic Connection
Chiropractic care is based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that the nervous system is central to this process. By performing spinal adjustments, chiropractors at Dover Health Care Center Chiropractic work to remove subluxations—misalignments of the vertebrae which can disrupt nerve communication. These adjustments may help restore proper nervous system function.
For individuals with POTS, chiropractic care at Dover Health Care Center Chiropractic can be an excellent therapy for several reasons:
Enhancing Nervous System Communication: By aligning the spine and reducing pressure on nerves, chiropractic adjustments may improve the communication between the nervous system and vascular system, helping to regulate blood flow and pressure.
Reducing Sympathetic Overactivity: Adjustments may help balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses, potentially reducing the overactivity that can exacerbate POTS symptoms.
Improving Vascular Function: With better regulation of the nervous system, the body's ability to manage blood vessels' constriction and dilation can improve, which is crucial for POTS patients.
Holistic Management: Chiropractors often take a whole-person approach to care, which can help POTS patients manage not just the physical symptoms but also the lifestyle adjustments needed to cope with the condition.
Individuals with POTS should consider seeking chiropractic care as part of their management strategy. While it is not a cure, it offers a non-invasive, drug-free option to potentially reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. As with any treatment, it's important for patients to discuss this approach with their healthcare provider to ensure it fits into their overall treatment plan.
Conclusion
POTS is a complex condition that can disrupt life in profound ways, but therapies like chiropractic care offer hope. By supporting the nervous system's role in regulating the body's involuntary functions, chiropractic adjustments may provide POTS patients with a much-needed ally in their journey towards balance and health. If you are interested in working with Dr. Epps or Dr. Chi and you have POTS, reach out to us at (302) 736-0330 for a consultation. Located in Dover, DE, we serve Delaware and the Eastern Shore with the best Chiropractic care that is specific to each individuals needs.