POTS: Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System Behind the Symptoms

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is becoming increasingly common in kids and teens. Parents often notice dizziness, extreme fatigue, rapid heart rate, brain fog, or anxiety—especially when their child stands up or changes position.

While the symptoms seem unpredictable, the underlying issue is very clear: POTS is a condition of autonomic nervous system dysregulation.

What Happens in POTS?

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for automatic functions such as:

– Heart rate

– Blood pressure

– Blood vessel tone

– Digestion

– Temperature regulation

– Stress responses

In POTS, these systems do not coordinate properly when the body changes position.

When standing up:

• Heart rate jumps abnormally high

• Blood vessels may not tighten effectively

• Blood flow to the brain momentarily decreases

This combination triggers dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shakiness, and sometimes a feeling of panic.

Why Does Autonomic Regulation Break Down?

Several factors can influence autonomic dysfunction, including:

– Viral illness

– Chronic inflammation

– Hormonal shifts

– Poor sleep

– Emotional stress

– Chemical stressors

– Physical tension or subluxation that affects brainstem regulation

Kids with POTS often show signs of chronic sympathetic dominance—living in “fight or flight” mode.

INSiGHT Scans: A Window Into the Autonomic System

INSiGHT Scans allow us to understand how the nervous system is functioning:

– HRV shows adaptability.

– Thermal scans show communication stress along the spine.

– EMG identifies muscular tension patterns the body is compensating for.

These tools give us objective information about autonomic overload—something symptoms alone can’t reveal.

How Chiropractic Supports Kids with POTS

Our goal is not to treat POTS.

Our goal is to support the nervous system that POTS overwhelms.

Gentle, neurologically focused chiropractic adjustments help:

– Improve communication through the brainstem and vagus nerve

– Reduce stored tension

– Support parasympathetic activity

– Improve postural stability

– Enhance the body’s ability to adapt

As regulation improves, many kids experience better energy, improved transitions, more stable mood, and fewer crashes.

Your Child’s Body Isn’t Failing—It’s Overloaded

Understanding the neurological load behind POTS helps families finally make sense of the symptoms. And with the right support, kids can gain resilience and better regulation over time.

If your child is navigating POTS, we’re here to help you understand their autonomic stress patterns and support them every step of the way.