Understanding POTS
For many families, POTS can seem to appear suddenly and without explanation.
One moment, their child is active and thriving. Next, they’re experiencing dizziness, racing heart rates, exhaustion, brain fog, or feeling unwell simply from standing up.
It can be confusing, frustrating, and at times incredibly isolating—especially when symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood.
At Lume Chiropractic, we believe it’s important to look beyond symptoms alone and understand the role of the autonomic nervous system in conditions like POTS.
What Is POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition involving the autonomic nervous system—the part of the nervous system responsible for regulating automatic functions in the body, such as:
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Digestion
Temperature regulation
Stress responses
POTS is typically identified by a significant increase in heart rate when moving from lying down to standing, often accompanied by symptoms such as:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Heart palpitations
Exercise intolerance
Headaches
Nausea or digestive symptoms
Sleep disturbances
Feeling shaky or weak
Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and may impact school, sport, social connections, and daily life.
The Autonomic Nervous System & POTS
To better understand POTS, it helps to understand the two major branches of the autonomic nervous system:
The Sympathetic Nervous System
Often referred to as the “fight or flight” system, this branch helps the body respond to stress or perceived threat.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System
Sometimes called the “rest and regulate” system, this branch supports recovery, digestion, regulation, and restoration.
In a well-regulated nervous system, these branches work together in balance.
In people with POTS, research suggests there may be dysregulation within this system—often referred to as dysautonomia—where the body has difficulty adapting appropriately to changes such as standing, movement, stress, or exertion.
The Autonomic Nervous System
The Role of the Vagus Nerve
One important part of the parasympathetic nervous system is the vagus nerve.
The vagus nerve helps regulate many automatic functions in the body, including:
Heart rate
Digestion
Breathing patterns
Stress recovery
Communication between the brain and body
When the nervous system is under prolonged stress or struggling to adapt efficiently, these regulatory systems may become less coordinated. When this happens, we say that the body is ‘stuck in stress’.
This is one reason why many people with POTS experience symptoms affecting multiple body systems—not just the cardiovascular system.
What May Contribute to Nervous System Dysregulation?
POTS is considered multifactorial, meaning there is rarely one single cause.
Research continues to explore potential contributing factors, including:
Viral illness or post-viral syndromes
Connective tissue disorders
Autoimmune conditions
Genetic predisposition
Hormonal changes
Chronic stress or physiological overload
Some individuals also report the onset or worsening of symptoms following COVID-19 or other viral infections, highlighting the connection between immune stress and autonomic nervous system function.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
At Lume Chiropractic, we often speak about how stress can accumulate in different ways over time, including:
Physical stress (this can often be birth trauma or problems with movement in early life)
Chemical stress (medications pre- and post-natally)
Emotional stress (usually of the mother during her pregnancy)
These stressors may influence how adaptable and regulated the nervous system feels and functions.
Rather than viewing symptoms in isolation, we look at the body as an interconnected system—particularly during periods where the nervous system may be under increased demand.
How We Assess Nervous System Function
One of the ways we support individuals in our practice is through INSiGHT™ Scans.
These scans are non-invasive assessments designed to provide information about patterns of nervous system stress and regulation. Depending on the individual, scans may include:
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Used to assess patterns of autonomic nervous system adaptability and balance.Thermal Scans
Measuring changes associated with autonomic activity and regulation.Surface EMG Scans
Assessing muscle tension patterns related to stress and nervous system activity.
These assessments do not diagnose medical conditions, but they can help us better understand how an individual’s nervous system may be functioning and adapting.
Where Chiropractic Care May Fit
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall function.
At Lume Chiropractic, care is tailored to the individual and aims to support:
Nervous system adaptability
Movement and function
Regulation and recovery capacity
Many individuals choose to include chiropractic care as part of their broader healthcare team when navigating chronic stress, dysautonomia, or conditions such as POTS.
Supporting the Nervous System
Alongside professional care, supportive strategies may include:
Gradual movement and pacing
Hydration and electrolyte support
Consistent sleep routines
Nervous system regulation strategies
Stress management and recovery practices
Nutritional support where appropriate
Because every individual experiences POTS differently, support should always be personalised.
Final Thoughts
Living with POTS can feel overwhelming—not only physically, but emotionally and mentally too.
But understanding the role of the autonomic nervous system can help families make more sense of what’s happening in the body.
At Lume Chiropractic, our focus is on supporting nervous system function, adaptability, and regulation—particularly during periods of increased stress.
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms consistent with POTS, it might be time to book in a nervous system assesment.