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Seeing your teen battle unexplained dizziness, constant fatigue, fainting spells, and anxiety can be both scary and overwhelming. Every time they stand up or change position, you find yourself holding your breath, wondering if they’ll be okay or need to sit back down. If your child has been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), you’re probably searching high and low for answers to make sense of these confusing symptoms.
POTS affects about 1 in 100 teenagers, and girls are 2-3 times more likely to experience it than boys. While genetics might have been mentioned as a potential cause—or maybe you’ve been given no clear explanation at all—there’s often more to the story that’s worth understanding.
Beyond Genetics: The Role of Nervous System Dysfunction
To truly understand POTS, we need to look at the autonomic nervous system, which plays a big role in regulating things like heart rate, blood pressure, and other essential body functions. While genetics can play a part, the real issue for many kids lies in nervous system dysfunction and dysregulation.
The Vagus Nerve: A Key Player in POTS
At the center of it all is the vagus nerve, a critical part of the autonomic nervous system. It’s responsible for:
- Controlling heart rate and blood pressure
- Regulating breathing patterns
- Keeping the body’s systems in balance
- Supporting focus and concentration
Let’s face it—today’s teens are under more stress than ever before. Add environmental toxins to the mix, and their nervous systems can become overwhelmed, stuck in a constant “fight-or-flight” mode. This chronic stress wreaks havoc on the vagus nerve, throwing off the balance their bodies need to function well.
Understanding Dysautonomia and Its Effects
When the autonomic nervous system gets out of whack due to subluxation and nervous system dysregulation, it can lead to a condition called dysautonomia. This imbalance causes:
- An overactive “fight-or-flight” response
- Suppression of the body’s calming functions
- A ripple effect across multiple body systems
Why Traditional Medical Testing Falls Short
It’s so frustrating when standard medical tests don’t give you the answers you’re looking for. Most of these tests focus on individual symptoms instead of the bigger picture of what’s causing them. Subtle neurological imbalances often go undetected, leaving parents without the clarity they need.
A New Perspective: Supporting Nervous System Health
Understanding POTS as a nervous system issue opens up new possibilities for care. With modern approaches, we can:
- Measure nervous system regulation
- Check heart rate variability (HRV)
- Pinpoint areas of neurological interference
- Track improvements over time
How Parents Can Take Action
- Spot Symptom Patterns: Notice when symptoms tend to show up, like during position changes or stressful times.
- Seek Comprehensive Evaluations: Look for providers who understand the nervous system’s role in POTS and use advanced tools to assess it.
- Address Physical Tension: Watch for signs of tension in your teen’s upper neck, lower neck, shoulders, and mid-back.
- Support Nervous System Health: Work with providers who focus on solving the root causes of dysfunction rather than just managing symptoms.
Our Approach at E320 Chiropractic
At E320 Chiropractic, we’re here to help. We use cutting-edge tools like INSiGHT Scans to find areas of neurological interference that could be contributing to your child’s symptoms. With NeuroThermal and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) tests, we get a clear picture of how their autonomic nervous system is functioning and track progress over time.
Don’t wait to reach out to us—we’re ready to support your teen’s journey to better health. While POTS can feel overwhelming, understanding its connection to the nervous system can bring both hope and a path forward. With care focused on nervous system regulation, many teens see big improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life.
You’re Not Alone
Dealing with POTS can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Many families are walking this road, and with the right care and support, your child can work toward a brighter, healthier future. If you’re ready to explore personalized solutions, give us a call today.