If you’ve been dealing with a racing heart every time you stand up, dizziness that comes out of nowhere, or a foggy, drained feeling that never seems to lift, you may have already heard the terms POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) or dysautonomia. These conditions can be frustrating to live with and, honestly, frustrating to get answers about. At Desoto Upper Cervical in Southaven, MS, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer often meet patients who have been searching for months (sometimes years) for a piece of the puzzle their other providers haven’t addressed: the alignment of the top bones in their neck.
To be clear from the start, upper cervical chiropractic care is not a treatment, cure, or replacement for medical management of POTS or dysautonomia. But because of how closely the upper neck sits to the brainstem, where a huge amount of autonomic nervous system regulation takes place, it’s a piece worth understanding.
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What Are POTS and Dysautonomia, Exactly?
Dysautonomia is a general term for dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, the part of your nervous system that runs things you don’t consciously think about: heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, and more. POTS is the most common form patients ask us about. It’s marked by an abnormal jump in heart rate when moving from lying or sitting to standing, often paired with:
- Lightheadedness or fainting when standing up
- A pounding or racing heartbeat
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Exercise intolerance
- Nausea or digestive changes
- Temperature regulation issues (feeling too hot or too cold easily)
These symptoms are managed medically, often by a cardiologist, neurologist, or autonomic specialist, and can involve medication, hydration and salt strategies, compression garments, and graded exercise programs. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be under the care of a physician for proper diagnosis and monitoring. That medical relationship isn’t something upper cervical chiropractic care replaces.
The Upper Cervical Spine and the Autonomic Nervous System
Here’s where the biomechanics come in. The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) sit directly beneath the brainstem, which houses centers responsible for regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and the balance between your sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous systems. This is also where the vagus nerve, a major player in autonomic regulation, passes through on its way from the brainstem down through the neck.
When the atlas shifts out of its normal position, even by a few degrees, it can affect the structures around it in that same crowded space: the brainstem, upper spinal cord, vertebral arteries, and nearby nerve pathways. Because this region is so densely packed with structures involved in autonomic function, a misalignment here (called a subluxation) has the potential to contribute to the kind of dysregulation seen in dysautonomia, whether that shows up as unpredictable heart rate changes, dizziness, or that persistent brain fog patients describe.
This is also why we frequently see patients whose dysautonomia symptoms trace back to a car accident, a fall, a sports injury, or even a difficult birth process years earlier. Trauma to the upper neck doesn’t always cause immediate pain. Sometimes the effects show up gradually, as ongoing nervous system dysfunction, long after the original injury is forgotten.
Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology: A Precise, Gentle Approach
Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer use two specialized upper cervical techniques: Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology. Both are built around precision rather than force.
Atlas Orthogonal uses detailed imaging to map the exact degree and direction of an atlas misalignment, then delivers a very light, sound-wave-based adjustment through a handheld instrument. There’s no twisting, popping, or forceful manipulation of the neck involved.
Orthospinology takes a similarly precise, imaging-guided approach but uses a gentle, hands-on adjustment technique to correct the alignment of the atlas and axis.
Both methods share the same goal: restoring the atlas to its proper position so the brainstem and nervous system can function without unnecessary interference from a structural misalignment. For patients dealing with dysautonomia symptoms, that means addressing a potential contributing factor, alongside their medical care, rather than in place of it.
Is Upper Cervical Care Worth Exploring for Your Symptoms?
You might be a good candidate for a consultation with Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer if you recognize yourself in a few of the following:
- You’ve been diagnosed with POTS, dysautonomia, or a related autonomic condition and want to explore every avenue of support
- Your heart rate or dizziness symptoms seem connected to neck position, posture, or a history of head or neck trauma
- You have a history of concussion, whiplash, car accident, or a hard fall
- You experience brain fog, fatigue, or dizziness alongside neck tension or headaches
- You’re already working with a physician for your dysautonomia and are looking for additional, non-drug support
- Traditional treatments have helped some, but you feel like something is still missing
- You live in or around Southaven, MS and want a thorough upper cervical evaluation before deciding if this approach is right for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Can upper cervical chiropractic care cure POTS or dysautonomia?
No. Upper cervical chiropractic care isn’t a cure or a standalone treatment for POTS or dysautonomia. It addresses upper cervical misalignments, which may be one contributing factor among several. Ongoing medical care remains essential.
Why would a neck misalignment affect my heart rate?
The upper cervical spine sits right beneath the brainstem, where the nervous system regulates heart rate and blood pressure. A misalignment in this area can place stress on nearby nervous system structures, which is why some patients notice a connection between their neck and their autonomic symptoms.
What does an Atlas Orthogonal or Orthospinology adjustment feel like?
Both are gentle. Atlas Orthogonal uses a light, instrument-delivered adjustment, and Orthospinology uses a precise, low-force hands-on correction. Neither involves the forceful twisting associated with general neck adjustments.
How long does it take to notice a change?
This varies significantly from person to person. Some patients notice changes within the first few visits, while others need consistent care over a longer period. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer will discuss realistic expectations with you based on your specific history and exam findings.
Do I need to stop seeing my cardiologist or other doctors?
Not at all. Upper cervical chiropractic care is meant to work alongside your existing medical team, not replace it. Please continue all medications and physician-directed care unless your doctor advises otherwise.
What happens during a first visit at Desoto Upper Cervical?
You’ll go through a detailed consultation, a specific set of upper cervical images, and a thorough exam so Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer can determine whether an atlas misalignment is present and whether upper cervical chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation.
Is this safe for someone with a diagnosed autonomic condition?
Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology are both known for being gentle, precise approaches. Still, it’s important to share your full medical history and current diagnoses with Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer during your consultation so they can determine if you’re a good candidate.
Ready to Explore Whether Your Upper Cervical Spine Is Part of the Picture?
If you’re in Southaven, MS and living with POTS, dysautonomia, or unexplained symptoms like dizziness, racing heart rate, or persistent brain fog, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer at Desoto Upper Cervical would be glad to talk with you about whether an upper cervical evaluation makes sense as part of your broader care plan.
📞 Call us today at (662) 393-4848
📍 Visit us at 1134 Church Rd W, Southaven, MS 38671 — Get Directions on Google Maps
🌐 Learn more at desotouppercervical.com
