POTS Doctor: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that has been gaining more awareness in recent years, but many patients still struggle to find effective solutions. Traditional treatment often focuses on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying cause. At Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota, Florida, our approach is different. We specialize in Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care, a precise and gentle method that gets to the root cause of nervous system dysfunction — a major contributor to POTS symptoms.
If you’re searching for a POTS doctor in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, or surrounding areas, our team is here to help you experience lasting relief and improved quality of life.
POTS Doctor: Understanding POTS – More Than Just a Fast Heart Rate
POTS is a form of dysautonomia, meaning it affects the autonomic nervous system — the part of your nervous system that controls involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
Common POTS symptoms include:
- Rapid heart rate upon standing
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Shakiness or tremors
- Exercise intolerance
While medication, increased fluid intake, and compression garments may help manage symptoms, POTS often has a deeper neurological cause. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine — specifically the top two vertebrae, the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) — can interfere with normal brainstem and vagus nerve function, disrupting blood flow regulation and heart rate control.
The Root Cause – Nervous System Dysfunction
Your autonomic nervous system is regulated in part by the brainstem, which sits at the base of the skull and transitions into the spinal cord. When the upper neck is misaligned due to trauma, poor posture, or even birth injuries, it can create subtle but chronic pressure on the brainstem. This interference can distort the communication between your brain and body, leading to dysregulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and other involuntary processes — all key issues in POTS.
By correcting these misalignments, we help restore normal nervous system function, allowing your body to naturally regulate itself more effectively.
Lavender Family Chiropractic – Sarasota’s Premier Upper Cervical Care Center
At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we are proud to be recognized as one of Southwest Florida’s best upper cervical chiropractic offices, serving Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Ellenton, Venice, Osprey, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Myakka City.
Our clinic stands out for three key reasons:
- Specialized Expertise – We focus exclusively on precise upper cervical adjustments without twisting, popping, or cracking.
- State-of-the-Art Technology – We use advanced imaging and scanning to ensure accuracy and lasting results.
- A Passionate Team – Our doctors are committed to helping complex cases, including POTS, vertigo, migraines, and neurological disorders.
Meet Our Expert Team
- Dr. Rusty Lavender – Founder and lead upper cervical chiropractor, with years of experience helping patients recover from chronic, difficult-to-treat conditions.
- Dr. Jacob Temple – Brings a compassionate and analytical approach to finding the root cause of each patient’s health challenges.
- Dr. Will Guzinski – Known for his meticulous technique and commitment to restoring optimal nervous system function.
Together, our team combines expertise, compassion, and precision to deliver life-changing results for POTS patients.
Our Technology – Precision You Can Trust
We believe that accurate diagnosis leads to better results. That’s why our clinic invests in advanced tools to pinpoint the exact cause of your nervous system dysfunction:
- 3D CBCT Imaging – Cone Beam Computed Tomography provides a 3D view of your upper cervical spine, revealing even the smallest misalignments.
- Paraspinal Infrared Thermography (Tytron) – Measures heat patterns along the spine to detect nervous system stress and track healing progress.
- Gentle, Non-Twisting Adjustments – We use a highly specific correction tailored to your exact misalignment, allowing for a long-lasting correction without forceful manipulation.
Upper Cervical Care for POTS – A Gentle, Lasting Solution
Our process for POTS patients is simple yet powerful:
- Comprehensive Evaluation – We review your medical history, POTS symptoms, and prior testing.
- Advanced Imaging – CBCT scans allow us to see exactly how your atlas and axis are positioned.
- Precise Corrections – We perform a gentle adjustment to restore alignment and reduce brainstem pressure.
- Ongoing Monitoring – We track your nervous system’s improvement over time with thermography and symptom changes.
Over time, many POTS patients experience:
- Improved tolerance for standing and walking
- More stable heart rate and blood pressure
- Less dizziness and fatigue
- Clearer thinking and reduced brain fog
- Better overall quality of life
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care – Restoring Health from the Top Down
When people search for a “chiropractor near me” in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch, they often don’t realize there’s a specialized form of chiropractic care that focuses entirely on the most important area of the spine — the upper cervical region. At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we specialize in Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care, a precise and gentle approach that can make a profound difference in conditions ranging from migraines and vertigo to postural issues and neurological disorders.
If you’ve been struggling with chronic symptoms and haven’t found answers, understanding the unique role of the upper cervical spine may be the key to getting your health — and your life — back.
What Is the Upper Cervical Spine?
The upper cervical spine consists of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae. These two bones sit at the very top of your neck, directly beneath your skull, and protect the brainstem — the command center for your entire nervous system.
The brainstem controls vital functions such as:
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Balance and coordination
- Breathing patterns
- Digestion
- Sensory processing
When the atlas or axis shifts out of alignment — even slightly — it can cause nerve interference, reduce blood flow to the brain, and disrupt the delicate communication between the brain and body. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, often far from the neck itself.
Why Upper Cervical Care Is Different from General Chiropractic
While traditional chiropractic often focuses on the entire spine with twisting or popping adjustments, Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care is different:
- Precision-Driven – We use advanced imaging and analysis to determine the exact degree and direction of misalignment.
- Gentle Technique – Corrections are made without twisting, cracking, or forceful movement.
- Long-Lasting Results – Because the adjustment is highly specific, the spine tends to hold alignment longer, allowing the body to heal.
At Lavender Family Chiropractic, our doctors focus exclusively on this upper cervical approach because it targets the root cause of nervous system dysfunction, rather than simply managing symptoms.
Conditions Linked to Upper Cervical Misalignment
Because the upper cervical spine influences the brainstem and nervous system, misalignments in this area can contribute to a surprising variety of health conditions, including:
- Migraines and chronic headaches
- Vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders
- TMJ and jaw pain
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Whiplash injuries
- Trigeminal and occipital neuralgia
- Low back pain and sciatica
- Neck pain and stiffness
Many patients come to us after trying multiple treatments without lasting relief, only to find that correcting their upper cervical alignment transforms their overall health.
Our Process at Lavender Family Chiropractic
When you visit our Sarasota office, you’ll notice our approach is thorough, detailed, and technology-driven. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Comprehensive Consultation
We take the time to learn your full health history, including any injuries, illnesses, or stressors that may have contributed to your condition.
2. Advanced Imaging
We use 3D CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) to capture incredibly detailed images of your upper cervical spine. This allows us to see exactly how your atlas and axis are positioned and how they may be affecting your nervous system.
3. Functional Nervous System Scans
Using Paraspinal Infrared Thermography (Tytron), we measure heat patterns along your spine to detect nerve irritation and track your progress over time.
4. Precise, Gentle Adjustments
We correct misalignments using a specific technique designed to restore alignment without twisting or popping. This method is safe for all ages, including children and seniors.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
We regularly recheck your scans and alignment to ensure your body is healing and your correction is holding. Our goal is long-term stability, not endless adjustments.
Why the Upper Neck Matters for Whole-Body Health
The position of your atlas can influence your entire body because of its role in:
- Blood Flow – Misalignment can impact vertebral artery flow to the brain, contributing to headaches, dizziness, and brain fog.
- Nerve Function – The brainstem is a communication highway; interference here can cause symptoms throughout the body.
- Spinal Alignment – The body often compensates for upper cervical misalignments by shifting posture elsewhere, leading to low back pain, hip imbalance, or knee issues.
By correcting the alignment at the top of the spine, the rest of the body can naturally return to better balance.
Who Can Benefit from Upper Cervical Care?
We see patients with a variety of health goals:
- Chronic Symptom Relief – For those dealing with headaches, vertigo, or neurological disorders.
- Post-Injury Recovery – Whiplash, concussions, and sports injuries often affect the upper neck.
- Wellness Care – Even without symptoms, maintaining upper cervical alignment supports optimal nervous system health.
Our patients range from young children to older adults, athletes to professionals, and those seeking natural solutions after exhausting other options.
Lavender Family Chiropractic – Sarasota’s Upper Cervical Experts
Our team includes:
- Dr. Rusty Lavender – Founder, passionate about helping complex cases that other providers have been unable to resolve.
- Dr. Jacob Temple – Known for his thorough analysis and compassionate patient care.
- Dr. Will Guzinski – Skilled in gentle correction techniques that promote long-term healing.
Together, we provide care that’s personalized, precise, and rooted in the latest chiropractic science.
Top 15 FAQs About POTS and Upper Cervical Care
1. What is POTS?
POTS is a condition where the autonomic nervous system fails to regulate blood flow properly, leading to a rapid heart rate when standing.
2. What causes POTS?
It can be triggered by infections, injuries, autoimmune issues, or nervous system dysfunction, often linked to upper cervical misalignment.
3. Can upper cervical care cure POTS?
We do not claim to cure POTS, but many patients experience significant symptom reduction by addressing the underlying nervous system interference.
4. How is upper cervical care different from regular chiropractic?
It focuses only on the top two neck bones, uses advanced imaging, and involves no twisting or cracking.
5. Is the adjustment safe?
Yes — our method is gentle, precise, and safe for all ages.
6. How soon will I notice results?
Some patients feel improvement after their first correction, while others see gradual changes over weeks to months.
7. Why is the brainstem so important for POTS?
It regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and autonomic functions — all disrupted in POTS.
8. Can a neck injury trigger POTS?
Yes — whiplash, concussions, or even minor injuries can misalign the upper cervical spine and contribute to symptoms.
9. What tests do you use?
We use 3D CBCT imaging and infrared thermography to assess misalignments and nerve function.
10. Will I need lifelong care?
Our goal is to stabilize your spine so you need less frequent visits over time.
11. Do you work with other healthcare providers?
Yes — we often collaborate with cardiologists, neurologists, and primary care doctors.
12. Can upper cervical care help brain fog?
Many POTS patients report clearer thinking after restoring normal nervous system function.
13. How long are appointments?
The first visit is 45–60 minutes; follow-ups are typically 15–20 minutes.
14. Do you accept insurance?
Our office is out of network with insurance. Many of our patients receive a superbill to submit to their insurance for reimbursement based on their coverage. We offer many different payment options as well as finance options.
15. How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (941) 243-3729 or visit www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com.
Why Choose Lavender Family Chiropractic for POTS in Sarasota
If you’re living with POTS, you know how frustrating and life-altering it can be. Our team at Lavender Family Chiropractic has the experience, technology, and precision to address the neurological root cause. We’ve helped patients from all over Florida reclaim their health and independence through gentle, targeted upper cervical care.
Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota Florida offers complimentary consultations to learn more about you. Click the link below!
https://intake.chirohd.com/new-patient-scheduling/724/lavender-family-chiropractic
Visit our Website!
To learn more about us go to http://www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com
We also service Bradenton, Parrish, Ellenton, Ruskin, Venice, Tampa, St. Pete, Osprey, Longboat, Lakewood Ranch, Myakka City.
If you are not local, visit www.uccnearme.com to find a doctor in your area.
Ready to take the first step toward relief?
📍 Lavender Family Chiropractic – 5899 Whitfield Ave Ste 107, Sarasota, FL 34243
📞 Call us today: (941) 243-3729
🌐 Visit: www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com
