Can Cervical Instability Cause Heart Palpitations and POTS?

Yes, cervical instability can cause heart palpitations, racing heart, and POTS-like symptoms by irritating the Vagus Nerve. When the upper cervical vertebrae (C1-C2) shift out of place, they can put mechanical pressure on the Vagus nerve, which is responsible for regulating your heart rate and "rest-and-digest" system.

How does neck alignment affect the Vagus Nerve?
The Vagus nerve exits the skull very close to the C1 (Atlas) vertebra. If the ligaments holding the Atlas are loose, the bone can "tweak" the nerve, sending the body into a chronic state of "fight or flight." At Cedar Health Center in Flagstaff, we see many patients whose "anxiety" or "racing heart" actually improves once their neck stability is addressed through targeted chiropractic care.