Let’s Talk About Chronic/ Autoimmune
I just learned something really eye-opening about my body.
During a recent evaluation, I found out my neck has been carrying significant strain (over 20 lbs of pressure), and my posture is much more imbalanced than I realized.
My body tends to lean to the right, my hips and pelvis appear rotated/tilted, and my spine is compensating in ways that are pulling my ribs out of alignment. I also notice my weight distribution feels uneven when I stand, which may be affecting my ankles and making it hard to fully support my body evenly.
I’ve been experiencing a lot of symptoms that seem to connect together, including:
* neck and back tension
* migraines and head pressure
* dizziness
* nerve-like sharp or electric sensations in my head/neck
* muscle tightness and fatigue
* digestive and skin changes
The list continues to all several factors but we get the point in how easily it is to mix and bit separate the the Several concerns.
I also notice swelling/tension in my muscles and changes in skin sensitivity that connect with circulation, lymphatic involvement.
What’s been surprising is realizing how interconnected everything feels—posture, pain, balance, and daily symptoms all seem to influence each other.
I’m still in the process of getting proper medical evaluations and support, but this experience has made me more aware of how much alignment and structural balance may play a role in overall well-being. Given the whole POTS, VVS, EDS diagnosis process referrals tacked on referrals in just not getting a PCP that really knows with personal experience and has history working with people that have chronic/ autoimmune conditions. I value she gives me the time I need to ask questions. To bring everything I’ve researched studied and noticed in my body from other referral tests in every area in medical. She checks points she ensures I’m good on my insurances and financial concerns. She implements I have someone other than myself advocating on my health. I feel like I’m starting to move forward but I also felt like I lost so much of myself in the process and fell back I felt stagnant not having doctors that understand pots can affect the heart but isn’t always caused by the heart. That cardiologist are limited getting tilt table test is 50/50 you can be positive test negative and it takes the correct tests to even get a referral to a rheumatologist alone in my state there is only one place that does it and right now it’s at a all time low in the rheumatology department. I’ve had a physical therapist in 2024 let’s just say I didn’t get properly checked to get that referral and in that therapy I didn’t hav ones that explored the other outlets for pain and just treated it as stretching and exercise was a fix it when nerves have been lose pressed and there were other connections then one. Not to say it can’t be helpful but it’s not the only option to getting the body right. It’s really important to be evaluated in so many different areas. A doctor that’s going to listen ask questions advocate for you check points that hurt not just refer you they don’t know and assume referrals to anywhere is going to work without the proper evaluation. I’m just now getting rheumatologist, neurologist again in the correct place, A radiologist and I’m going back for sports and medicine doctor of a different clinic. I took advantage of an opportunity that took place with getting my posture, checked my spine evaluated and a massage from a chiropractor. Honestly, I’ve never felt more heard than when I seen the chiropractor and discussed all these other issues I’ve been expressing. It all just connected with all the HEDS that has been mentioned from other providers that just couldn’t diagnose me it wasn’t in their degree or their department. I was really at my end wit not being able to keep a doctor that would listen and try. Now I have that and I’m expiring getting better means to support. So I a can better care for my body that feels often limited. Honestly I hope this helps anyone who has also been challenged with these things and I hope this experience gives you the best support you need for yourself even if you are taking a brake rn because you know you need it!
I will include pictures below that show the parts of the spine symptoms and what that can look like.
Living with chronic autoimmune and related conditions often feels like navigating a complex puzzle where symptoms overlap and affect numerous body systems. From my experience, one of the most overlooked aspects is how structural imbalances, such as poor posture or spinal misalignment, can exacerbate or even mimic symptoms like dizziness, nerve pain, and muscle fatigue. After discovering my neck was holding over 20 pounds of strain and realizing my pelvis and hips were tilted, I began to understand how uneven weight distribution can impact not just physical comfort but neurological symptoms as well. This imbalance can contribute to a cascade of issues like migraines, nerve sensations, and even digestive or skin changes—a reminder that our body functions as an interconnected unit rather than isolated parts. A crucial part of managing these conditions is having a healthcare team that listens and advocates alongside you. My journey has been riddled with referrals and tests across rheumatology, neurology, cardiology, and physical therapy, but the lack of consistent support made me feel lost. Finding specialists who understand disorders like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), VVS (Vasovagal Syncope), and EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) is challenging, especially when tests like tilt table exams can yield inconclusive results. What truly shifted my perspective was working with a chiropractor who took the time to assess my posture, spine alignment, and muscular tension comprehensively. This experience validated many symptoms I had struggled to explain and highlighted the importance of multifaceted evaluation beyond just stretching or physical rehabilitation. For those similarly navigating chronic autoimmune or postural-related symptoms, I encourage exploring holistic evaluations that cover musculoskeletal, neurological, and circulatory systems. Self-advocacy matters—document your experiences, ask detailed questions, and seek providers willing to explore beyond standard protocols. It’s also vital to recognize when taking breaks and focusing on self-care is necessary for healing. Understanding how interconnected posture, pain, and systemic symptoms truly are has empowered me to pursue treatments better tailored to my body’s unique needs. While the path can be frustrating, finding the right support and comprehensive evaluations can open doors to improved wellbeing over time.
