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Explore our blog that focuses on holistic care for any and all ages - pediatric well-being, pre/post-natal health, and adult vitality.
THE BLOG
It’s the middle of the night, and you’re jolted awake by your child’s warm forehead and flushed cheeks. Your heart races as you scramble for the thermometer, confirming what you already knew – your child has a fever. Like most parents, your instinct might be to immediately reach for fever-reducing medication. But what if everything we’ve been taught about fevers is actually incomplete or even incorrect?
The Misunderstood Healing Response
Did you know that fever-reducing medications might actually prolong illness in some cases? What if that elevated temperature isn’t an enemy to be fought, but an intelligent healing response orchestrated by your child’s brain and nervous system. One that’s actively fighting infection, activating the immune system, and doing a very important job!
Fevers account for approximately one-third of all pediatric office visits in the United States. That’s millions of worried parents rushing their children to doctors each year, often unnecessarily. What’s even more concerning is that many parents administer fever-reducing medication for temperatures below 100.4°F, which isn’t even technically a fever!
What a Fever Really Is
A fever is not simply an elevated temperature—it’s a sophisticated response produced by your child’s brain and nervous system. Specifically, the hypothalamus which acts as the body’s thermostat.
When your child’s immune system detects pathogens like viruses or bacteria, it releases chemicals called pyrogens that signal the hypothalamus to raise the body’s temperature via prostaglandins. This creates a controlled, intentional increase in temperature that’s quite different from dangerous overheating that occurs in conditions like heat stroke.
From a neurological perspective, a fever is actually a sign that your child’s nervous system is regulating properly, actively coordinating a complex immune response to eliminate pathogens and restore health.
The Powerful Benefits of Fevers
Here’s what’s happening when your child has a fever:
- Slowing down pathogens: Many bacteria and viruses replicate optimally at normal body temperature. Even a modest increase in temperature can inhibit their reproduction and spread.
- Enhancing immune function: Higher temperatures actually accelerate white blood cell production and improve their mobility and effectiveness. Research indicates that fevers increase the number of circulating neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
- Activating the healing process: The fever is literally your child’s immune system kicking into high gear. Creating an internal environment where healing can happen more efficiently.
When Fever Patterns Indicate Deeper Issues
A child’s fever patterns—whether they spike high fevers easily, struggle to develop fevers when fighting infections, have prolonged low-grade fevers, or never develop a fever when they should—often indicate there might be dysfunction within their neuro-immune system.
If your child’s fever response is consistently excessive OR suppressive, it could be a sign of underlying nervous system dysfunction, sometimes triggered by early life factors like:
- Prenatal stress
- Birth trauma (especially from interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, or c-sections)
- Frequent early antibiotics
These can disrupt proper neurological development and affect how a child’s body mounts fever responses.
When Fevers DO Warrant Medical Attention
While fevers are generally beneficial, certain situations require professional care:
- Any fever in infants under 3 months
- Fever above 102.2°F in children 3-6 months old
- Persistent fever above 102.2°F for more than two days in children over 6 months
Watch for accompanying signs like lethargy, difficulty breathing, severe headache with neck stiffness, refusal to drink leading to dehydration, or a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed.
Remember that even when medical intervention is necessary, this doesn’t invalidate the premise that fevers themselves are beneficial. The goal is to approach them with understanding while recognizing situations that truly require attention.
Supporting Your Child’s Fever Without Suppressing It
Instead of immediately reaching for medication, consider these supportive approaches:
- Focus on hydration: Offer room temperature water, diluted electrolyte drinks without artificial colors, herbal teas for older children, or homemade popsicles.
- Create a healing environment: Ensure extra rest, a comfortable room temperature, lightweight clothing, and light blankets that can be easily removed.
- Consider tepid sponging: If your child is uncomfortable, try sponging with lukewarm water, but avoid cold baths, which can cause shivering and actually raise core temperature.
- Get your child checked for nervous system dysfunction (subluxation): Consider having your child’s nervous system checked by a neurologically-focused chiropractor to ensure proper communication between the brain and immune system.
From a neurological perspective, these supportive measures create an optimal environment for the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system to function properly, leading to more effective fever patterns and faster recovery.
Empowering Your Approach to Childhood Illness
At RCW, we understand fevers from a natural and neurological perspective that transforms how we approach this common childhood experience. Rather than fearing fevers, we can recognize them as evidence of a well-functioning neuroimmune system organizing an intelligent healing response.
If you are ready to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us today!
When we support rather than suppress this process, we honor the body’s innate wisdom and help our children develop resilient, self-regulating immune systems!
As a brand new parent, you want to give your newborn the absolute best start in life. You’re carefully selecting the safest car seat, researching the most nutritious feeding options, and creating the perfect sleep environment. But what many parents don’t realize is that even the most “normal” birth process puts tremendous physical stress on your baby’s delicate body. Particularly their brainstem, neck, and nervous system.
Birth Is More Physically Demanding Than We Realize
In the United States, nearly 1 in 3 deliveries now end in C-sections. Beyond that, many births involve other interventions like induction, forceps or vacuum delivery, and various forms of manual assistance. The numbers are quite staggering once you look closely at what’s happening in labor and delivery rooms across developed countries.
But it’s not just birth interventions that can cause concern. Even in natural, intervention-free births, the physical stress of labor and delivery places significant pressure on an infant’s spine and delicate nervous system. This pressure can lead to subtle birth trauma and neurological interference caused by misalignments, also known as subluxation, which may impact your child’s development, nervous system regulation, and overall health from the very beginning.
Understanding Those Challenging First Weeks
Those first few weeks with your newborn can be challenging if you are dealing with constant crying, difficulty nursing, sleep struggles, reflux, or colic. While conventional medicine often dismisses these as “normal baby problems” that they’ll eventually outgrow, these signs may actually be indicating underlying neurological dysfunction that can be addressed.
In a study from the American Osteopathic Association, subluxation or “somatic dysfunction” was found in 99% of healthy newborns. The severity and incidence of these biomechanical challenges within the spine and cranial system increase with longer labor times and the use of birth interventions.
This statistic may seem staggering, especially considering that conventional pediatricians typically have no training in identifying or addressing these issues. Even children born naturally without intervention can benefit massively from an early life chiropractic check-up that looks for subluxation and nervous system dysfunction.
Why Early Detection Matters
The reason it can be beneficial to find subluxation early is that it not only can cause immediate issues with latching, nursing, digestion, sleeping, and soothing—but they are NOT something your child will simply “grow out of.” Due to their location within the nervous system and brainstem regions, they commonly begin to affect various aspects of growth and development as time goes on—most notably interfering with gross motor development, fine motor skills, speech, and other developmental milestones.
The Science Behind Birth-Related Subluxation
Infants Cannot Protect Their Delicate Spine
What makes birth trauma particularly concerning is that newborns have no motor or muscular control developed yet, so they can’t protect themselves during the birth process. This significantly increases the likelihood and severity of neck and brainstem injuries from birth intervention.
Understanding Subluxation in Newborns
Subluxation in your baby’s neurospinal system has three key components:
- Misalignment within the neurospinal system, which can lead to issues like difficulty latching, torticollis (neck tightness), and plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head).
- Fixation and restricted motion. Movement is essential for a developing infant as it provides the brain with proprioception—when subluxation creates fixation, it reduces this vital input to the brain.
- Neurological interference and imbalance, which disrupts proper communication between the brain and body.
The Critical Role of the Brainstem and Upper Neck
All motor tone and development for the entire body is controlled and coordinated by the cerebellum, brainstem, and upper cervical region of the spinal cord. It functions like an “air traffic control” center. When the nerves and muscles of the upper neck and spine are compromised in the first moments of life, all motor development downstream is negatively affected.
And remember—motor development equals brain development in infants.
The Vagus Nerve Connection
The upper neck and brainstem region, the area most affected by birth trauma, houses the vagus nerve—the primary controller of your baby’s parasympathetic “rest, digest, and regulate” nervous system.
When birth trauma creates subluxation in this area, it can significantly disrupt vagus nerve function, leading to dysautonomia (imbalance in the autonomic nervous system). This disruption can affect virtually every major system in your baby’s body: digestive function (colic, reflux, constipation), sleep regulation, immune response, emotional regulation, and developmental milestones.
Common “Normal Baby Problems” That Signal Neurological Dysfunction
What if those common challenges aren’t just phases to endure but actual signs of a nervous system under stress?
- Colic and excessive crying aren’t just “phases” but often manifestations of a stressed nervous system struggling to regulate itself.
- Breastfeeding difficulties frequently stem from upper cervical subluxation affecting the cranial nerves that control sucking, swallowing, and other precise movements.
- Reflux and digestive issues often occur when vagus nerve dysfunction disrupts normal digestive motility.
- Sleep disturbances happen when a subluxated nervous system stuck in sympathetic dominance makes it difficult for babies to relax into deep, restorative sleep.
- Early developmental delays can occur when subluxation restricts normal movement patterns that stimulate proper neurological development.
The Gentle Approach of Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Unlike the adjustments you might picture for adults, newborn adjustments are incredibly gentle—using no more pressure than you would to test the ripeness of a tomato or press on your closed eyelid.
These precise, gentle techniques are specifically designed to release tension patterns and restore proper nervous system communication, allowing your baby’s body to function optimally.
We use advanced technology like INSiGHT Scans to identify precise areas of nervous system stress, allowing for highly specific and individualized care plans tailored to your baby’s unique needs.
Setting the Foundation for Lifelong Health
The first year of your baby’s life represents an extraordinary period of development. During this time, their brain will more than double in size and form more than a million new neural connections every second. These early patterns establish the foundation that will influence their health and development for years to come.
By ensuring that your baby’s nervous system is functioning optimally from the very beginning, you’re not just addressing immediate challenges like colic, reflux, or sleep issues—you’re setting them up for a lifetime of improved health, stronger immunity, better regulation, and optimal development.
Taking Proactive Action
Don’t wait until those “normal baby problems” become chronic issues. You can take a proactive approach to your child’s health by scheduling consultation at RCW with one of our neurologically-focused pediatric chiropractors as soon as possible after birth.
A comprehensive assessment will include a detailed health history, gentle physical examination, and advanced neurological scans to identify areas of nervous system stress.
We know that taking care of your newborn baby can be the most exciting AND nerve-racking time of your life! By considering neurologically-focused chiropractic care, you’re taking an important step toward giving your baby the best possible start—one where their nervous system can function optimally from day one, allowing them to grow, develop, and thrive as nature intended.
Motherhood is an excessive amount of responsibilities, from caring for our children to managing household chores, work commitments, and more. It often feels like there needs to be more hours in the day to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. With carpool lines, meal prepping, loads of laundry, and trying to keep all of the kids accounted for, it’s easy for moms to neglect their own well-being leading to exhaustion and burnout. Although motherhood is literally the best job in the world, it can also sometimes feel like the hardest, too. This season is full of joy, and it is very rewarding but can get lonely at times. This is why we created this little “survival guide” to help ease those tough days. To remind you to give yourself grace. That you are the best mother for your child. AND to give you some practical tips to help your overall health and wellbeing.
Understanding the Science
As mothers, our bodies undergo significant changes, both physically and mentally. Due to frequent hormonal changes, sympathetic overdrive, and exhaustion, we need to do all we can to support our bodies through motherhood. One key contributor to exhaustion is adrenal fatigue, a condition where the adrenal glands become overworked due to chronic stress. This constant state of heightened stress can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm as our nervous system gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode.
Moreover, the lack of quality sleep exacerbates the problem, leaving us reliant on caffeine to get through the day. Unfortunately, coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeine only act as band-aids. Forcing us as moms to never get out of this cycle and help the root cause, which is helping our nervous system become more adaptable to all of this stress!
Tips for Survival
So, how can we navigate motherhood with resilience and adaptability? It starts with prioritizing self-care and making small but impactful changes to our daily routines. Here are some tips to help you thrive:
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night by establishing a bedtime routine and creating a relaxing sleep environment.
- Fuel your body with nutritious foods: Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body and provide sustained energy throughout the day. Start the day with protein first, even before coffee!
- Delegate tasks and ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for support from your partner, family members, or friends. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to lighten your load and give yourself time to recharge.
- Make time for self-care: Schedule regular self-care activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s taking a long bath, going for a walk in nature, or indulging in your favorite hobby. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation, even if it is just 10 minutes to reset!
Regulate Your Nervous System
This should be the first step! The above suggestions are very important, but most of them won’t make a major impact unless our nervous systems are rested and regulated FIRST. So what does this mean? First, let’s go over the two parts of our nervous system. The Parasympathetic Nervous System (the brake pedal) and the Sympathetic Nervous System (the gas pedal). Each part is equally important! The goal is to have fluidity between the two. If you need to be in go mode, chasing after your child, you want the gas pedal on! But once they start to calm down, your nervous system should be able to recognize this and enter a rested and relaxed state as well. Most of us as moms are stuck in sympathetic dominance. This means that even when our children are safe, our body is stuck in stress mode. When we are chronically stuck in this state, exhaustion really settles in, and motherhood challenges become physical fast.
Taking the First Step
If you’re struggling to find balance in motherhood, consider exploring neurologically-focused chiropractic care. By being on a care plan that is customized to your “mom exhaustion,” your nervous system will be able to find the balance between the gas vs brake. It will strive for resiliency and adaptability to all that comes with being an amazing mom!
So, how do you start?! Our cutting-edge technology, called the CLA INSiGHT Scan, assesses your nervous system’s function. It shows us exactly what is going on within your brain and body and can pinpoint that mom exhaustion! Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you by scheduling a nervous system scan today.
Success Story: Alyssa’s Journey
Let us tell you about our awesome friend, Alyssa, and we’ll look at one of her Neurological INSiGHT Scans.
About three months after giving birth, Alyssa threw out her back. She thought it would just resolve over time, but instead, the pain she was experiencing was not decreasing and, in fact, was increasing rapidly. Alyssa was at the point where she was barely able to move off the couch, let alone care for her newborn baby.
When she saw her scans, Alyssa was really shocked and immediately a little disappointed. She was expecting everything to be lit up like a red Christmas tree! But there wasn’t a lot lit up at all. She immediately felt hopeless and like she was “unhelpable.” BUT then we explained to her that her body was so exhausted from the pain and the neurological state of the “gas pedal” that it was in shutdown mode! The scan wasn’t lit up because it was exhausted!!
Surprisingly, pain relief wasn’t the first sign that Alyssa’s care plan was working. Instead, she noticed that she was finally able to sleep! She had always struggled with sleep and had never been able to fall asleep or stay asleep. She also noticed that her anxiety was no longer affecting her everyday life. AND finally her back pain began to diminish!
Here is Alyssa’s first EMG scan! The yellow in Alyssa’s neurological scans indicated exhaustion in her body after being stuck on sympathetic ‘stress mode’ for too long.
Alyssa’s life has looked different in many ways since starting. She is completely off all anxiety meds, has less and less pain every day, and has been able to achieve her initial goal – PLAY ON THE FLOOR WITH HER BABY. Alyssa said that she loves having a provider team that believes in her and feels more empowered to advocate for herself and her family.
Ready to see what your Neurological INSiGHT Scans look like?!
Motherhood is the most extraordinary club to be a part of, but it is also just straight-up HARD sometimes. We hope that we can help you find the hope, answers, and drug-free help that you have been searching for. For not only your sweet kiddos and family but FOR YOU too!
Keep reading to learn the key differences between standard chiropractic care, integrated or functional therapies, and truly specialized neurologically-focused Pediatric chiropractic care.
The Truth About Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Not all chiropractors are equipped to help children—especially those with complex neurological challenges like sensory processing issues, ADHD, or chronic health concerns.
Let us share a story about a young patient named Henry. He came to our practice after trying traditional chiropractic care without success. Henry struggled with intense sensory processing challenges—running full speed into walls for sensory input, having extreme reactions to clothing textures, and struggling with impulse control.
His previous chiropractor provided care, but without a neurological focus and proper frequency, Henry’s underlying issues weren’t being addressed. After just one month of specialized, neurologically-focused care, his mother noticed profound changes they hadn’t seen before. His sensory-seeking behaviors became less intense and more manageable, and his overall regulation improved dramatically.
So what makes the difference? There are core components that determine whether your child is getting the right care. They may seem simple, but they make all the difference.
The 5 Critical Elements That Make Pediatric Chiropractic Care Effective
1. Advanced Education and Training
Most chiropractors have advanced training in spinal care, back pain, neck pain, etc. But taking care of kids requires specialized pediatric training that goes far beyond basic chiropractic education.
Today’s children face what we call “The Perfect Storm“—unfortunately high levels of stress and toxicity building up early in their lives, contributing to the fact that over 50% of kids today are chronically ill or struggling with complex health conditions.
Advanced pediatric training includes a deep understanding of:
- Developmental milestones
- Nervous system function
- Brain development
- The gut-brain connection
- Neuroinflammation
- And much more
When your child’s care provider has this specialized training, they’re better equipped to address the root causes of your child’s challenges rather than just treating symptoms.
2. Experience with Pediatric Cases
While many chiropractic practices may have “Family” in their name and see a few kids here and there, you’re really looking for someone who is FULLY focused on Pediatric and Family Care and has extensive experience with complex cases.
An experienced pediatric chiropractor should have a track record of successfully working with children who have:
- Sensory processing challenges
- ADHD
- Autism
- Chronic conditions like ear infections or constipation
- And even more complex conditions like seizures or special needs
You’re also looking for an office that is fully focused on kids in terms of the environment, layout, and approach—a place where your child feels comfortable and welcomed.
3. Advanced Technology and Neurological Testing
In 2025, it’s essential that your child’s chiropractor uses advanced technology like INSiGHT Scans to properly assess nervous system function.
These non-invasive scans take just 15-20 minutes yet provide more information on the real root cause of your child’s condition than many other forms of testing. They allow practitioners to find nervous system dysfunction, dysregulation, and subluxation with precision.
Most importantly, these scans should be performed throughout care to track progress and ensure that real neurological change, healing, and restoration is happening.
4. Multiple Adjusting Techniques
Each child’s case is unique and requires a personalized approach. Using one singular technique often limits results in complex cases.
Different adjusting techniques address various aspects of nervous system dysfunction. A one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t address complex pediatric needs.
The right pediatric chiropractor should be well-versed in multiple techniques and able to adapt their approach to your child’s specific needs and comfort level.
5. Appropriate Care Planning
Today’s children often need more intensive care plans than previous generations due to the increased neurological challenges they face.
A proper pediatric care plan should include:
- Frequency and duration based on neurological assessment, not just a standard “one-size-fits-all” approach
- Adaptability as your child progresses
- Regular reassessment to ensure optimal results
- Clear communication with parents about expectations and progress
Finding the Right Care for Your Child
If you’re feeling frustrated with your child’s current chiropractic care, or if you’re just starting to explore options for your child’s health, now is the time to make a change.
The right care can make all the difference—just ask Henry’s mom, who saw transformation in her son after finding the right provider.
Your child deserves care that’s specifically designed for their unique needs. With the right chiropractic care, you can give them the support they need to reach their full potential.
Remember, it’s not that chiropractic doesn’t work for children—it’s that not all chiropractors are equally prepared to work with children, especially those with complex neurological challenges.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re ready to explore this type of neurologically-focused pediatric chiropractic care for your child, reach out to RCW today! We specialize in this specialized form of neurologically-focused care and are here to make both you and your child feel comfortable, heard, and hopeful. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Docs office near you.
Your child’s health journey deserves the best possible support. With the right care, we can help your child thrive—neurologically, physically, and emotionally.
As an expecting parent, you’re likely surrounded by advice about baby registries, prenatal yoga classes, folate supplements, and which stroller to buy. While all these preparations are important and exciting, there’s something even more fundamental that deserves your attention first: your nervous system. In America, we’re often encouraged to focus on the material aspects of pregnancy preparation, but the health of your nervous system should be your #1 priority.
Why? Because your nervous system controls every cell, tissue, and organ in your body, it directly impacts your baby’s development, too.
Your Baby Feels Everything You Feel
Did you know that your baby’s nervous system begins developing just 3-4 weeks after conception? That’s often before many women even realize they’re pregnant! This early nervous system development sets the foundation for everything else—from organ development to immune system function.
But here’s what’s truly fascinating: the umbilical cord isn’t just delivering nutrients and oxygen to your baby. It’s essentially the power cord connecting your nervous systems. This means:
- When you experience stress, your body releases hormones that cross directly to your baby through the umbilical cord and placenta
- Your baby experiences everything you experience, from moments of calm to periods of stress
- Your emotional state directly influences your baby’s developing nervous system
Modern Life and Pregnancy Stress
Today’s pregnant mothers face more sustained, chronic stress than ever before. Between work demands, family responsibilities, financial pressures, and even the constant monitoring and testing of traditional prenatal care, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.
This sustained stress can shift both you and your baby into what we call “sympathetic dominance”—essentially a state of constant fight-or-flight. When your body stays in this stressed state, it can affect:
- Your sleep quality
- Your mood and emotional wellbeing
- Your physical comfort during pregnancy
- Your baby’s development
- Your birth experience
Gabriella’s Story: From Overwhelmed to Empowered
Let us share a story that might resonate with you. Gabriella came to our office around 30 weeks pregnant, initially because she had experienced some falls. Her scans showed what we often see—her nervous system was stuck in “fight or flight” mode, leaving her exhausted and overwhelmed.
“I instantly regretted not starting sooner,” Gabriella told us about beginning care. After getting her nervous system checked and starting a personalized care plan, she experienced dramatic improvements. Not only did her physical pain decrease, but her mood swings, anxiety, and energy levels changed significantly.
In her own words: “My anxiety, depression, brain fog, and back pain have improved so much… I wake up energized and ready to start my hectic days, when before I dragged my feet. Overall it has been such a blessing.”
Measuring and Understanding Your Nervous System
The good news is that we now have technology that can measure nervous system function. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) scans show us exactly how your nervous system is handling stress and where you might be stuck in fight-or-flight mode.
These non-invasive scans allow us to create personalized care plans specific to your needs and your baby’s development stage. Think of it as a window into how your body is handling the stress of pregnancy—and a roadmap for bringing things back into balance.
How Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care Helps
Specific adjustments can help activate your vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s “rest and digest” mode. This helps shift your body out of stress mode and into a state of healing and optimal development.
Regular care helps maintain this balance throughout your pregnancy journey, providing benefits such as:
- Reduced physical discomfort
- Better sleep quality
- Decreased anxiety and mood swings
- More energy for daily activities
- Optimal conditions for your baby’s development
- Better preparation for labor and delivery
Your Pregnancy Doesn’t Have to Be Nine Months of Stress
Just like Gabriella discovered, pregnancy doesn’t have to be nine months of stress and anxiety. You have the power to transform your pregnancy experience and optimize your baby’s development through understanding and caring for your nervous system.
The first step is getting your nervous system checked with advanced HRV technology. This simple, non-invasive scan can tell us exactly what’s happening with your nervous system and help create a personalized care plan for you and your baby.
Don’t wait until you’re exhausted and overwhelmed like so many parents do. Imagine waking up with energy, feeling connected to your baby, and actually enjoying your pregnancy instead of just surviving it.
Remember what Gabriella said: “Never would have thought chiropractic care would make such a huge impact on me and my family’s lives.” Your transformation story can start today.
Taking the First Step
If you’re pregnant or planning to be in the future, don’t wait to reach out to RCW to schedule a consultation and Neurological INSiGHT Scan.
Your baby experiences everything you experience. By focusing on your nervous system health, you’re giving your baby the best possible start in life—beginning before they even take their first breath.
“It’s just allergies.” How many times have you heard these words that seem to minimize what your child goes through every day? If you’re a parent watching your child battle constant coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes – along with the crushing fatigue and irritability that comes with both the allergies and their medications – you know it’s never “just” anything.
The Reality of Seasonal Allergies in Children
Nearly one in five children suffer from seasonal allergies. Though if you look around during peak allergy seasons, that number seems conservative. These aren’t just minor inconveniences – they’re life-altering conditions that can keep kids from fully enjoying their childhood. No child should have to live in fear of pollen counts, nature hikes, or playing at a friend’s house because of their allergies.
Let’s share a story about Stella, a young patient whose journey might sound familiar. She came to our office struggling not just with seasonal allergies, but also with sensory issues and focus problems. Her parents had tried numerous therapies, but something was still missing. After addressing the underlying neurological component of her allergies, everything changed. As her mother shared, “No more green boogers during allergy season is a huge plus”! But what’s even more remarkable is how neurologically-focused chiropractic care improved multiple aspects of Stella’s health. From better focus to improved body awareness and even trying new foods.
Moving Beyond Traditional Approaches
If you’ve been told that allergies are purely genetic and there’s nothing you can do about them, or if you’ve been focusing solely on special diets and gut healing, there’s something crucial you need to know: while these approaches have merit, there is a good chance they are missing a fundamental piece of the puzzle.
The Hidden Connection: Your Child’s Nervous System
What many healthcare providers – both conventional and natural – often miss is the crucial connection between your child’s nervous system and their allergic responses. When the nervous system is dysregulated and stuck in “sympathetic overdrive,” it keeps the immune system hypersensitive and in a constant pro-inflammatory state. This explains why some children develop severe allergic responses while others remain completely unbothered by the same environmental triggers.
Understanding the Root Cause
The conventional medical approach often views seasonal allergies as simply an overreaction to pollen and other allergens. However, the truth goes much deeper – it’s about how your child’s nervous system regulates their immune response. This understanding opens up new possibilities for healing.
The Impact of Early Medical Interventions
One factor that’s often overlooked is how early medical interventions can contribute to allergy development. The overuse of antibiotics in infants, especially within the first two years of life, has been linked to increased risk of allergies and autoimmune conditions. Here’s why:
- Disruption of the Gut Microbiome: About 70-80% of your child’s immune cells reside in the gut. Antibiotics don’t discriminate between helpful and harmful bacteria, potentially disrupting this delicate ecosystem.
- Impact on Immune Development: Early antibiotic exposure can alter the balance between different types of immune responses (Th1/Th2), potentially predisposing children to allergic reactions.
Research supports these concerns:
- A 2020 study in JAMA Pediatrics found that children exposed to antibiotics in their first year had an increased risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema
- The Lancet Respiratory Medicine reported that early-life antibiotic exposure significantly increases the risk of childhood asthma
The Inside-Out Approach to Healing
The key to understanding your child’s allergies lies in recognizing that the real issue isn’t the external environment – it’s how their body responds to it. When the nervous system is dysregulated, it can lead to:
- Increased tension affecting drainage of the ears, nose, throat, and lymph nodes
- A hypersensitive immune response
- Constant pro-inflammatory states
Taking Action: A Natural, Drug-Free Approach
The good news is that you have options beyond just managing symptoms. By addressing the underlying nervous system dysregulation with neurologically-focused chiropractic care, many families are finding lasting relief for their children.
Steps You Can Take:
- Address Nervous System Function: Consider having your child evaluated for nervous system dysregulation, which could be the major missing piece in their healing journey.
- Support Gut Health: While not the complete answer, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through proper nutrition and probiotic support is important.
- Reduce Inflammatory Triggers: Work with a healthcare provider who understands the connection between nervous system function and immune response.
- Look Beyond Symptom Management: Instead of simply treating symptoms, focus on addressing the root cause of your child’s allergies.
At RCW we use advanced scanning technology called INSiGHT Scans that help us access your child’s nervous system, and locate any subluxation and dysregulation. From there we put together a personalized care plan and use gentle adjustments that will help regulate their nervous system function.
A New Path Forward
Don’t let another allergy season keep your child from experiencing life to the fullest!
Understanding the role of nervous system regulation in allergic responses opens up new possibilities for natural, lasting relief. Whether spring is just around the corner or you’re already in the midst of allergy season, know that there’s hope beyond just managing symptoms. Your child deserves to experience life without the burden of seasonal allergies, and with the right approach, that is absolutely possible.
