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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
As a parent, there’s nothing more heartbreaking than watching your child suffer from chronic health issues. You’ve tried every diet change, supplement, and therapy out there, but nothing seems to provide a lasting solution. Your child struggles with inflammation, gut problems, sensory overload, and mood swings, and you feel like you’re putting all the pieces together on your own. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and emotionally draining.
But what if we told you that there’s a crucial aspect of your child’s health that may have been overlooked? What if we said that addressing this one factor could be the missing link in your child’s healing journey? Enter nervous system regulation and vagus nerve function.
The Nervous System: Master Controller of the Body
The nervous system is the master controller of the body, coordinating every major system and keeping everything working in harmony. When the nervous system becomes dysregulated and out of balance, it can wreak havoc on your child’s health. Like shutting down and altering gut function, gross motor coordination, immune system function, and inflammation. If your child struggles with sleep, digestion, sensory processing, and behavior issues, it’s time to take a closer look at their nervous system.
Nervous system dysregulation refers to a malfunction or imbalance within the nervous system. It affects its normal functioning and capacity to regulate responses to stimuli, control and coordinate various organ systems, and keep the body working well altogether.
Common signs of nervous system dysregulation in kids include sleep disturbances, gut and stomach problems, frequent respiratory and immune challenges, gross and fine motor problems, sensory overload, and behavior problems such as tantrums and meltdowns.
While some physicians may focus on gluten and dairy sensitivities or toxins, nervous system dysregulation and vagus nerve dysfunction are often overlooked root causes that can’t be ignored. When every other form of traditional and integrative testing has failed to find the root cause of your child’s challenges, it’s almost guaranteed that nervous system dysregulation and subluxation are at play.
Identifying Nervous System Dysregulation and Vagus Nerve Dysfunction
So, how can you find out if your child has nervous system dysregulation and vagus nerve dysfunction? The first place to look is within the “basics” of neurophysiological function. Sleeping, eating, digestion, staying healthy, regulating emotions, and sensory processing abilities. If your child struggles in any of these areas, it’s a red flag that their nervous system may be out of balance.
The next step is to visit us at RCW and have the Neurological INSiGHT Scans run. These scans provide a detailed look “inside” the nervous system, determining how well (or not well) it is functioning and regulated. With this information, we can then create a personalized plan to help your child’s nervous system heal and function optimally.
The Power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is a powerful tool in helping your child’s nervous system regulate and function at its best. By addressing subluxations and restoring proper communication between the brain and the body, chiropractic care can help your child’s body heal from the inside out. It may sound “too good to be true” that one thing can have so many various benefits, but that’s simply how the nervous system works. When it’s functioning optimally, the whole body can thrive.
As a parent, you are your child’s greatest advocate. By educating yourself on the importance of nervous system regulation and vagus nerve function, you’re taking a crucial step in helping your child heal. Don’t give up hope, and know that you’re not alone in this journey. With the right support and guidance, your child can experience the healing they deserve.
It’s time to stop chasing symptoms and trying a new medication or supplement for each and every issue. Instead, let’s address “everything at once” by getting your child’s nervous system regulation and function back in order. By focusing on the root cause of your child’s health challenges, you can help them truly heal from the inside out and get back on track.
Please reach out to us to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. Your love and dedication to your child’s well-being will make all the difference. Keep learning, keep advocating, and keep believing in your child’s ability to heal!
As parents, we always want the best for our children’s health. If your child struggles with chronic illnesses, you may have turned to traditional medical approaches or even explored biomedical interventions. However, there may be a hidden cause of inflammation that is often overlooked: vagus nerve dysfunction and nervous system dysregulation.
It’s a common saying that “inflammation is the root of all disease”. While it does play a significant role in many chronic illnesses, including those affecting the gut, immune system, brain, and nervous system, it’s not the whole story. Conditions like autism, ADHD, anxiety, and epilepsy have been linked to chronic inflammation, but addressing inflammation alone may not be enough to resolve these issues.
According to recent research, approximately 27% of children in the United States have a chronic condition, and 1 in 15 have multiple chronic conditions. These numbers are on the rise. Indicating that traditional approaches may not be effectively addressing the root causes of these challenges. This is where the role of the nervous system and vagus nerve comes into play.
The Missing Piece: Stress and Nervous System Dysfunction
While traditional and biomedical approaches often focus on diet changes, detoxes, and supplements to combat inflammation, they are missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. Chronic stress is a significant contributor to inflammation, even in children. It can lead to dysfunction in the vagus nerve and autonomic nervous system.
The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body, plays a vital role in regulating the parasympathetic “rest and digest” response. When this nerve becomes compromised due to subluxations or interference along its pathway, it can lead to gut and immune system dysfunction, allowing inflammation to run rampant.
The Vagus Nerve-Immune System Connection
Recent scientific findings have revealed a significant connection between the vagus nerve and the immune system. Specifically in the control and regulation of inflammation. When the vagus nerve is functioning properly, it helps to keep inflammation in check. However, when the nerve becomes dysfunctional, the body’s ability to manage inflammation is compromised. Leading to a wide range of chronic health issues.
So, how can you determine if your child’s vagus nerve is stressed and dysfunctional? Neurological INSiGHT Scans, particularly NeuroThermal testing, can detect areas of subluxation, nervous system interference, inflammation, and temperature changes in the spine. Indicating vagus nerve dysfunction and nervous system dysregulation.
Another valuable tool is Heart Rate Variability (HRV) testing, which measures the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. This test can reveal dysautonomia and the body’s ability to manage stress and inflammation.
The Path to Healing
If your child is struggling with inflammation-related symptoms, such as immune or autoimmune disorders, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, seizures, or other neuroimmune-related health challenges, it’s time to look beyond just managing symptoms and addressing inflammation through diet changes and supplements.
Balancing the autonomic nervous system and optimizing vagus nerve function is essential for resolving persistent inflammation that does not respond to either traditional or biomedical interventions. By identifying and addressing the root cause of your child’s chronic inflammation and health struggles, you can set them on the path to true healing and wellness.
Once vagus nerve dysfunction has been identified, there are various safe, simple, and gentle adjustments to stimulate and activate this essential part of the nervous system. These methods can help to restore balance and reduce inflammation.
As parents, we want you to be informed about the various factors that contribute to your children’s health challenges. If you suspect that your child may be struggling with vagus nerve dysfunction, consider scheduling a consultation at Rochester Chiropractic and Wellness to identify the underlying issues and start your child’s journey to optimal health. Remember, addressing the root cause of your child’s health challenges is the key to a healthier and more vibrant life for your child!
As a parent, it’s natural to feel concerned and confused when your child experiences gross motor delays. You may have tried everything. From countless physical therapy and occupational therapy sessions to diligently following through with home exercises. Only to see little to no progress. If your child struggles to sit up, crawl, or walk despite months of traditional therapy. Or fatigues easily, slouches constantly, and avoids physical activities altogether, you’re not alone. Many parents find themselves in the same situation, wondering why their child’s gross motor development seems to have plateaued.
But what if we told you that the root cause of your child’s challenges might be something that’s often overlooked? The real issue behind gross motor delays in kids goes way beyond low muscle tone and a weak core.
The Importance of Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are crucial for a child’s overall development and daily activities. These skills involve movements that require the entire body. They primarily utilize the large muscle groups like the arms, legs, and core. However, there’s a set of nerves and muscles that are often left out of the conversation when discussing gross motor skills and development: those of the neck and neurospinal system.
Gross motor development follows a predictable sequence, starting with head and neck control for latching and nursing. As your child grows, they begin to develop trunk control through tummy time and learning to roll over. Next, they start activating their core muscles to sit up independently. From there, your child progresses to army crawling and regular crawling, which are essential for brain development. Finally, they learn to furniture cruise and take their first steps.
The Missing Piece: The Role of the Neurospinal System
While traditional therapies focus on strengthening muscles and improving coordination, they often overlook the critical role of the nervous system. Particularly the neurospinal system in gross motor function. If we want to get to the root cause of any neuromuscular or gross motor challenge, we must first address the “neuro” part. This is where meurologicaly-focused chiropractic care comes in. It can access and improve central nervous system function in a way that PT and OT cannot.
Subluxation and sympathetic dominance, or increased tone, often set up shop in the neck and neurospinal system. These issues are most commonly caused by breech positioning or birth interventions like forceps, vacuum, induction, or c-section. The resulting hyper or high tone will remain stuck in those regions until adjusted and cleared out of the way. In other words, the original cause of “low tone” or a “weak core” is actually tension and subluxation in the neck and neurospinal system.
A Real-Life Example: Joseph’s Story
Let’s talk about Joseph, a 12-year-old boy who sought help with his daily challenges associated with autism, ataxia, and chronic constipation. What caught his doctor’s attention immediately were his significant gross motor delays and struggles.
Joseph’s mom shared, “He will always find a way to slouch, no matter what we do.” Joseph struggled to sit up straight, stand tall, and move around without exhaustion. His body was simultaneously “wound up and worn out”. Leading him to seek additional movement stimulation through constant stimming and other behaviors. As a result, they had stopped all PT and OT and pretty much “given up” that his gross motor function and posture would ever get back to normal.
However, within the very first week of getting neurologically-focused chiropractic care, Joseph’s gross motor function and endurance took off like a rocket. He was asking to go to the gym, work out, hit the treadmill, and go to the park to play! Mom was ecstatic, and so was his doctor.
The Path Forward: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
If your child has been struggling with gross motor delays and you feel like you’ve tried everything without lasting results, it’s time to look deeper. Subluxation, excessive sympathetic tone, and the lasting effects of birth trauma could still be at play.
At RCW, we can help you find out how your child’s gross motor function is doing down to the very core by using Neurological INSiGHT Scans, especially the EMG. Once we have the results of these scans, our doctors can create a customized and fully tailored adjusting care plan made just for your child. This approach can help your little one finally get past that plateau or stuck point and get back on track with their gross motor development.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. By addressing the root cause of your child’s gross motor delays, you can help them unlock their full potential and thrive. Don’t give up hope – there are solutions available that can make a significant difference in your child’s life and can help your child overcome their gross motor challenges and achieve the milestones they deserve.
Are you a parent who feels like you’ve exhausted all options when it comes to your child’s health? Have you tried conventional medicine only to be disappointed by its focus on symptoms alone rather than causes? Or perhaps you’ve tried numerous natural remedies yet still find something lacking? If any of this resonates with you, please know you’re not alone.
Millions of families share your frustration, seeking answers while feeling trapped in a cycle of doctor visits, therapies, and medications. But what if we told you there’s a really important piece missing from the puzzle? A crucial system in your child’s body that most is often overlooked. One that holds the key to your child’s health and wellness.
So, if you are tired of bandaid solutions and are eager to learn about the underlying causes of your child’s health challenges, read on to learn about the most crucial system in the body – the brain and the central nervous system.
Neurologically-focused pediatric chiropractic care is the key to getting your child’s health back on track. So keep reading to learn all about The Perfect Storm affecting our child’s health and how our drug-free approach aims to reverse it.
Understanding the Nervous System: The Foundation of Health
We go way beyond surface symptoms and dig down to the root cause of each child’s unique challenges. At the center of our approach is the nervous system— a complex network of nerves and cells that serves as the body’s master controller. The nervous system is responsible for coordinating every function, from breathing and digestion to movement and emotional regulation. When this system experiences stress or imbalance, it can present in your child as a multitude of health challenges.
Picture a car stuck in overdrive, revving at full throttle without pause. This is similar to what happens when a child’s nervous system gets stuck in a state of constant stress, known as sympathetic dominance. This prolonged activation of the fight-or-flight response can wreak havoc on your child’s body. Affecting every other system in their body, including:
- Digestive and gut health
- Immune health
- Gross and fine motor development
- Focus, cognition, behavior, and emotional regulation
This non-stop stress mode is what we call subluxation, dysautonomia, and nervous system dysregulation. All of which mean an overstressed and imbalanced nervous system. This overwhelming stress and neurological dysfunction can lead to a wide range of health challenges. Such as colic, ear infections, asthma, allergies, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, and so much more.
Identifying the Triggers
Understanding the triggers that contribute to sympathetic overdrive is important for getting to the root causes of your child’s health challenges. The three most common “Perfect Storm” triggers are:
- Prenatal Stress: high levels of stress, anxiety, and complications during pregnancy
- Birth Trauma: interventions such as forceps, vacuum, induction, and c-section
- Environmental Factors: early exposure to toxins, chemicals, and medications like antibiotics
While genetics, gut health, and nutrition are all essential to your child’s health, addressing the underlying neurological dysfunction is key when addressing chronic health challenges. We need to assess and measure the health and function of the nervous system first and foremost, and that is exactly what we do as neurologically-focused chiropractors.
The Power of INSiGHT Scans and Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
We use technology called INSiGHT Scans to detect and measure the presence and level of subluxation and dysautonomia in every patient. These noninvasive scans help us find out if subluxation and nervous system dysregulation is present in your child. They also help to measure it and determine its severity and where the tension and imbalance is within the neurospinal system.
Once we have this information, we can create a personalized and individualized care plan for your child tailored to their unique needs. By addressing the root cause, restoring proper nervous system function, and improving regulation, your child can experience lasting improvements in their health and well-being.
At RCW, we specialize in this drug-free, neurologically focused approach to healthcare for the entire family. To learn more about our practice and how we can support your family’s well-being, please reach out to us today!
We are here to help you take charge of your family’s health and prioritize neurological health. Setting the stage for a lifetime of resilience in your children!
Are you exhausted from the endless cycle of trying to solve yours or your child’s health issues? You’ve tried every remedy, seen countless specialists, and put in place diet changes with little lasting effect. It’s an emotional rollercoaster struggling with chronic inflammation, gut problems, sensory overload, or mood swings. Each specialist offers a piece of the puzzle, but none seem to connect the dots completely. You’re left feeling like you’re trying to piece things together on your own, desperately seeking a solution that ties everything together.
But here’s a silver lining you may not know about: The Vagus Nerve. Often overlooked, holds the key to many of these challenges. It’s the controller of all bodily functions, from nervous system regulation to digestion and immunity. By enabling its function, you can start down a path to better health for your child.
In this blog, we’ll explore the vagus nerve, offering hope for families struggling with chronic health struggles. If you’ve felt dismissed by conventional approaches, if you’re tired of the medication merry-go-round, and if you’re desperate for answers, this is for you. We’re here to empower you with knowledge that goes beyond surface treatments, focusing instead on addressing the root cause of your challenges.
Through safe, non-invasive techniques and neurologically-focused chiropractic care, we’ll equip you with the tools to stimulate the vagus nerve and unlock your full health potential.
Anatomy and Function of the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve serves as the vital communication link between the brain and essential organs that are crucial for health. From regulating heart and lung function to influencing gut health, immunity, motor coordination, and social-emotional regulation, the vagus nerve is truly a powerhouse.
Often referred to as “The Wandering Nerve” and “The Great Protector,” it coordinates the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Guiding the body into its restorative and healing mode. Originating from the brainstem and extending down through the neck into the thorax and abdomen, its reach is extensive.
Vagus Nerve Dysfunction
The consequences of vagus nerve dysfunction are profound, impacting various aspects of well-being. Disruptions in communication between the brain and organ systems can lead to early digestive issues like colic and constipation, skin conditions like eczema, and a weakened immune system prone to inflammation and illness.
Moreover, vagus nerve dysfunction affects motor coordination, endocrine function, and neurotransmitter balance. Contributing to social and emotional challenges such as stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues.
Several factors can compromise the function of the vagus nerve. Starting from prenatal stress and complications during birth, or birth trauma, which strain the delicate brainstem and neck region housing the nerve. Additionally, exposure to stress hormones, frequent antibiotics, toxins, and nutritional deficiencies can worsen dysfunction, leading to serious health issues.
Challenges like colic, reflux, chronic ear infections, eczema, constipation, and sensory processing difficulties hint at underlying vagus nerve dysfunction. Stressing the need for neurologically-focused Chiropractic Care.
Getting The Vagus Nerve Back Online
Thankfully, advancements in technology offer hope for identifying and addressing vagus nerve dysfunction. Through Heart Rate Variability (HRV) scans, we gain insights into your or your child’s vagal tone.
At RCW, we utilize scans to tailor chiropractic adjustments that stimulate and activate the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system. By getting to the root of the issue and promoting natural healing processes, we get things back online and healing naturally once again.
Natural methods like deep breathing, meditation, and spending time in nature offer valuable support for vagus nerve function. As well as addressing gut-immune inflammation issues. However, nothing is quite as direct in repairing and restoring vagus nerve and nervous system dysfunction as chiropractic adjustments.
It’s important to distinguish between nervous system support and genuine neurological healing. To truly tackle vagus nerve dysfunction and address the underlying causes of chronic health challenges, we need to fully restore the vagus nerve’s function with targeted adjustments and care plans.
So don’t wait to reach out to RCW today to kickstart your journey toward natural healing and full vagus nerve function!
When your child struggles with sensory issues – daily meltdowns, refusal to wear certain clothes or eat specific foods, difficulty sleeping – it can be exhausting and isolating. Each sensory-related tantrum or meltdown in public can make you feel the weight of judgmental stares from people unaware of the neurological root causing your family’s daily struggles.
As parents, there’s nothing we cherish more than our children. Witnessing them struggle with overwhelming situations like large crowds, loud noises, or certain textures is not just frustrating but heart-wrenching. Many mistakenly believe sensory issues in kids are mere phases, dismissing them as “boys being boys” or the “terrible twos.” However, these issues don’t resolve on their own and can escalate into significant challenges later in life.
So, if you are a parent who is seeking to fully understand sensory issues in your child and better explore natural solutions because traditional therapies and avoidance tactics are falling short, this is for you. We want to help you discover the nature of sensory issues. Their manifestations, impact on children’s lives, and underlying root causes like subluxation and vagus nerve dysfunction. We’ll dive into drug-free care options such as neurologically-focused chiropractic care, calming techniques, and more.
The Science Behind Sensory Issues
Sadly, the prevalence of sensory issues in kids has skyrocketed over the past few generations. Estimates today showing rates as high as 1 in 6 children. Despite this surge, providers often fail to recognize a child’s struggles and their true root causes Leaving parents feeling isolated and lost.
Sensory issues in children can be alarming for parents. Often, they’re linked to conditions like Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and ADHD. Imagine a scenario where your child’s brain is bombarded with constant “noise” and confusion due to sensory overload. It disrupts their focus, cognition, and emotional regulation, making everyday tasks seem daunting.
Sensory Issues and the Brain-Body Connection
These sensory challenges often stem from disruptions in the body-to-brain connection. The brain and body are intricately linked through sensory nerves. So, when the digestive system, muscles, or immune system falter, it sends ripples of tension and inflammation to the brain, worsening sensory issues.
Two vital pathways play a crucial role in sensory processing. The proprioceptive movement-based pathway, and the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the number one most intricate and important sensory processing nerve in the entire body. These two sensory pathways are designed to calm, relax, and regulate the brain, which is exactly what kids with sensory issues struggle to do.
When disruptions occur in these pathways, leading to what we term subluxation, sensory issues can arise early and frequently for the child. The primary triggers for such disruptions include birth interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, induction, or c-section deliveries. These can cause interference to the brainstem, vagus nerve, and proprioception. These disturbances can significantly impact the child’s sensory development and overall well-being.
Parents often seek Occupational Therapy (OT) as the initial solution for addressing sensory issues. OT professionals put together plans that include exercises, integrative activities, and therapeutic tools to improve fine motor and sensory skills. Despite these efforts, movement-based therapies fail to address the deeper underlying issues. Such as subluxation, altered proprioception, and vagus nerve dysfunction originating from the brainstem, upper neck, and neurospinal system.
Sensory Issues and Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
So, if your child is struggling with sensory meltdowns and you’ve exhausted traditional approaches without success, it’s likely that deeper neurological and vagus nerve dysfunctions need attention. This is where neurologically-focused pediatric chiropractic care steps in. A specialized form of care we provide at RCW.
In our office, we utilize INSiGHT Scans. These scans directly measure the location and severity of subluxation within your child’s nervous system. Armed with this information, we can formulate a customized care plan to address the root cause of their sensory struggles.
As we address this subluxation and neurological dysfunction over time, your child’s nervous system can better calm, relax, and regulate. This often results in better sleep, smoother transitions, fewer meltdowns, and an overall improved quality of life for your child.
By addressing the true root cause of sensory issues, we hope to offer relief and improvements that positively impact your child’s day-to-day experiences. Please reach out to RCW today! We’re here to support you every step of the way.
