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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
Does this sound familiar? Your child suddenly covers their ears in a noisy restaurant, has an unexpected meltdown at the grocery store, or becomes distressed by the tags in their clothing. As a parent, these moments can feel overwhelming and isolating. You might have been told that these are just behavioral issues or that your child will “grow out of it.” But what if we told you there’s something deeper happening in your child’s nervous system?
The Reality of Sensory Processing Challenges
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve experienced the heartache of watching your child struggle with sensory overload. You’re not alone. Recent studies from the CDC indicate that up to 40% of school-aged children today experience at least one chronic health condition, with sensory processing issues becoming increasingly common.
Understanding Overstimulation: More Than Just Behavior
What’s actually happening when your child becomes overwhelmed? Think of it like a traffic jam in your child’s nervous system. Their brain is receiving more sensory input than it can effectively process at once. This isn’t just about behavior – it’s about how your child’s brain and nervous system are functioning.
The Autonomic Nervous System: Your Child’s Control Center
Your child’s nervous system has two key branches:
- The Sympathetic System (often called “fight or flight”)
- The Parasympathetic System (known as “rest and digest”)
When your child’s system becomes overwhelmed, they can get stuck in sympathetic dominance – their body’s alert system stays switched “on.” This creates a cascade of effects that you might recognize:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Digestive issues
- Emotional dysregulation
- Increased sensitivity to sensory input
The “Perfect Storm”: Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Challenges
Sensory processing challenges often develop from what we call a “Perfect Storm” of factors:
- Prenatal Influences: Stress during pregnancy can impact how a developing brain processes sensory information
- Birth Experiences: Interventions like C-sections, forceps, or vacuum extractions can create physical stress on the developing nervous system
- Early Childhood Factors: Environmental stressors and developmental challenges can further impact nervous system development
Recognizing When Your Child is Overstimulated
As a parent, you might notice these signs when your child is experiencing sensory overload:
Physical Signs
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Unusual fatigue
Emotional Signs
- Increased irritability
- Rising anxiety levels
- Sudden emotional outbursts
Behavioral Signs
- Difficulty focusing
- Frequent meltdowns
- Actively seeking quiet spaces
A Different Approach to Help
While traditional approaches often focus on avoiding triggers or managing symptoms, there’s another way to support your child. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care looks at the root cause of these challenges, not just the symptoms.
At Rochester Chiropractic and Wellness, we use cutting-edge technology called INSiGHT Scans, which can help us identify exactly where your child’s nervous system needs support. These non-invasive scans can be done while your child sits comfortably – even in your lap – and provide valuable information about how their sensory system is adapting to the world around them. Then precise, gentle adjustments release stuck sympathetic stress and activate the parasympathetic system for better regulation, getting to the real root cause!
Moving Forward
Remember, your child isn’t choosing to be overwhelmed – their nervous system is genuinely struggling to process the world around them. The good news is that with proper support and understanding, there are ways to help your child’s nervous system find better balance and regulation.
Most importantly, know that you’re not alone in this journey. Many families are navigating similar challenges, and there is hope that your child can experience the world around them without being overwhelmed by it. We want to help!
Your child’s sensitivity isn’t a flaw – it’s part of who they are. With the right support and understanding, you can help them develop the tools they need to navigate their sensory experiences more comfortably and confidently.
If you’ve been lying awake at night, worried about your child’s health and wondering why traditional answers aren’t working, you’re not alone. As a parent, you know when something isn’t right with your child, regardless of what you’ve been told by well-meaning doctors or friends. That instinct – that deepening concern that something more is going on – is worth listening to.
The Silent Epidemic
Here’s a startling truth that isn’t being discussed enough: up to 40% of children today are struggling with at least one chronic health condition. Some research suggests this number may even be higher than 50%. This is simply not ok! We’re seeing unprecedented rates of:
- Anxiety and emotional regulation challenges
- ADHD and focus issues
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Chronic digestive problems
- Allergies and autoimmune conditions
- Sleep disorders
- Sensory processing issues
Looking Beyond Common Theories
Before we dive into what’s really causing our children to be so sick, we need to address two common theories that most people believe. The first probably won’t surprise you, but the second just might shake up everything you thought you knew about children’s health.
Theory #1: “It’s All in the Genes”
The entire traditional medical system is built upon a simple concept: good genes equal good health, and bad genes equal poor health. It’s a neat, tidy explanation that puts everything into convenient boxes.
But here’s the truth that challenges this theory: our genes take thousands of years to adapt and change significantly. There’s simply no way that genetics alone can explain the explosive rise in chronic illness we’re seeing in our kids today. This dramatic increase has happened in just a few generations – far too quick to be explained by genetic changes.
Theory #2: “It’s All About Toxins”
When people first start exploring natural health and wellness (which is fantastic!), they often land on one conclusion: it must be all about toxins and chemicals in our environment. And while we absolutely agree that “kids and chemicals don’t mix,” and our chemical-filled world is definitely a major contributor to chronic illness, it’s not the whole story.
The Hidden Trigger Hiding in Plain Sight
The real culprit behind this explosion in chronic illness is something we all know about but often overlook when it comes to our children: stress.
Yes, stress. It sounds almost too simple, doesn’t it? However, the impact of stress on our children’s developing nervous systems is profound and far-reaching.
Think about it: we’ve normalized stress to such an extent that we barely notice it anymore. Our children’s nervous systems are constantly “wound up and worn out,” yet we rarely connect this to their health challenges. We’ve accepted this state as normal, but there’s nothing normal about it.
Understanding “The Perfect Storm”
What we’re seeing in children’s health today is what we call “The Perfect Storm” – a cascade of stressors that begins early in life and can dramatically impact a child’s developing nervous system:
- It starts during pregnancy with maternal stress affecting fetal nervous system development.
- Birth interventions (C-sections, forceps, vacuum extractions) can cause physical trauma to the brainstem and vagus nerve.
- Early childhood challenges compound these initial stressors (environmental toxins, repeated antibiotic use, social challenges, etc). Early issues like colic, reflux, and ear infections are warning signs.
When these stressors combine, they create a perfect storm of nervous system dysfunction and dysregulation – also called subluxation and dysautonomia. This doesn’t just affect mental and emotional well-being – it impacts every aspect of health:
- Gut health and digestion
- Immune system function
- Sleep patterns
- Hormone regulation
- Brain development
- Emotional regulation
- Physical development
Children don’t just “grow out of” these challenges – they often develop into more complex issues.
Taking Back Control
The good news is that understanding this connection between stress, nervous system function, and overall health opens up new possibilities for healing. Instead of just treating symptoms or trying to “fix” genes, we can focus on supporting our children’s nervous systems and creating environments that promote natural healing.
Neurologically-focused chiropractic care at RCW identifies and addresses subluxation and nervous system dysfunction. We start by gathering a case history of your child and then use advanced INSiGHT scanning technology to measure neurological function in your child. Using this data, we then create personalized care plans based on each child’s specific needs. Finally, with our gentle adjustments, we help restore proper nervous system regulation naturally, without drugs.
Your Next Steps
It’s time to stop accepting chronic illness as the new normal for our children. Understanding the true role of stress and nervous system function in your child’s health is the first step toward real, lasting change.
At RCW, we regularly see families who have tried everything. From conventional medicine to specialized diets, detox programs, and expensive functional medicine treatments – yet their children continue to be sick and struggle. When traditional approaches and countless medical interventions haven’t worked, we focus on a simpler explanation. While factors like genetics, gluten sensitivity, and gut health can contribute to illness, the root cause traces back to nervous system dysfunction, dysregulation, and subluxation.
If this is you, please don’t hesitate to reach out today to schedule a consultation. We not only provide world-class chiropractic care at our office, but we also provide the most empowering and supportive community out there!
Your child’s future health is worth every step of this journey, and it’s never too late to start making positive changes that can impact not just their immediate well-being but their health for years to come.
As a parent, watching your teen struggle with unexplained dizziness, fatigue, frequent fainting, and near constant anxiety can be both terrifying and frustrating. Every time they stand up or shift positions, you hold your breath, wondering if they’ll feel faint or need to sit back down. If your child has been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), you’re likely searching for answers about what’s really causing these challenging symptoms.
POTS affects approximately 1 in 100 teenagers, with girls being 2-3 times more likely to develop the condition. While you may have been told that genetics are to blame, or received no clear explanation at all, there’s more to the story that every parent needs to understand.
Looking Beyond Genetics: Understanding the Root Cause
The key to understanding POTS lies in understanding how your child’s nervous system functions. While genetic factors may play a role, the primary trigger for POTS symptoms is often related to nervous system dysfunction and dysregulation. Particularly within the autonomic nervous system.
The Vagus Nerve Connection
At the heart of this condition is the vagus nerve – a crucial component of your child’s autonomic nervous system that:
- Controls heart rate and blood pressure
- Regulates breathing patterns
- Maintains overall body balance
- Influences focus and concentration
Today’s teenagers are living in perhaps the most stressful era and toxic times we’ve ever seen. This constant stress bombards our children’s nervous system and leaves it stuck in a state of sympathetic fight-or-flight stress mode, which leads to vagus nerve dysfunction.
Understanding Dysautonomia
Chronic subluxation and nervous system dysregulation can lead to a condition called dysautonomia. An imbalance in the autonomic nervous system where:
- The “fight or flight” response becomes overactive
- The calming, regulatory functions become suppressed
- Multiple body systems are affected simultaneously
Why Traditional Medical Tests May Miss the Root Cause
Many parents become, understandably, frustrated when standard medical tests fail to provide answers. Traditional tests usually don’t measure nervous system regulation. The focus is typically on individual symptoms rather than underlying systemic dysfunction. Subtle neurological imbalances can be difficult to detect with standard testing.
Hope Through Understanding: What Parents Can Do
Understanding that POTS is primarily a nervous system condition opens up new avenues for support and treatment. Modern diagnostic approaches can now:
- Measure nervous system regulation
- Track heart rate variability
- Identify specific areas of neurological interference
- Monitor improvements over time
Taking Action: Next Steps for Parents
- Recognize the Signs: Watch for patterns in your child’s symptoms, particularly when changing positions or during periods of stress.
- Consider a Comprehensive Evaluation: Look for healthcare providers who understand the neurological aspects of POTS and use advanced diagnostic tools to measure nervous system function.
- Address Physical Tension: Pay attention to signs of stress and tension in your child’s upper neck, lower neck, shoulders, and mid-back.
- Support Overall Nervous System Health: Work with healthcare providers who can help address the underlying nervous system dysfunction rather than just managing symptoms.
The Path Forward
At RCW, we use advanced technology tools like our INSiGHT Scans to identify specific areas of neurological interference that may be contributing to your child’s symptoms. Our scans can actually measure and find dysregulation, especially our NeuroThermal and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) tests. This provides concrete evidence of autonomic nervous system function and tracking improvement over time.
While POTS can be challenging, understanding its true nature as a nervous system condition provides hope and direction. With proper support and care focused on nervous system regulation, many teens see significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life.
Remember: You’re not alone in this journey. Many families are navigating similar challenges, and with the right understanding and support, your child can work toward better health and well-being.
Let’s be honest – are you tired of hearing that exhaustion is just “part of being a parent”? That brain fog, constant fatigue, and feeling overwhelmed are simply your new normal now that you have kids?
As a parent, you deserve better than accepting exhaustion as your default state. While it’s true that parenting demands incredible energy and dedication, feeling constantly burnt out isn’t inevitable or necessary. In fact, it’s entirely possible to maintain high energy while raising your children, and it doesn’t require perfection or an overwhelming lifestyle overhaul.
The Reality of Parent Burnout
Research from the American Psychological Association reveals that one-third of parents rate their stress levels as extremely high (8-10 on a 10-point scale). This is particularly challenging for parents of children with special needs, who often face additional demands coordinating therapies and managing complex daily routines.
But here’s the truth: While parenting is inherently demanding, chronic exhaustion isn’t a badge of honor or a requirement. It’s a sign that something needs to change – and you have more control over that change than you might think.
5 Sustainable Ways to Reclaim Your Energy
1. Build Your Support System
- Surround yourself with positive, energizing people who lift you up
- Connect with other parents who understand your journey
- Don’t hesitate to distance yourself from relationships that drain your energy
- Remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness
2. Create Your Ideal Week Framework
Instead of overwhelming yourself with endless daily to-do lists, try this approach:
- Use a color-coded weekly schedule: yellow for self-care (non-negotiable!), orange for work, pink for protected family time
- Focus on weekly achievements rather than daily perfection
- Build in recovery time and “white space” for flexibility
- Understand and respect your personal stress capacity
3. Embrace Strategic Movement
Movement isn’t just about fitness – it’s about energy management:
- Mix high-intensity activities for stress release (ex: HIIT) with gentle movement for sustained energy (ex: walking, yoga)
- Variety is key – mix up your movement types
- Consistency matters more than intensity
- Use movement as a tool for mental clarity and stress relief
4. Prioritize Smart Nourishment
Your body needs proper fuel to maintain energy:
- Focus on clean proteins and healthy fats
- Stay hydrated with mineral-rich water
- Consider basic supplements like a quality multivitamin, omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamin D
- Use technology mindfully to track your progress and stress levels
5. Support Your Nervous System
The foundation of sustainable energy lies in a well-regulated nervous system!
- Regular chiropractic care for nervous system support
- Go in for a boost adjustment when needed
Making It Work in Real Life
The key to success isn’t perfection – it’s creating sustainable routines that work for your unique family situation. Start small, be consistent, and remember that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential for being the parent you want to be.
If you’re ready to break free from the myth that parents should be exhausted all the time, it’s time to take action. At Rochester Chiropractic and Wellness, we specialize in helping parents prioritize their nervous system function and energy levels through Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care – the first step in achieving balance!
Don’t accept exhaustion as your new normal. Let’s work together to get your energy back and help you be the parent you want to be. Your future self – and your family – will thank you!
As a parent, watching your baby grow and develop is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. However, with the abundance of information available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might find yourself constantly wondering: Is my baby hitting milestones on time? Are they developing in the right sequence?
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll explore why the sequence of developmental milestones matters more than timing and how you can empower yourself to take charge of your child’s health.
The Importance of Developmental Sequence
While every child develops at their own pace, the order in which your baby reaches milestones is crucial for their overall development. Here’s why:
- Proper nervous system development: The sequence of milestones ensures that your baby’s nervous system and neuromuscular development progress correctly.
- Brain communication: For example, crawling before walking is essential because the cross-crawl pattern helps both sides of the brain start communicating with each other.
- Foundation for future skills: Each milestone builds upon the previous one, creating a strong foundation for future development.
Key Milestones to Watch For
Developmental or baby milestones are typically divided into age ranges:
- 0-12 weeks
- 3-6 months
- 6-9 months
- 9-12 months
- 12-18 months
- 18-24 months
To see a detailed list of milestones to watch for within these specific age ranges, check out this site. But remember, while these age ranges provide a general guideline, the sequence of achieving these milestones is more important than the exact timing.
When to Trust Your Gut
As a parent, you have a natural understanding of your child. If you feel that something isn’t quite right with your baby’s development, it’s important to trust your mom or dad gut. Here are some signs that it might be time to seek additional support:
- Delays in reaching milestones
- Skipping or reaching milestones out of sequence
- Unusual behavior
- Struggles with eating, sleeping, or pooping
Taking Charge of Your Child’s Health
As a parent, you are your child’s best advocate. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your baby’s optimal development:
- Stay informed: Educate yourself about developmental milestones and their importance.
- Observe closely: Pay attention to your baby’s progress and note any concerns.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
- Consider specialized assessments: Neurological INSiGHT Scans, including NeuroThermal and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) scans, can help pinpoint areas where stress and tension may be impacting your baby’s development.
- Seek personalized care: Look for healthcare providers who offer customized care plans tailored to your baby’s specific developmental needs.
The Role of the Nervous System
At the core of your baby’s development is their nervous system. When the basics like eating, sleeping, and pooping are on track, other milestones tend to follow naturally. That’s why it’s crucial to focus on your baby’s overall nervous system health.
Empowering You to Take Action
Remember, you know your baby best. If you’ve ever felt that something isn’t quite right with your baby’s development, it’s important to trust your gut and seek the answers and help you’ve been searching for.
Consider scheduling a Neurological INSiGHT Scan at RCW for your baby. Based on the results of these scans, our team then creates a customized care plan tailored to each baby’s exact developmental needs, ensuring a personalized approach instead of a “one-size-fits-all” solution.
By staying informed, trusting your instincts, and seeking specialized care when needed, you’re taking an active role in ensuring your baby’s healthy development. Remember, you are your child’s best advocate, and with the right support, you can help your baby thrive at every stage of their growth.
Raising healthy, happy kids in today’s fast-paced world is no small feat. From growth spurts to seasonal sniffles, our little ones face a constant stream of challenges that can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed. But, there’s a secret weapon in your parenting arsenal that could help your child navigate these challenges more smoothly. Enter boost adjustments! The game-changer in chiropractic care that you might not know about yet, but that could transform your family’s approach to health and wellness!
As family chiropractors, one of the most important things we discuss in our practice is knowing when it’s the right time to utilize boost adjustments for your kids, yourself, or the whole family. These extra adjustments are designed to provide additional support during those extra busy or stressful seasons of life. They’re like a turbo boost for the nervous system. Helping it adapt and thrive in the face of life’s many challenges.
Understanding Boost Adjustments
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a moment to understand what boost adjustments really are. In essence, they’re additional chiropractic adjustments that go beyond your regular care plan. They’re strategically timed to provide extra support when your body needs it most. They help the body process and adapt to new challenges more effectively. Whether that’s fighting off a cold, dealing with a growth spurt, or managing the stress of a new school year.
The Top 10 Reasons for Boost Adjustments
Now, let’s break down the top 10 reasons why you or your child might benefit from a boost adjustment:
- Immune Challenges: When fighting off a cold or infection, boost adjustments can optimize their neuro-immune system, helping you recover faster. Did you know children experience an average of 6-8 colds per year? That’s a lot for their little bodies to handle! Boost adjustments can give their immune system the extra support it needs to fight off those pesky bugs more effectively.
- Growth Spurts: Kids grow about 2 inches and gain about 6 pounds annually on average. These rapid periods of growth can stress the neurospinal system, sometimes leading to growing pains or temporary clumsiness. Boost adjustments help the body adapt more smoothly to these changes. Potentially easing discomfort and improving coordination during these crucial phases of development.
- Teething: We all know how disruptive teething can be! This process can affect sleep and mood by disrupting the nervous system. Extra adjustments can help balance the system during this time. Potentially leading to better sleep for your little one (and for you!), improved mood, and a smoother teething experience overall.
- Injuries and Falls: Kids are active, and accidents happen. Whether it’s a tumble on the playground or a sports-related injury, boost adjustments can aid in recovery and prevent long-term issues. They help ensure that the body heals properly and that compensatory patterns don’t develop, which could lead to problems down the road.
- Seasonal Changes: Weather shifts can throw off the nervous system, especially in sensitive individuals. Proactive adjustments can help maintain balance during these transitions. Potentially reducing the frequency of seasonal sniffles and supporting more stable moods.
- Busy School Seasons: The stress of school, sports, and activities can overwhelm the nervous system. Regular boost adjustments can improve resilience during these hectic times. Helping your child manage stress more effectively and maintain their energy levels.
- Work Stress for Adults: Yes, boost adjustments are great for parents too! They can help you perform better at work and maintain that all-important work-life balance. When you’re at your best, you’re better equipped to support your family’s health and happiness.
- Big Life Changes: Major life events like moving homes, changing schools, or welcoming a new sibling can cause emotional stress for the whole family. Boost adjustments help regulate the nervous system during these times of transition. Potentially easing anxiety and supporting smoother adaptations to new circumstances.
- Medical Interventions: If your child needs medication or vaccinations, boost adjustments can help minimize side effects and support overall health. They can help the body process and integrate medical interventions more effectively, potentially reducing adverse reactions and supporting the treatment’s efficacy.
- Starting New Therapies: When beginning new treatments or protocols, boost adjustments can help the body integrate these changes more effectively. This can lead to better outcomes and a smoother adjustment period.
The Science Behind Boost Adjustments
Now, you might be wondering, “How do boost adjustments actually work?” Great question! Each of these situations is likely to cause extra stress on the nervous system, potentially throwing health and quality of life off track. For patients already under regular chiropractic care, often all they need to get back on track quickly is to come in for a boost adjustment or two.
By providing additional adjustments that help quickly optimize nervous system function, we’re not just treating symptoms – we’re enhancing the body’s ability to heal and regulate itself. This builds resilience and adaptability, setting your child up for long-term health success.
The nervous system is the master control system of the body. It governs everything from immune function to mood regulation, from physical coordination to stress response. When the nervous system is functioning optimally, the body is better equipped to handle whatever challenges come its way.
Unlike medications that may suppress symptoms temporarily, boost adjustments aim to leave the body stronger and more resilient in the long run. It’s about empowering your child’s body to handle life’s challenges more effectively.
Making Boost Adjustments Part of Your Family’s Wellness Routine
If you’ve never scheduled a boost adjustment before, don’t worry – it’s easy! You can:
- Talk to your doctor or care advocate at your next appointment and book it on the spot
- Use our scheduling app on your phone to book a boost adjustment appointment
- Give us a call or send us a text to set up your boost adjustment
We know that life is unpredictable, and that’s okay! We’re here to support you and your family’s health journey every step of the way. Whether you plan ahead or need a last-minute appointment.
Don’t let busyness or illness slow your family down. By incorporating boost adjustments into your wellness routine, you’re investing in your ability to stay healthy and strong all year long. It’s not about treating problems as they arise – it’s about building a foundation for lifelong health and resilience.
