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Neurological healing is no easy task. Nor is it normally a linear, straightforward path. In fact, it’s most commonly quite the opposite, going through multiple stages and phases on its way to optimal healing and outcomes.
The first challenge parents and patients face when trying to determine whether or not things are moving in the right direction with neurological healing is that the process is the stark contrast opposite of traditional medical treatment. Every single component of the medical system is designed not with healing in mind, but with suppressing, stopping, and shutting things down as the ultimate goal.
Have an infection? Kill it off with an antibiotic (which literally means anti-life).
Have a fever? Shut it off with a fever suppressor.
Have inflammation? Shut it down with steroid-based medications.
Have hyperactivity and impulsivity? Suppress it with stimulant medications.
Have anxiety? Cover it up and suppress it with drugs.
The medical way is one that is supposed to “work” fast and, therefore, be readily apparent. Unfortunately, parents today especially know that what we discussed is very true – the vast majority of the time, drugs and medications are doing nothing to address the actual root cause, create any actual healing, and they also come with a whole host of unwanted side effects.
So, what other options do we have? Well, if you’re reading this, then it’s likely that you’ve already begun to take the root cause of yours or your child’s challenges head on with neurologically-focused chiropractic care, or you’re strongly considering it and wondering exactly how that process works.
To make this super simple to understand, we’ll be breaking things down into three parts. First, the healing phases we’ll discuss are:
- Release Phase
- Rebuild + Reorganize Phase
- Restoration Phase
Phase 1 – Release
The first phase of neurological healing + restoration is often the bumpiest. The longer you have been subluxated and stuck in sympathetic dominance (dysautonomia), the deeper those stress patterns and dysfunctions set in. The body is doing all it can to adapt, but in the toughest of cases (Perfect Storm + Neuro Intensive ones especially), we generally find that the nervous system is just flat out worn out and exhausted.
Therefore, when you release those deep subluxation patterns in the first two (2) weeks to two (2) months of care, oftentimes, patients will experience some form of “neuro detox” where certain signs and symptoms may get a bit worse.
This is really no different than what happens when you get a fever, diarrhea, or traditional immune response – the body is actually getting “sick” to get well again.
So, in the vast majority of these neurological detoxes that occur way early in care, it’s actually a “good” sign that healing is happening. We’re getting the nervous system unstuck from the long-standing stuck, stressed, and exhausted subluxation patterns it’s been in.
Phase 2 – Rebuild + Reorganize
This is an exciting phase of care, and it’s really rooted in the science of something called neuroplasticity. Which honestly is what all of neurologically-focused chiropractic care is based upon.
Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned.
Subluxation, dysautonomia, and the “Perfect Storm” are all what stop neuroplasticity, growth, and optimal development dead in its tracks and throw things off course. Therefore, when we hit this stage of care, and we start to see growth and reorganization happening again and a child getting back on track with their milestones and development – oh man, is it exciting!
What does rebuilding + reorganization look like practically? Check out the following list to spot the signs of this stage in progress:
- INSiGHT Scans shifting, changing, calming, clearing, and reorganizing
- Oftentimes this can be tracked with our “neurometrics” and scores
- Improved Neuro-Postural Patterns
- No more head tilt + rotation, shoulders relaxed and level, etc.
- Improved Neuromuscular Tone + Coordination
- Observed through movement, gait analysis, etc.
- Improved Neurological “Soft Signs”
- Sleeping better, eating better, improved digestion, better immune health, improvements in posture and coordination, etc.
- Improved Focus + Endurance in School, Therapy, etc.
- Being able to do more during therapy appointments and school
- Less Severe Subluxation Patterns and Adjusting Restrictions
- When things shift, move, and get easier to adjust
By no means does a child or patient need to experience everything on that list to be in this phase of neurological healing, as healing is unique to each individual. However, even observing and having just a couple of them means things are progressing and on the right track to optimal healing and neurological restoration!
Phase 3 – Restoration
This phase of care is the ultimate goal of our initial care plans, but honestly, it’s just the beginning of the best part – the child or patient is now experiencing a high quality of LIFE once again!
We feel strongly that we are designed to be strong, healthy, resilient, and happy, and therefore live a high quality of life as a result! This stage of care is when kids and patients really have had transformative changes with their health and day-to-day experience a quality of life far greater than what they had prior to starting chiropractic care.
This stage then sets the stage for wellness, but the work is not all the way done. In this stage, we want to stay on the job of neurological healing and continue to deploy neuroplastic healing principles in order to put “slack” and “stability” in the system.
This third state of neurological healing is essential for one reason – life goes on. Meaning kids are still going to have growth spurts, falls and injuries, colds and sickness to get through, social and emotional challenges, school, sports, seasonal changes, and so much more they still need to stay ahead of and adapt to. Adults are right there with them with work stressors, seasonal allergies, social engagements, and other physical stressors.
By completing this final stage of the neurological restoration care plan, we can then transition into lifetime wellness care with a strong, resilient, and more stable nervous system. A more stable nervous system can better withstand various regular life stressors and stay healthy and strong through them!
That is the ultimate goal we have for our patients – to not just get healthy for a season, but stay there for good! To do that, this third phase and achieving restoration is essential.
Diving Deeper into Neurological “Soft Signs” of Healing
While every single one of us, from the parent team to the provider team, wants to see massive changes and achievement of the big goals happen right away… science and clinical experience let us know that, typically, that is not the case.
So often, and so rightfully so, some of the most common examples parents have for BIG goals for their children’s care include things like starting to walk or talk, eliminating seizures or autism spectrum related challenges, improving focus and behavior, lessening anxiety and depression, and so forth. For the purpose of this article, we’ll refer to these functions as “brain-based” or “higher level” functions.
In contrast, more primary and basic neurophysiological functions that are essential to health are things like eating, sleeping, digestion (pooping), motor planning, respiratory + immune health, and so forth. These core health functions could also be called more primal or foundational components of health, and what many parents and providers don’t know is it’s these things that get offline and off track first, which then leads to the bigger “brain based” problems down the road as neurological function and development is compromised.
Therefore, on the road to optimal neurological healing, we often need to see changes with these “soft signs” (and scans), and the more basic physiological functions first.
- When a teen intensive patient struggling with anxiety, epilepsy, and exhaustion starts to finally fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer, we know we’re on the right track!
- When a three (3) year old patient recently diagnosed with autism and apraxia (nonverbal) begins experiencing better digestion, immune health, and gross motor planning, we know we’re on the road to recovery + restoration!
- When a grade schooler struggling with ADHD and behavioral regulation challenges has more relaxed shoulders, less tension, and gets adjusted easier, we know we’re making the right changes happen to their nervous system!
So often for parents, not seeing the big changes happen instantly with chiropractic care can be frustrating and, if we’re being honest, even disheartening. But when we can point out these incredibly important changes on their INSiGHT Scans and with their neurological “soft signs,” we can rebuild that hope and let you know we’re heading in the right direction!
If you have any questions at all about what phase of care your child is in (or yourself), do not hesitate to ask and really dig in with your doctor at the next visit. We love talking through this stuff with our patients, and always do our best to stay ahead of it, making sure you know what to look for and what to track as care progresses through each and every phase of care!
If you’re like most parents we work with, you’ve probably tried everything. Behavior modification charts, occupational therapy sessions, dietary changes, calming techniques – yet your child’s struggles continue. You’ve dealt with constant tantrums, sensory meltdowns, and behavioral challenges that seem to come out of nowhere. When your child can only wear certain clothes, has extreme reactions to everyday sounds, or struggles with anxiety that makes simple activities feel impossible, it’s exhausting and heartbreaking.
Here’s what we want you to know: It’s not your fault. And it’s not their fault either.
The Shocking Reality About Children’s Health Today
Let’s start with some statistics that might surprise you. One in six children in the United States has a diagnosed developmental disability, and up to 40% of children now suffer from at least one chronic illness. These aren’t random numbers – they reflect a growing pattern that most healthcare providers are missing.
What if we told you that your child’s behavioral challenges, sensory issues, and health problems aren’t separate issues at all, but signs of one underlying problem that can finally be addressed? The real culprit behind most childhood struggles is something called nervous system dysregulation – and it’s the missing piece that most doctors never address.
Tierney’s Story: From Sensory Overwhelm to Confidence
Let us share Tierney’s story, which might sound heartbreakingly familiar. Before finding specialized care, Tierney had extreme sensory processing challenges. She could only wear a couple of really loose dresses that didn’t rub against her skin. Seams, fabrics, eyeglasses, and even shoes were so overwhelming that they triggered intense meltdowns and severe anxiety.
Tierney’s nervous system was so stressed that her senses weren’t communicating properly with her brain. Imagine having broken volume control where everything feels turned up to maximum intensity. She experienced clothing sensations so intensely that her body automatically went into fight-or-flight mode.
But here’s the beautiful part of her story: Today, after receiving specific care that calmed and coordinated her nervous system, Tierney has a whole new wardrobe. At 10 years old, she celebrated wearing her very first pair of jeans! As Tierney herself says, she loves her chiropractic care because it “fixes the problem.”
Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation
Your child’s tantrums, sensory meltdowns, and behavioral challenges aren’t character flaws or signs of bad behavior. They’re actually brilliant attempts by their nervous system to communicate that something is wrong.
Here are the facts: 7.1% of children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety, 9.4% with ADHD, and 7.4% with behavior problems. But the common thread connecting all these challenges is nervous system dysregulation – when the autonomic nervous system gets stuck in “fight or flight” mode instead of smoothly transitioning between stress and calm states.
When your child’s nervous system is dysregulated, it affects everything:
- Their ability to process sensory input
- Emotional regulation
- Digestion and gut health
- Sleep patterns
- Immune function
- Learning and focus
The “Perfect Storm” That Creates Dysregulation
This dysregulation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s typically the result of what we call “The Perfect Storm” – an accumulation of stressors that can begin as early as pregnancy.
The First Piece: Prenatal Stress
Maternal stress hormones like cortisol can cross the placental barrier and alter the programming of your baby’s developing nervous system. This doesn’t mean you did anything wrong – life naturally includes stressful moments during pregnancy.
The Second Piece: Birth Trauma
Birth interventions like C-sections, forceps, vacuum delivery, or prolonged labor can create physical stress and misalignments in the upper neck and brainstem area. This can interfere with critical brain-body communication pathways from the very beginning.
The Third Piece: Early Childhood Stressors
Inadequate sleep, processed foods, environmental toxins, or even ordinary daily stressors can pile up in children with sensitive nervous systems, making it harder for them to find their footing and develop resilience.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Why Diet Alone Isn’t Enough
You may have tried dietary changes or probiotics for your child, and while these can be helpful, if you’re still struggling, there’s likely a missing piece: the nervous system’s foundational role in regulating digestion.
The vagus nerve serves as the superhighway between your child’s brain and digestive tract. It controls:
- Stomach acid production
- Muscle contractions that move food along
- The release of digestive enzymes
When the nervous system is stuck in “fight or flight” mode, it puts the brakes on all those crucial “rest, regulate, and digest” functions. This explains why gut-focused interventions often feel like you’re filling a leaky bucket – without addressing the nervous system foundation, the improvements don’t stick.
How to Identify and Address the Real Root Cause
The good news is that nervous system dysregulation can be identified and addressed. Advanced scanning technology, called INSiGHT Scans, can objectively measure your child’s nervous system function and identify specific areas of stress, tension, and dysregulation.
These assessments include:
- Surface EMG to measure neuromuscular tension
- Thermography to assess autonomic nervous system function
- Heart rate variability to evaluate nervous system balance and resilience
Through gentle, specific neurologically-focused care, it’s possible to help restore optimal brain-body communication, allowing your child’s nervous system to shift from dysregulation back to natural regulation and resilience.
What This Means for Your Family
Understanding that your child’s challenges stem from nervous system dysregulation rather than behavioral issues changes everything. It means:
- There’s hope for real, lasting change – not just managing symptoms
- Your child isn’t broken – their nervous system just needs support to function optimally
- You’re not failing as a parent – you’re dealing with a neurological challenge that requires the right approach
- Multiple symptoms can improve together – because they’re all connected to the same root cause
Moving Forward with Confidence
If your child struggles with sensory processing issues, behavioral challenges, anxiety, sleep problems, or digestive issues, know that you don’t have to continue feeling helpless. At RCW, we understand nervous system dysregulation as the common thread that can help address the root cause rather than just managing symptoms, and we would love to help.
If you are ready to see the incredible capacity of the nervous system to help your child heal and regulate, please reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.
Tierney’s story is just one example of what’s possible when we address the true foundation of health – the nervous system. You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to keep guessing about what might help your child. There are answers, there is hope, and there is a path forward to help your child not just cope, but truly thrive.
Are you feeling frustrated or even disheartened because your child seemed to be making incredible progress with their neurological challenges, and then suddenly… everything stalled? Maybe you’ve even noticed some regression even. Behaviors returning that you thought were gone forever, sleep disruptions creeping back in, or emotional regulation challenges resurfacing.
If you’re wondering if the care plan is failing or if something’s wrong, we want you to take a deep breath and hear this: plateaus and even regressions are often a normal and necessary part of the healing process.
The neurological healing journey is rarely a straight line. In fact, it’s more like a rollercoaster with its fair share of ups, downs, and unexpected twists. But here’s the thing parents often miss – those plateaus aren’t signs of failure. They’re actually evidence that your child’s nervous system is working through deeper layers of dysfunction and adapting to a new level of organization.
You’re Not Alone in This Journey
As neurologically-focused chiropractors, we see this pattern daily in our practice. Nearly every parent who brings their child for care will experience what research refers to as “non-linear healing progress.” Research on neuroplasticity shows that the brain has the ability to reorganize itself, forming new connections and, in some instances, even generating new neurons.
Children typically experience periods of rapid advancement followed by consolidation phases where skills are integrated. The same pattern applies to neurological healing, where the “two steps forward, one step back” progression isn’t a failure. It’s actually the brain’s natural way of reorganizing and creating lasting change.
Understanding the Five Main Causes of Healing Plateaus
Let’s walk you through the most common reasons why your child might be experiencing a plateau, so you can understand what’s happening and feel confident moving forward.
1. Growth Spurts and Developmental Milestones
When your child is growing rapidly or mastering new developmental skills, their body’s energy and resources may be directed toward physical growth and neural integration. During growth spurts, your child’s body is working intensely to lay down new bone, muscle, and neural tissue. Requiring tremendous energy that may temporarily be diverted from other healing processes.
This can show up as:
- Increased moodiness
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Temporary regression in other areas as their nervous system focuses on integrating these physical changes
Remember that these growth-related pauses are ultimately signs of progress, not setbacks. Each time your child’s nervous system successfully integrates a new skill, it becomes more resilient overall.
2. Immune Challenges and Their Healing Effects
Here’s something that might surprise you: fevers and illnesses aren’t simply obstacles to progress – they’re sophisticated neurological responses that can actually accelerate healing in the long run.
When a child has a fever, their immune system triggers the hypothalamus’s thermoregulatory center, leading to an increase in body temperature. This activates immune cells and creates an environment that’s inhospitable to pathogens. During this process, the nervous system diverts resources to orchestrate the immune response, which can temporarily manifest as lethargy, irritability, or a seeming disconnection.
But here’s the fascinating part: the fever process stimulates the release of neurotrophic factors. Special proteins that support neuronal growth and plasticity – potentially accelerating neurological development after recovery. This is why we often see major breakthroughs following an illness, though there may be a brief regression immediately after.
3. Environmental Factors: The Hidden Disruptors
Children with pre-existing neurological challenges often have nervous systems that are already dysregulated, making them more sensitive to environmental toxins. From pesticides and heavy metals in food to flame retardants in furniture and VOCs in cleaning products, these accumulated toxins can disrupt normal neurological function.
Mold exposure, whether from hidden leaks or poor ventilation, releases mycotoxins that can lead to cognitive impairments and neurological symptoms. These environmental stressors can contribute to temporary plateaus in progress as the body works to process and eliminate these substances.
4. Emotional Stress and Life Changes
Major transitions like starting a new school year or subtle shifts in family dynamics can trigger the sympathetic “fight or flight” response in children with neurological challenges. This stress response releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can quickly become overwhelming for children with pre-existing nervous system dysregulation.
Over time, this chronic state of stress can contribute to developing subluxation – areas of dysfunction within the nervous system that further perpetuate the cycle of dysregulation. This is why we often see regressions during periods of change or high emotion. The nervous system is allocating resources to manage the perceived stress rather than continuing to make developmental progress.
5. Medication and Therapy Overload
Many medications are designed to suppress or override the symptoms rather than resolve the root cause of neurological dysfunction. They act like a “mute button” for symptoms the body is still struggling with underneath. When we begin true healing by restoring brain-body communication and balancing the nervous system, it’s like the body begins to “wake up” again, sometimes temporarily resurfacing underlying patterns.
The nervous system has a limited capacity, which is why we recommend prioritizing nervous system regulation first and then gradually layering in additional therapies.
What This Means for Your Family
At RCW, we understand that, most of the time, plateaus are simply one or more of these outside stressors putting a bit of a headwind in play. Once that stressor passes and your child builds up additional resilience and adaptability, they’ll blow right past it and be right back on the path to progress and breakthrough once again.
The key is understanding that healing is non-linear. It’s a lot of “two steps forward, one step back” at first! Growth spurts, immune stress, environmental toxins, emotional changes… all of these can cause temporary plateaus or even regression as your child’s nervous system works hard behind the scenes to integrate and level up.
Moving Forward with Confidence
That 3-week sleep regression, the return of meltdowns, the clinginess that came out of nowhere – it’s not a sign that care isn’t working. It’s actually one of the clearest signs that your child’s nervous system is unwinding and releasing! Just like cleaning out your closet or pantry, it gets a little messier before we can reorganize it all into pretty containers.
You’re doing better than you think, and their nervous system is too. Trust the process, stay consistent with your care plan, and remember that these apparent setbacks are often evidence of your child’s nervous system working through deeper layers and preparing for the next breakthrough.
If you are ready to take the next step in your child’s neurological healing journey, or if you’re experiencing these plateaus and want some guidance, please reach out to RCW today!
There are so many emotions to navigate through when finding out you’re pregnant. Whether you have longed for a positive pregnancy test or this was a complete surprise, emotions and thoughts flow through your brain at what seems to be 1000 mph. “Is it a boy or girl?! How will my body do this? Who do I need to call and tell first?! How will we announce it on Instagram? What about the nursery? Will they go to private or public school? When do we start a college fund….???” It’s like everything starts to spin out of control and escalate. The list really does seem never-ending! And don’t get us started on the number of opinions and questions that start to flood in after telling people the good news!
Take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay.
Let’s start with two of the most important questions to ask yourself first:
- “What kind of pregnancy do I want?”
- “Who is going to help me achieve that?”
In this article, we will explore what prenatal chiropractic is, the common (BUT NOT NORMAL) symptoms of pregnancy, and the available care options to create the healthiest human beings.
What is Prenatal Chiropractic?
Prenatal chiropractic care is a specialized form of chiropractic that encompasses two (2) different elements that greatly benefit both mom and baby on this incredible journey:
- We provide safe, gentle, and effective adjustments that help mom’s nervous system better relax and make room for the growing baby, and keep mom strong and ready for a natural birth and optimal transition to motherhood
- Our office also provides an incredibly empowering and supportive environment where expecting moms and dads can ask the tough questions, access incredible resources, and feel confident throughout their journey
Taking it one step further, the kind of chiropractic care we provide goes beyond just typical structural-based chiropractic care and focuses entirely on mom’s nervous system.
The umbilical cord connecting that developing baby to mom is not just there to carry oxygen and nutrients, but it’s also the neurological “power cord” that connects mom’s nervous system to her baby’s. In today’s world, where we have more stress, tension, and anxiety than ever before, the neurologically-focused prenatal chiropractic care that we offer, therefore acts as a crucial component of keeping both mom and baby’s nervous system healthy, calm, and clear of interference all along the way!
What are the Common Health Challenges Faced During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes, neurologically, hormonally, and physically, to accommodate the growing baby. These changes can lead to various hormonal changes, nervous system imbalances, and neuromuscular issues. There are many symptoms that commonly come along with pregnancy. From the early stages of morning sickness and fatigue to the annoying struggles of reflux, heartburn, trouble breathing, and the body changes, such as lower back pain, pelvic discomfort, and postural imbalances. All of these are very common during pregnancy, but are they normal?
What Causes All of These Pregnancy-Related Health Challenges?
This may seem like a silly question. The obvious answer is that you are growing a brand new beautiful baby from scratch. A little more… Every. Single. Day. OF COURSE YOU’RE FATIGUED AND UNCOMFORTABLE! But let’s dive deeper into the root causes of what is really causing some of these symptoms and what we can do about it!
The Role of the Nervous System in Pregnancy
A regulated and well-balanced nervous system is of utmost importance during pregnancy. It profoundly influences both the expectant mother’s health and the developing baby’s well-being. The nervous system acts as the master control center. Coordinating and regulating all body functions, from basic physiological processes to complex hormonal interactions. And now your nervous system has to do “double” the job, controlling all of your bodily functions and baby’s too.
During pregnancy, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for involuntary actions, plays a crucial role. The ANS consists of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS is what comes to life when you are under duress and experiencing stress. You might have heard it referred to as fight or flight. The PNS is the branch that helps us calm down, relax, and function once again after the stress has passed. To learn more about the parasympathetic nervous system and the vagus nerve that controls and regulates most of it, check out this additional article here.
But this wildly important parasympathetic side of the nervous system is not just responsible for rest and relaxation; it’s in charge of growth and development as well. Making it perhaps the single most important system to pay attention to during the prenatal period (and postpartum as well). If mom’s nervous system is not in optimal growth and development mode, how can baby’s be?
A well-regulated and optimally balanced nervous system is essential for both mom and baby’s optimal well-being. When the nervous system is in a state of balance, it promotes better hormonal regulation, blood flow, and immune function, creating an optimal environment for the baby’s growth and development. It also contributes to the mother’s overall well-being, reducing stress levels, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality.
The Role of Stress and Subluxation in Pregnancy
Unfortunately, an imbalanced or dysregulated nervous system can lead to various health challenges during pregnancy. High levels of stress and anxiety lead to constant activation of the SNS and can contribute to complications like elevated blood pressure, decreased blood flow to the placenta, and potential adverse effects on fetal development.
Experiencing occasional stress is as normal as it gets, but unfortunately, today, too many women experience moderate to high levels of stress far too often. And sadly, our current medicalized system of prenatal care only adds to that stress, fear, anxiety, and disempowerment, it seems, with each and every visit to the doctor, additional ultrasound or exam, and so forth.
This ongoing and overwhelming stress is called subluxation. When subluxation is present, the entire nervous system shifts into an excessive sympathetic dominant state. Increasing the tension on not just the nerves and muscles but also organs, glands, digestive system, and more. It even leads to its own “perfect storm” vicious cycle where now stress and anxiety are increased once again, other health challenges and concerns set in, and more trouble brews as the pregnancy goes on.
This tension can exacerbate blood pressure issues, back pain and sciatica, neck pain and headaches, anxiety and nausea, hormonal imbalances, and even affect a baby’s position in the womb.
Drug-Free Care Options for Pregnancy-Related Health Challenges
Fortunately, there are care options available to help pregnant women manage their stress and greatly improve their quality of life while their bodies are adapting to these new changes.
Often by the time pregnant women learn about the things we just covered with subluxation and the nervous system, they have tried all of the medications, homeopathics, teas, nutrition hacks, and physical therapies for pregnancy symptoms like heartburn, reflux, morning sickness, and pelvic pain.
As most of these things are great, they aren’t fully addressing the root causes of pregnancy-related health challenges. If you want to tackle these issues head-on and not only reduce the symptoms and health challenges you’re experiencing but also optimize your entire body and nervous system throughout the pregnancy, then neurologically-focused prenatal chiropractic is perfect for you!
Can You Measure This Stress and Subluxation? Introducing HRV to Prenatal Care
It’s quite an exciting time to be at the forefront of prenatal care like we are! In the past few years, we’ve not only seen more and more research prove how important neurological health is during the prenatal journey (for both mom and baby), but also, some incredible technology has been developed to help us track and measure your neurological health all along the way in just a matter of minutes!
This technology is called HRV, which stands for Heart Rate Variability. It is an absolutely essential exam for all pregnant women to take on a regular basis because it provides valuable insights into the health and function of their autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and overall health during pregnancy.
As stated above, the ANS controls and regulates every vital function in the body. Including heart rate, respiratory rate, digestion, and more. With “fight or flight” and “rest and relax” being the two main branches of the ANS, it’s important to track how it is functioning and whether things are out of balance or not.
HRV is a measure of the variation in time between consecutive heartbeats. A higher HRV indicates a more flexible and adaptable nervous system, which is associated with better overall health and resilience to stress during pregnancy. This also means reduced maternal stress, better sleep quality, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced immune function. Additionally, maintaining a balanced ANS is essential for supporting proper blood flow to the placenta and optimal fetal development.
On the other hand, a lower HRV suggests an imbalanced or stressed ANS, which can lead to various health issues, commonly leading to a high-risk pregnancy.
Therefore any professionals working with pregnant women need to be using HRV technology as the foundation of their care protocols and programs. Allowing them to not only establish a baseline at the onset of care but also to track and monitor progress via actual neurological change and improvement.
Measuring and tracking true autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve functions are, therefore, the foundation of our work as Prenatal PX Doctors. Each and every pregnant woman who walks into our offices first get an HRV test to measure their overall adaptability and parasympathetic or vagal nerve tone.
Below is an image with a series of three (3) HRV Scans performed on a pregnant woman throughout her pregnancy. The first scan on the far left shows the small white box way in the lower left quadrant of the HRV plot, indicating her parasympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve are both suppressed and shut down, allowing her sympathetic fight or flight system to run out of control.
Then as care progresses over the second and third trimester, you can see the white box move towards the center line and higher up towards the green circle, indicating that her subluxation and dysautonomia were vastly improved and her nervous system is now much calmer, balanced, and better regulated, which shows that she is more adaptable to the stressors of pregnancy and ready to conquer her birth!
More Stress to Measure
In addition to HRV, we ALSO run two (2) additional tests. NeuroThermal and NeuroSensory EMG, to complete the overall INSiGHT Scans and neurological exam. Together these three (3) collective scans can function as a pregnancy test that actually looks beyond symptoms, and dives deep into the nervous system and how prenatal chiropractic can help both mom and baby.
Once we have these incredible INSiGHT Scans done, we can then put together a fully customized and personalized care plan made uniquely for the pregnant woman’s corresponding trimester. Once care begins, each and every neuro-tonal adjustment our doctors are trained to make is designed to address subluxation and dysautonomia directly.
By activating and stimulating the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system repeatedly over a period of many weeks to months, we then start to see an incredible decrease in the sustained sympathetic storm so many pregnant women are stuck in.
The first improvements these women typically notice are with sleep, digestion, fewer aches and pains, less “pregnancy brain,” more energy, and more focus. From there, the brain and nervous system can get back on track developmentally, and benefit both mom and baby, leading to optimal development and baby positioning, which can result in a quicker birth, fewer interventions, more vaginal births, and can help seek to prevent The Perfect Storm.
HOW TO GET THE HELP YOU NEED
Being pregnant can be one of the most rewarding, exciting, and joyous times of our lives. But it can also feel very scary and overwhelming. Just remember that you are not alone, and you have choices when it comes to the pregnancy that you want and to the type of healthcare that you want supporting you along the way.
The earlier you are able to optimize and improve your neurological function, the better your pregnancy and birth outcomes will be for both you and your baby.
The best place to start on this journey is with a consultation and HRV test. Get scheduled for an empowering consultation, INSiGHT Scans, and HRV right away!
Remember, you are not alone in this pregnancy journey, and we’re on your team! Take the first step and find the doctor, the care, and the community you and your baby deserve.
