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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
Take a deep breath with me for a moment. If you’re reading this, you’re likely living with a daily reality that feels overwhelming: constant emotional outbursts, intense mood swings, heartbreaking meltdowns, struggles with anger, and a child who seems to have no impulse control. For many parents of children with emotional dysregulation, this isn’t just a bad day – it’s every day.
You’ve probably been up late at night, desperately searching for answers. You’ve likely consulted countless specialists – teachers, therapists, doctors – hoping someone would have the solution. You’ve tried everything you can think of: reward charts, punishment systems, essential oils, deep breathing techniques, supplements – the list goes on and on. Maybe you’ve even reached what felt like your last resort – turning to medications for anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
Even if medication has helped improve some symptoms, you might still find yourself awake at night, searching for safer, more natural alternatives. You’re looking for something that addresses the root cause of your child’s challenges, not just masks the symptoms. You worry about long-term medication dependency and seek a better way forward.
A Different Understanding of Your Child’s Struggles
Here’s something that might change everything about how you view your child’s struggles: the root cause of emotional dysregulation often lies within the brain and nervous system, but not in the way you might have been told. This isn’t just about a “chemical imbalance” – it’s about understanding your child’s nervous system from a functional standpoint.
When your child’s nervous system becomes overstressed, imbalanced, and dysregulated, their emotions and behavior naturally follow suit. And here’s the most important thing to remember: this isn’t simply a genetic condition or a reflection of your parenting. The root cause may be simpler and more straightforward than you think.
Understanding the Nervous System Connection
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) controls emotional responses through two key branches:
- The sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight)
- The parasympathetic nervous system (rest, regulate, and digest)
So you can think of your child’s nervous system like a car with a sensitive gas pedal and brake system. When working properly, it can smoothly accelerate and brake as needed. But sometimes, due to various factors, it can get stuck in “high gear” – what we call a sympathetic dominant state or “fight-or-flight” mode. This imbalance and overactive state is known as dysautonomia and nervous system dysregulation.
The “Perfect Storm”: How Did We Get Here?
Several factors can contribute to nervous system dysregulation:
- Early life stress, including maternal stress during pregnancy
- Birth interventions like C-sections, forceps, or vacuum extraction
- The overuse of antibiotics and other medications, plus environmental toxins and poor diet, which disrupts the microbiome and gut-brain connection
Together, these factors create neurological imbalances, leading to emotional dysregulation.
Beyond Traditional Approaches
While behavioral strategies and medications have their place, they often only mask the symptoms rather than the underlying root cause. That’s why many parents find that even when medications help calm their child’s symptoms, they’re still searching for a more complete solution – a neurologically-focused one that addresses the root cause of their child’s challenges – which is needed for lasting change.
Finding Hope and Solutions
The good news is that understanding this nervous system connection opens up new possibilities for helping your child. Just as the nervous system can become dysregulated, it can also be guided back into balance through appropriate support and care.
Some key things to consider:
- Your child’s behavior isn’t a reflection of poor parenting or a lack of discipline
- These challenges aren’t simply something they’ll “grow out of”
- There are ways to measure and address nervous system imbalances
- A comprehensive approach that considers the whole nervous system can make a real difference
Moving Forward
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your child’s emotional dysregulation, remember that you’re not alone, and there is hope. At RCW, we understand that the nervous system’s role is often the first step toward finding an effective solution for your children, and we would love to help!
We use cutting-edge technology called INSiGHT Scans that allow us to pinpoint, measure, and find subluxation, sympathetic dominance, and nervous system dysregulation that may be causing your child’s emotional dysregulation. With the proper care, we can help your family find calmer, more balanced days.
Remember, your child’s emotional struggles aren’t your fault, and seeking help isn’t a sign of failure – it’s a sign of love and commitment to your child’s wellbeing.
In the world of neurologically-focused chiropractic care, healing is a process that happens in phases. As neurologically-focused pediatric + family Chiropractors, we emphasize the importance of observing Neurological Soft Signs of Healing early in care. These are the subtle yet critical indicators that show a child’s nervous system is beginning to recover, even before the more obvious changes in behavior or health occur.
While parents may understandably look for major breakthroughs—such as improved speech and communication, reduced seizures, or significant behavioral changes—it’s important to recognize that neurological healing starts with foundational shifts in the body.
Neurologically-focused chiropractic care addresses the root cause of nervous system dysfunction, often caused by subluxation, dysautonomia, or a “Perfect Storm” of early stressors. As the nervous system begins to rebalance, there are several early signs that indicate the body is on the right track.
Want to go deeper on this topic? Listen to this episode on The Experience Miracles Podcast, where Dr. Tony covers the subtle yet critical indicators that show a child’s nervous system is beginning to heal, even before major symptoms improve.
What Are Neurological Soft Signs of Healing?
These soft signs are the early and often subtle changes that reflect improved nervous system function. They serve as a key indication that chiropractic adjustments are helping to restore neurological balance and resilience.
Some of the most common Neurological Soft Signs include:
- Improved Sleep Patterns: One of the earliest indicators is better sleep. A child may fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up more rested.
- Better Digestion and Bowel Movements: Many children who begin care show improvements in digestion and bowel regulation, which can manifest as more regular bowel movements or a reduction in digestive discomfort.
- Improved Respiratory and Immune Function: Children may experience fewer illnesses, recover more quickly from colds and congestion, and show less susceptibility to respiratory issues and infections.
- Better Posture and Muscle Tone: As subluxations are corrected, parents may notice that their child’s posture improves, with less head tilting, more relaxed shoulders, and better overall body coordination.
- Reduced Sensory Overload: Children with sensory processing challenges often start to experience less hypersensitivity to stimuli, such as noise, lights, or textures. Things like brushing their teeth, wearing different clothes, trying new foods, or getting a haircut become much easier.
- More Calm and Focused Behavior: Another soft sign of healing is when children begin to show more emotional regulation, less anxiety, and an ability to focus better in school or during therapy sessions.
Why Are Soft Signs Important?
These signs indicate that the central and autonomic nervous systems are starting to reset and reorganize, allowing the body to regulate better. By recognizing these small victories, parents can feel confident that their child is progressing, even if more significant behavioral or brain-based changes take time.
We emphasize that soft signs are part of the process of neurological restoration and a foundation for more noticeable transformations down the road. These initial improvements pave the way for more advanced healing, such as better communication, motor skills, and emotional regulation.
How Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care Supports Healing
Chiropractic adjustments work to remove the neurological interference caused by subluxation and neurological dysfunction, allowing the brain and body to communicate effectively. When the nervous system is restored and back in balance, the body can begin to heal itself naturally. The soft signs are the body’s way of signaling that it is adapting and regaining function, leading to long-term health improvements.
Foundational Basics Before Brain-Based Advanced Therapies
While most medical and even often holistic providers believe that common neurological conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, and Epilepsy especially are “brain-based” problems, and therefore all treatments and care options must aggressively and directly target the brain, the truth is most of these conditions have their roots in the body or more “basics” of functions that are thrown off track first.
The motor system, sensory system, digestive system, respiratory system, immune system, and other “bodily basic functions” are essential and foundational to having a healthy brian and overall nervous system function. So true root cause healing of even “brain-based” conditions must actually begin in the “body” and with the “basics” to be more effective, especially in the long term.
This is also why certain treatments or therapies that target brain function first, before the foundational issues of subluxation, nervous system dysregulation, and dysautonomia are addressed often “destabilize” the brain-body connection even further. Many parents report to us that when their children undergo intensive “brain-based” treatments like lasers and primitive reflex integration early on in the healing process, things like sleep, sensory issues, motor tics, and seizures often get worse not better.
This conversation of properly “sequencing” various care options and healing modalities is perhaps the most important conversation we can have with parents today. Where information and access to various options (awesomely) is at an all time high.
It’s very important that parents are informed about how essential starting with the basic foundations of nervous system function and restoration really is. This can often take weeks or even months to see breakthroughs in the Neurological Soft Signs and INSiGHT Scans for tough cases, and it’s important to wait on layering in other targeted therapies like detoxification, speech therapy, OTs, and so forth until these foundational changes are seen first.
Here is a real life example of one of our perfect storm intensive program patients seeing incredible changes with his neurological soft signs:
The Importance of INSiGHT Scans for Tracking Progress
While soft signs are encouraging indicators of progress, objective changes in nervous system function are best confirmed through INSiGHT Scans. These scans provide valuable data on how well the nervous system is functioning by measuring factors like muscle activity, thermal patterns, and heart rate variability.
Positive changes on these scans demonstrate that the nervous system is moving toward optimal balance, resilience, and restoration. Tracking functional improvements objectively helps ensure that progress is happening in the right direction and provides the scientific validation that parents and practitioners need to see.
Here is an example of HRV (Heart Rate Variability) scans improving as care progresses, indicating vastly improved adaptability, resiliency, and overall neurological function:
What to Expect as Healing Continues
As care progresses, parents may observe additional neurological milestones such as:
- Enhanced immune function
- Greater physical coordination
- Improved behavior and emotional stability
- Enhanced focus and cognitive function
The journey to recovery through neurologically-focused chiropractic care is unique to each child, but recognizing these early signs of improvement can give parents confidence and hope. With continued care, the body can reach its full healing potential, leading to long-lasting, transformative changes in a child’s health and well-being.
Trust the Process of Healing
While every parent naturally wants to see big breakthroughs as soon as possible, it’s crucial to understand the importance of these early neurological soft signs. They are a powerful indication that your child’s body is on the right path to healing and recovery. Through continued care, the nervous system will continue to regulate and strengthen, laying the groundwork for greater neurological restoration and optimal health.
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.
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.
