Home
About
Blog
New Patients
services
Contact

WElcome TO

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

family

kids

kick the sick

pregnancy

blog home

read the post

The Best Kept Secret to Helping Your Child’s Immune System Thrive

Kick the Sick

As a parent, you’ve likely experienced those frustrating moments when it seems like your child catches every bug that goes around. You might have tried everything from strict hand-washing routines to countless supplements, only to find yourself back at square one with another illness. But what if we told you that the key to unlocking your child’s immune health might not be in yet another supplement or medication but in a nerve you may not have heard of? Let’s explore the vagus nerve and how it could be the game-changer in your child’s health journey.

The Vagus Nerve: Your Child’s Hidden Health Superhighway

Imagine a superhighway running through your child’s body, connecting their brain to almost every major organ. That’s the vagus nerve – often called the “wandering nerve” because of how extensively it travels. This incredible nerve plays a crucial role in regulating your child’s immune system, acting as a sophisticated communication channel between the brain and the body.

When the vagus nerve is functioning optimally, it helps maintain what we call the “inflammatory reflex.” It helps ensure that your child’s immune system responds appropriately to threats without going overboard. It’s like having a perfect balance of alertness and calm in their body.

The Science Behind the Vagus Nerve and Immune Function

Let’s break down how this works:

  1. Detection: When your child’s body encounters a potential threat (like a virus or bacteria), sensory fibers in the vagus nerve detect this and send signals to the brain.
  2. Processing: The brain processes this information and determines the appropriate response.
  3. Response: The brain then sends signals back through the vagus nerve to control inflammation and immune response.
  4. Balance: This back-and-forth communication helps ensure that the immune response is neither too weak (leaving your child vulnerable to infections) nor too strong (potentially leading to issues like allergies or autoimmune conditions).

A well-functioning vagus nerve can lead to:

  • Fewer illnesses and quicker recovery times
  • Reduced allergic reactions and asthma symptoms
  • Better digestion and gut health (remember, a large portion of the immune system is in the gut!)
  • Improved mood and behavior
  • Enhanced overall resilience and stress response
  • Better sleep quality
  • Reduced inflammation throughout the body

Isn’t it exciting to think that supporting this one nerve could have such wide-reaching effects on your child’s health?

What Can Disrupt Vagus Nerve Function?

Understanding what can interfere with vagus nerve function is crucial. Some common factors include:

  1. Birth stress: Even a seemingly uncomplicated birth can sometimes cause misalignments that affect nerve function.
  2. Chronic stress: Our modern, fast-paced lifestyles can take a toll on the nervous system, even in children.
  3. Poor posture: In our digital age, many children spend hours hunched over devices, which can impact nerve pathways.
  4. Nutritional deficiencies: The nerve needs proper nutrition to function optimally.
  5. Environmental toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals or pollutants can affect nervous system function.

A Natural Approach to Your Child’s Health

By focusing on supporting the vagus nerve, we’re not just treating symptoms – we’re enhancing your child’s overall health from the inside out. This approach can lead to improvements not just in immune function but in areas like sleep, digestion, and even mood and behavior.

Imagine a future where your child isn’t constantly battling illnesses, where allergies are less severe, and where their body is better equipped to handle whatever comes their way. That’s the potential of a well-functioning vagus nerve.

Taking the Next Step

As parents, we all want the best for our children. By focusing on the vagus nerve – this incredible “wandering nerve” – we have the opportunity to support our children’s health in a profound and drug-free way. It’s not about quick fixes or masking symptoms; it’s about nurturing our children’s innate ability to heal and thrive.

For next steps and to schedule a consultation, please reach out to RCW today!

Here’s to unlocking your child’s true health potential and watching them flourish in ways you might never have imagined!

read the post

Why All Chiropractic Care Isn’t Created Equal for Kids

New Patients

As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health. In today’s world of abundant healthcare options, it can be challenging to navigate the best path for your little one. You may have heard about chiropractic care, but did you know there are different types, each with its own focus and approach? Understanding these differences could be the key to unlocking your child’s full health potential.

Imagine a healthcare approach that doesn’t just treat symptoms but addresses the root cause of your child’s health challenges. A method that focuses on the nervous system – the master control center of the body. 

Let’s explore the world of chiropractic care and discover why Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care might be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.

The Evolution of Natural Health Care

Over the past 16 years, we’ve seen a remarkable shift in healthcare approaches. What was once considered “alternative” or “natural” health is now mainstream. Gluten-free diets, dairy-free options, paleo eating, and supplement regimens have become common practices for many families seeking optimal health.

This explosion of holistic and natural health options is fantastic news! However, it can also lead to confusion and overwhelm. With so many choices available, how do you know which approach is best for your child?

Breaking Down the Types of Chiropractic Care

Let’s simplify things by exploring the three main types of chiropractic care:

  1. Standard Spinal Chiropractic Care: This traditional approach focuses primarily on musculoskeletal issues like back pain, neck pain, and spinal problems. It uses spinal adjustments to relieve pain and improve mobility, often incorporating therapies like massage and posture correction. While great for addressing specific pain issues, it may not fully address underlying neurological imbalances.
  2. Functional Neurology: This approach emphasizes brain-based therapies and neurological pathways. It uses a range of therapies, including sensory stimulation and cognitive exercises, with a focus on primitive reflex integration. While effective, it can sometimes involve a complex, multifaceted approach that might be overwhelming for some patients.
  3. Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care: This specialized approach targets the root cause of many health issues: subluxation, nervous system dysregulation, and dysautonomia. It uses specialized neuro-tonal adjustments to restore balance to the nervous system and employs advanced INSiGHT Scans to assess nervous system health. What sets this approach apart is its emphasis on achieving neurological stability before introducing other therapies.

Why Neurologically-Focused Care Matters

When we look at the research behind the increasing prevalence of chronic health issues in children, we see that it’s often the Central and Autonomic Nervous Systems that get thrown off track first. Once subluxation, sympathetic dominance, and nervous system dysregulation set in, they can contribute to a cascade of health challenges.

These neurological imbalances can lead to:

  • Decreased gut, immune system, and microbiome function
  • Delayed or missed gross and fine motor milestones
  • Sensory processing disorders
  • Retained primitive reflexes

One of the key principles in Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care is the importance of addressing health issues in the right order. Just as optimal neurological and overall health development follows a specific sequence, healing, and restoration must follow that same order.

While it might seem intuitive to tackle multiple issues simultaneously, especially in challenging cases, our clinical experience shows that a “less is more” approach is often more effective. By focusing on establishing neurological stability first, we create a strong foundation for overall health and healing.

Finding Your Path Forward

If you feel like you’ve tried everything and aren’t seeing the results you hoped for, consider these steps:

  1. Evaluate whether you have a trusted Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractor on your healthcare team.
  2. Reflect on whether your current approach feels overwhelming or potentially counterproductive.
  3. Consider hitting the “reset” button and taking a fresh look at your child’s health plan, possibly adopting a more focused, sequential approach.

Understanding the different types of chiropractic care is crucial in finding the right approach for your child’s health. While each type has its merits, Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care offers a unique, comprehensive approach that addresses the root cause of many chronic health issues.

If you’ve been struggling to find answers for your child’s health challenges, or if you’re interested in a natural, drug-free approach to optimizing your child’s health, Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care could be the answer you’ve been searching for.  Please don’t wait to reach out to RCW today to schedule a consultation with one of our PX Docs!

Don’t let another day go by wondering if there’s a better way to support your child’s health. Explore the potential of Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care and take the first step towards unlocking your child’s full health potential.

read the post

Find Your Circle: Choosing the Right Providers for Your Prenatal Team

Prenatal

Becoming a mother is one of the most transformative experiences in life. It is filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair share of uncertainty. As you prepare to welcome your little one, the first crucial step is assembling the right prenatal team. The professionals you choose to support you through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum play a significant role in your health and well-being. As well as that of your baby. Here’s why finding the right providers is essential.

The Importance of a Supportive Prenatal Team

Your prenatal team is your support system. Guiding you through the physical and emotional changes of preconception, pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Here are a few reasons why choosing the right providers is so important:

  1. Personalized Care: Every pregnancy is unique, and having providers who understand and respect your individual needs and preferences is crucial. Personalized care ensures that you and your baby are receiving the best possible support tailored to your specific circumstances.
  2. Emotional Support: Pregnancy and childbirth can be emotionally challenging. Surrounding yourself with a team that offers empathy, reassurance, and encouragement can significantly improve your experience.
  3. Aligned Vision: It’s essential to have providers who support your vision for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Whether you’re planning a home birth, VBAC, hospital delivery, or considering other options, having a team that respects and advocates for your choices is empowering and vital to have the birth of your dreams. 

If you are already a patient at RCW, then you know how important having mom’s nervous system regulated is for baby’s development! Once our nervous systems are functioning and adapting the way they were designed to, it’s time to build our dream birth team! At RCW, we have teamed up with some of our favorite birth providers in the Rochester area!

Let’s Change the Narrative

In a world that is full of intimidating diagnoses, politically-driven agendas, judgy mom groups, social media, trigger warnings left and right, and the Target checkout lady saying “sleep while you can,” it’s so hard to know where to turn to for advice when you find out that you’re pregnant. 

What if we started looking at the pregnancy journey and the motherhood transition a little differently than our society does? It starts with who and what we surround ourselves with. Today’s world is muddled with materials, opinions, and options when it comes to pregnancy. So who we choose to be in our circle is most important. Have you ever heard the saying, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with?”. Who you choose to be around and listen to are the people who have the most influence in your life. And at a time when you are most vulnerable, keep your birth team and circle tight. Have a circle that supports, empowers, and encourages you in all your choices during your pregnancy. 

Building the right prenatal team is an investment in your well-being and that of your child. By choosing providers who respect and support your vision for birth and postpartum and by incorporating neurologically-focused chiropractic care into your plan, you’re setting the stage for a healthier, more empowered pregnancy journey.

Don’t Know If Your Nervous System Is Regulated For or During Pregnancy? Get a Neurological INSiGHT Scan ⬇️

To ensure that your nervous system is in the best possible shape during this critical time, consider getting a neurological INSiGHT scan. This advanced technology provides a detailed look at how your nervous system is functioning and adapting to the changes of pregnancy. OR when preparing for pregnancy, for both mom and dad. It’s a valuable tool for creating a personalized plan that supports both your health and the health of your baby.

Schedule your neurological INSiGHT scan today and take the first step towards a healthier pregnancy and beyond. Your journey to motherhood deserves the best support possible.

read the post

Why Too Many Treatments Can Hinder Your Child’s Healing

Pediatric Chiropractic

Parents, we see you. We understand the journey you’ve been on, trying to help your child overcome chronic health issues. It’s a path filled with hope, disappointment, determination, and, often, sheer frustration. You’ve consulted countless doctors, explored various therapies, changed diets, and tried natural remedies. Perhaps you’ve even traveled across the country or internationally, seeking that one specialist or treatment that might make all the difference.

The emotional and financial toll is immense. You’ve likely spent thousands on insurance deductibles, copays, vitamins, supplements, and therapies. Sleepless nights have become the norm as you research the next potential solution. It’s more than exhausting – it’s all-consuming.

But what if we told you that the answer isn’t about trying MORE, but about doing things in the right order? We want to dive into why your child might not be healing despite your best efforts and reveal a “hidden in plain sight” missing link in most treatment approaches.

The Alarming Reality of Childhood Chronic Illness

First, let’s look at some sobering statistics that highlight the magnitude of the problem we’re facing:

  • Chronic illness affects approximately 27% of children in the United States – that’s more than 1 in 4 kids.
  • 1 in 6 children have sensory issues.
  • Autism rates have skyrocketed to 1 in 36 children.
  • ADHD affects about 9.4% of children.
  • Childhood anxiety disorders impact 7.1% of children aged 3-17.

These numbers are staggering, and they’re only increasing. It’s clear that something is missing in our approach to children’s health. The traditional medical model often falls short when it comes to addressing chronic conditions in children. It tends to focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing root causes.

The Missing Piece: Understanding the Nervous System

Here’s what many parents and even some health professionals overlook: everything starts with the nervous system. Your child’s nervous system develops first in-utero and controls every other bodily function. It’s the master control center for sleep, digestion, immune function, and even behavior.

Many children experience what we call the “Perfect Storm” – a series of stressors early in life that can derail their neurodevelopment:

  1. Stress during pregnancy: This could be physical stress, emotional stress, or exposure to toxins.
  2. Birth interventions or trauma: Things like forceps, vacuum extraction, induction, or C-section can put stress on a baby’s nervous system.
  3. Early exposure to antibiotics and other toxins: Whether through medical procedures, food, or environmental factors, these can disrupt the developing nervous system and microbiome.

When the nervous system is thrown off track and becomes dysregulated, it can lead to a cascade of health issues. This is why children with one condition often struggle with multiple symptoms across different body systems.

The Domino Effect of Nervous System Dysregulation

Think of your child’s nervous system like the conductor of an orchestra. When the conductor is off-beat, the entire performance suffers. Similarly, when the nervous system is dysregulated, it can affect:

  • Sleep patterns: Leading to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep.
  • Digestion: Causing issues like constipation, diarrhea, or food sensitivities.
  • Immune function: Resulting in frequent illnesses or autoimmune issues.
  • Behavior and mood: Leading to anxiety, irritability, or difficulty with emotional regulation.
  • Sensory processing: Causing over- or under-sensitivity to stimuli.
  • Motor skills: Affecting coordination and fine motor development.

You’ve likely explored many avenues of healing – and that’s commendable. Focusing on gut health, microbiome, inflammation, and immune system is important. But there’s one layer deeper we need to address: Nervous System Dysregulation.

When the nervous system is out of balance, it affects everything else. It can disrupt gut function, immune response, and even motor coordination. By addressing nervous system dysregulation first, we create a foundation for all other healing to occur more effectively.

Think of it like building a house. No matter how beautiful the walls, roof, and interior design are, if the foundation is shaky, the entire structure is at risk. Your child’s nervous system is that foundation.

A New Approach: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

For many families struggling with chronic illness, the real missing link could be addressing nervous system dysregulation with Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. 

This approach can lead to improvements across multiple areas of health simultaneously. Parents often report:

  • Better sleep
  • Improved digestion
  • Stronger immune response
  • Easier transitions
  • Better mood and behavior regulation
  • Sensory processing improvements

If you’re feeling stuck and frustrated with your child’s healing journey, it might be time to explore this approach. The best part? At RCW, we use cutting-edge technology called INSiGHT Scans that can help find and pinpoint nervous system dysregulation with incredible accuracy.

We can actually quantify and locate areas of dysregulation within your child’s nervous system, then sit down at what we call our “Report of Findings” visit and show you exactly what’s been holding your child back from optimal healing!

There’s hope, and there are answers. Sometimes, they’re just hiding in plain sight. Don’t let another day go by watching your child struggle. Consider exploring Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care – it could be the missing piece in your child’s health puzzle.

Take that first step. Give us a call to learn more about how we can assess your child’s nervous system function and create a personalized care plan. Your child deserves to thrive, not just survive. Let’s work together to unlock their full healing potential. 

read the post

Here’s Why You’re Not Healing

Pediatric Chiropractic

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!

read the post

Tired Of Endless Medications, Diet Changes, And Supplements For Inflammation? There May Be More Going On

Pediatric Chiropractic

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!