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
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!
Has your child been to countless doctor appointments, endured multiple rounds of blood work, and maybe even expensive MRIs or other tests, yet you still don’t have real answers about what’s causing their chronic health struggles? You’ve been told everything looks “normal” on their labs, but your child is still dealing with sleep issues, digestive problems, behavioral challenges, or developmental delays.
Meanwhile, your pediatrician keeps saying “They’ll grow out of it” or offers another medication to manage the symptoms. You’re left feeling frustrated, unheard, and desperate for answers that make sense.
You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not wrong. There’s something crucial missing from your child’s healthcare journey – an assessment that could finally reveal the real root cause of their health challenges.
The Missing Piece That Changes Everything
What if there was a crucial examination that reveals the true source of your child’s health challenges – one that most doctors never perform? An assessment so advanced it can detect hidden dysfunction that traditional medicine misses, yet it’s completely safe and non-invasive for children as young as one day old.
This isn’t wishful thinking. It’s science-based healthcare that looks beyond symptoms to find answers.
Why Traditional Medicine Falls Short
Here’s a reality that should concern every parent: traditional medicine relies primarily on symptoms and looks for obvious pathology through standard exams like blood work, MRIs, and EEGs. Yet these tests often come back “normal” even when children are clearly struggling with significant health challenges.
What’s missing from this approach is an assessment of the most critical system that determines whether your child is healthy or not – the central nervous system.
Dr. Bruce Lipton, a renowned cell biologist, explains it perfectly:
“The function of the nervous system is to perceive the environment and coordinate the function of all other cells.”
This means while you’ve probably invested considerable time, energy, and resources trying to improve your child’s gut health, immune system, and motor development through various therapies, most healthcare providers have completely overlooked the one common thread that ties them all together – the nervous system itself.
Understanding Your Child’s “Air Traffic Control” System
Think of your child’s nervous system as the “air traffic control” for their entire body. It coordinates every internal function with every movement, thought, emotion, behavior, and cognitive process. When this system isn’t functioning properly, it affects everything else – which is why you might be seeing multiple, seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Consider this: your child’s brain doubles in size during the first year of life and continues rapid development throughout childhood. During this critical period, nervous system assessment is far more important than knowing where they sit on a height and weight chart. Yet how many healthcare providers have thoroughly evaluated this system?
The Three Scans That Reveal What Others Miss
Advanced neurological scanning technology, specifically INSiGHT Scans, can detect nervous system dysregulation. These three completely safe, non-invasive assessments provide a comprehensive picture of your child’s nervous system function:
1. The NeuroThermal Scan
This scan identifies regional effects of subluxation and dysautonomia affecting your child’s digestive system, immune function, hormones, and sleep regulation. It helps explain conditions like colic, reflux, constipation, chronic ear infections, and allergies that traditional medicine treats as separate, unrelated issues – when they’re actually all connected through nervous system dysfunction.
2. The NeuroSpinal EMG Scan
This measures neuromotor system function and is vital for investigating conditions like autism, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, and anxiety. It can detect three key patterns:
- “Raging Bull” pattern: hyperactive/anxious children
- “Drunken Bull” pattern: coordination and focus challenges
- “Raging Drunken Bull” pattern: combination of both
3. The Heart Rate Variability Scan
This assesses your child’s adaptability and resilience, revealing whether their nervous system is healthy and balanced or stuck in chronic stress mode. It’s the key marker that determines if they can properly adapt to daily physical, emotional, and environmental challenges.
Why Children Don’t “Grow Out Of” Problems
Here’s something that might surprise you: INSiGHT Scans reveal why children don’t actually “grow out of” early problems like colic and tantrums. Instead, they often “grow into” more serious conditions like ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing challenges, and chronic illness as they age.
These scans detect subluxation and dysautonomia – the real root causes creating three major problems in your child’s nervous system:
- Stuck stress and tension
- Lack of balance and coordination
- Overall disorganization and dysfunction
The Power of Precise Measurement
Unlike the guesswork often involved in traditional symptom management, this technology provides precise measurement and tracking of nervous system dysfunction. This allows for personalized care plans that address the actual cause rather than just managing symptoms with medications or therapies.
Finally, you can get real, root-cause answers instead of just “managing symptoms” forever.
Your Next Steps: Empowering Your Family’s Health Journey
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. Trust your instincts when you feel something isn’t right, even when tests come back “normal.” You have the right to:
- Seek comprehensive assessments that look beyond symptoms
- Ask questions about your child’s nervous system function
- Explore advanced diagnostic technology that can reveal hidden dysfunction
- Demand answers that address root causes, not just symptom management
At RCW we understand that the nervous system controls everything in your child’s body. When it’s not functioning optimally, neither is your child. We would love to help you identify and address nervous system dysfunction, giving your child the foundation for true health and optimal development.
If you are ready to advocate for your child’s optimal development and long-term wellbeing, give us a call today to schedule a consultation!
Your child’s health journey doesn’t have to be a mystery. Sometimes, looking deeper reveals exactly what you need to know.
As a parent, you’ve probably had that nagging feeling that something isn’t quite right with your baby, despite your pediatrician insisting everything’s normal. Maybe it’s the way they struggle to sleep unless they’re held. Perhaps it’s their constant fussiness that extends beyond typical newborn behavior. Or maybe it’s those digestive issues that your doctor dismisses as “normal baby stuff.”
Here’s what we want you to know: It’s okay to trust that your parental intuition is right! Those subtle signs you’re noticing may actually be indicators of hidden neurological stress that could be affecting your baby right now.
The Alarming Reality About Children’s Health Today
The statistics around children’s health today are deeply concerning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of children now suffer from at least one chronic health condition – numbers that have risen dramatically over the past few decades. Even more eye-opening, research published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that 99% of newborns, even those considered “healthy,” had some form of somatic dysfunction affecting their cranial, cervical, lumbar, and sacral regions – with the degree of dysfunction directly related to the length of labor.
These statistics reveal a widespread issue that most parents aren’t aware of: standard pediatric checkups, while valuable for many aspects of health, simply aren’t designed to detect the neurological dysfunction that could be affecting your baby right now, and potentially contributing to health challenges that emerge months or years later.
Understanding the “Perfect Storm” Creating Hidden Stress
What we call the “Perfect Storm” refers to a cascade of stressors that begin early in life and can set the stage for neurological dysfunction in babies. This storm typically begins during pregnancy when a mother experiences chronic stress. Causing hormones like cortisol to cross the placenta and impact the developing baby’s nervous system.
Research published in ScienceDirect shows that maternal stress during pregnancy can actually alter the development of the baby’s brain, creating a foundation for dysfunction before birth even occurs. The birth process itself, while natural, can create significant physical stress for newborns – and this stress is often magnified by common interventions.
How Birth Interventions Impact Your Baby’s Nervous System
Many common birth interventions, while sometimes medically necessary, can create additional challenges for your baby’s delicate nervous system:
C-sections bypass the natural compression sequence that helps prepare a baby’s nervous system for life outside the womb, potentially leading to retained birth stress and neurological stress.
Forceps or vacuum extraction apply significant forces to a baby’s delicate head and neck, potentially causing the brainstem and vagus nerve to be out of proper alignment.
These physical challenges often lead to what’s called subluxation – areas of neurological interference that disrupt the communication between the brain and body.
The Subtle Signs Every Parent Should Watch For
Your baby may be experiencing hidden neurological stress if you notice:
Sleep Challenges: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, restless sleep, or only sleeping when held or in motion. These aren’t just “normal baby things” but potential indicators of nervous system dysfunction.
Feeding Difficulties: Poor latch, excessive spitting up, or becoming easily distracted during feeds can all stem from neurological stress.
Digestive Issues: Constipation, excessive gas, or signs of colic (excessive crying for more than three hours a day, three days a week) often indicate vagus nerve dysfunction.
Physical Asymmetries: Preference for turning the head to one side or flattening on one side of the head can signal neurological imbalance.
Sensory Sensitivity: Heightened startle reflex, excessive irritability in stimulating environments, or difficulty calming when overstimulated are all red flags for nervous system stress.
Why Traditional Approaches Sometimes Miss These Issues
Standard pediatric care focuses primarily on measuring growth, checking for visible illness, and monitoring major developmental milestones – not subtle neurological dysfunction. The conventional approach typically follows a “wait and see” pattern, addressing symptoms with medications only when they become severe enough to warrant intervention.
This approach often leads to managing symptoms without addressing the underlying root cause, potentially allowing neurological dysfunction to compound over time.
A Gentle Approach to Addressing Hidden Stress
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a gentle approach to addressing hidden stress in babies. This specialized care uses:
- Gentle adjustments using pressure about the same amount you’d use to put in a contact lens or check a tomato’s ripeness
- Advanced neurological scans, INSiGHT Scans, that objectively measure nervous system function, detecting subluxation and dysautonomia that would be missed in standard pediatric exams
- Root cause focus that addresses subluxation and promotes proper nervous system function
By addressing these issues early, this care helps babies develop more resilient, balanced nervous systems that support overall health and development.
Trust Your Instincts and Take Action
As parents, you know your baby better than anyone. If something feels off, don’t dismiss those feelings. Your parental intuition, combined with proper assessment, can be powerful tools in ensuring your baby’s optimal health and development.
The hidden stress affecting your baby today doesn’t have to become tomorrow’s chronic health challenge. At RCW, we know that neurologically-focused chiropractic care can help set your child up for a lifetime of better health – and we are ready to help with that! Please don’t wait to reach out to schedule a consultation with us today.
Your instincts matter. Your baby’s nervous system matters. And taking action early matters most of all.
