Almost 8% of all children aged 3 to 17 have an anxiety disorder, and when we consider today’s fast-paced, high-stress environment, this statistic becomes less surprising. For parents of struggling kids, however, this can cause overwhelm and frustration.
What many don’t realize is that the diverse issues associated with anxiety, sleep issues, digestion issues, and other mental and emotional traits often share a common root cause: a dysregulated nervous system.
Nervous system dysregulation and associated neurological conditions are surprisingly common. In one study on 80 children, 100% of them had emotional dysregulation and other issues. That same study revealed that in 94% of the cases with issues, adverse childhood experiences were present in 65% of them.
Despite its prevalence, conventional medicine often overlooks or misunderstands this critical issue, leaving families without the needed answers and support.
That’s where this guide comes in. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of the nervous system, exploring its role in child development, the causes and signs of a dysregulated nervous system, and the drug-free solutions for healing the nervous system Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care provides.
Understanding the Nervous System
The nervous system consists of two main components: the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which extends throughout the body.
The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating physiological and psychological well-being within the peripheral nervous system. This system is further divided into three branches:
- The sympathetic nervous system: Also known as the “fight or flight” response, prepares the body to respond to perceived threats or stressors by releasing stress hormones, increasing heart rate, and redirecting blood flow to the muscles.
- The parasympathetic nervous system: Often referred to as the “rest, digest, regulate” system, promotes relaxation, recovery, and healing when stressors are removed.
- Enteric Nervous System: This lesser-known branch governs the gastrointestinal tract and controls bodily functions like secretion and absorption.
Balancing these two nervous systems is essential for a child’s overall health and development. When the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems work in harmony, the body can effectively respond to challenges while maintaining a state of inner calm and resilience.
The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body, is a key player in this balancing act. It serves as a vital communication highway between the brain and the body, transmitting signals that help regulate heart rate, breathing, digestion, and immune function. A healthy vagus nerve promotes relaxation, reduces inflammation, and fosters emotional well-being.
When the nervous system is functioning optimally, children can navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease, resilience, and vitality. However, when this balance is disrupted, the effects can set the stage for various physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
“The Perfect Storm” of Factors Causing a Dysregulated Nervous System
Children today face many challenges, rather than a singular cause, that can contribute to nervous system dysregulation. We refer to this phenomenon as “The Perfect Storm,” which occurs when a combination of stressors accumulates over time and overwhelms the developing nervous system.
One of the earliest factors in this “Perfect Storm” is the prenatal period. Studies have shown that even mild forms of stress during pregnancy can have long-term consequences for child development.
The birthing process itself can also contribute to nervous system imbalances. Birth interventions such as forceps delivery and cesarean section can cause physical strain on the tissues of the head, neck, and spine. Birth injuries, which result in nervous system imbalances, are said to affect about 7 out of every 1,000 babies in the U.S.
As children grow, they may face a variety of additional stressors that can further contribute to dysregulation. These may include:
- Environmental toxins and pollutants
- Processed and nutrient-poor diets
- Sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity
- Excessive screen time and technology use
- Emotional stress and trauma, such as bullying or family discord
Over time, the cumulative impact of these stressors can lead to a state of chronic sympathetic dominance, where the “fight or flight” response becomes hyperactive, and the parasympathetic “rest and digest” system is suppressed. This imbalance, known as dysautonomia, can manifest in a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental health issues.
Signs of a Dysregulated Nervous System
Data shows that a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive issues can arise when the nervous system is out of balance. Some common signs of dysregulation include:
- Digestive issues: Chronic constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking feeling unrefreshed
- Chronic pain: Headaches, neck pain, back pain, or other unexplained pain syndromes
- Emotional and behavioral challenges: Anxiety, depression, mood swings, or irritability
- Cognitive difficulties: Trouble concentrating, poor memory, brain fog, or difficulty learning
Nervous system dysregulation can also contribute to the development of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD.)
The Limitations of Traditional Approaches to Healing the Nervous System
Many conventional approaches rely on medication-based therapies for healing the nervous system. While these treatments, such as anti-anxiety medications, can provide short-term relief, evidence shows they often come with a host of potential adverse side effects, such as physical dependence withdrawal complications.
Another common approach is the “wait and see” method, where healthcare providers advise parents to observe their child’s surface-level issues over time in hopes that they will eventually outgrow them. However, this passive approach can allow nervous system imbalances to persist and worsen, leading to more significant challenges.
To effectively address nervous system dysregulation, a comprehensive, root-cause approach is needed—one that looks beyond symptom management and seeks to restore balance and function to the entire nervous system.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care: A Drug-Free Solution for Rebalancing a Dysregulated Nervous System
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a powerful, drug-free approach to healing the nervous system and promoting optimal health and well-being. This specialized form of care is based on the understanding that the spine and nervous system are intimately connected and that subluxations (neurological dysfunction within the neurospinal system) can disrupt normal nervous system function.
Neurologically-focused chiropractors use precise adjustments to identify and correct these subluxations, allowing the nervous system to communicate effectively and function at its best.
One key tool used in Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is the neurosensory INSiGHT Scan. This cutting-edge technology allows chiropractors to objectively assess the function of the nervous system, identifying areas of imbalance or dysregulation and providing a detailed picture of a child’s neurological health.
Lifestyle Strategies for Nervous System Regulation
Many lifestyle strategies can support healthy nervous system function and promote overall well-being when coupled with Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. Lifestyle strategies include:
- Prioritizing sleep by creating a consistent bedtime routine and optimizing your child’s sleep environment
- Encouraging a whole-food diet to support optimal brain and nervous system function.
- Incorporating regular physical activity to help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote overall health and well-being.
- Providing a nurturing, supportive home environment with minimal stressors promotes nervous system regulation.
Taking the First Step Toward Healing a Dysregulated Nervous System
The nervous system is the master controller of the body, regulating every aspect of our physical, emotional, and cognitive health. When this delicate system becomes imbalanced, the effects can be far-reaching and profound, contributing to various challenges impacting a child’s development and quality of life.
By understanding the key role of the nervous system in overall health and well-being and recognizing the signs of a dysregulated nervous system, parents can take proactive steps to support their child’s optimal development.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a custom, drug-free approach to healing the nervous system and restoring balance to the body and brain.
If you’re ready to take the first step on this transformative journey, we invite you to contact a drug-free PX Doc provider using the PX Doc Directory today.
