Any parent wants their child to be healthy, happy, and thriving. But what if, despite your best efforts, your child seems to be struggling? Maybe they’re constantly battling digestive issues, sleep problems, respiratory infections, or frequent emotional outbursts.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A growing number of children today are facing chronic health challenges that stem from an underlying issue: nervous system dysregulation. Research shows that a staggering 1 in 6 children now suffer from a diagnosed neurological disorder, and more than 3 billion people are living with a neurological condition worldwide.
A well-regulated nervous system is crucial for a child’s overall health and development. However, studies show that when dysregulated, it can manifest in a wide range of physical, emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues.
Fortunately, there is hope for addressing nervous system dysregulation. Recognizing the signs your nervous system is dysregulated, considering Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, and implementing practical strategies at home can promote balance and optimal health for your child from the inside out.
Understanding the Nervous System: The Body’s Command Center
To grasp the significance of nervous system dysregulation, it’s essential first to understand the crucial role that the nervous system plays in our overall physical and mental health. The nervous system is the body’s command center, regulating every function from breathing and heart rate to digestion and immune response.
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 encompasses the vast network of nerves that extend throughout the body.
Within the peripheral nervous system, the autonomic nervous system plays a critical role in regulating involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiration.
The autonomic nervous system has three main branches that work together to maintain balance:
- Sympathetic Nervous System: Referred to as the “fight or flight” response, this branch of the nervous system activates during times of stress or perceived threat. It prepares for response by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to the muscles while slowing digestion.
- Parasympathetic Nervous System: Commonly known as the “rest, digest, and regulate” response, this branch of the autonomic nervous system promotes relaxation, conserves energy, and facilitates bodily functions such as digestion, urination, and salivation.
- Enteric Nervous System: This third, lesser-known branch governs the gastrointestinal tract, controlling functions like peristalsis, secretion, and absorption.
One of the key players in the parasympathetic nervous system is the vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body. The vagus nerve extends from the brainstem down through the neck, chest, and abdomen, connecting the brain to major organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. It helps regulate the body’s “rest and digest” response, lowering heart rate, reducing inflammation, and supporting other parasympathetic “rest and regulate” functions.
A healthy nervous system is important for a child’s growth and learning. However, when it doesn’t work properly, it can cause physical, emotional, and cognitive problems.
“The Perfect Storm” of Factors That Contribute to Nervous System Dysregulation
So why are so many children struggling with nervous system dysregulation today? At PX Docs, we recognize that there’s no single answer to this complex question. Instead, we understand that various factors can converge to create a “Perfect Storm” that disrupts a child’s delicate neurological balance.
One key piece of the puzzle is prenatal stress and maternal anxiety. One study that followed 80 adults in their mid-40s was able to draw direct links back to the maternal stress associated with their birth and their increased susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders later on.
Birth trauma and birth interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, C-section, and induction can create physical tension and constraint that leads to subluxation in the upper neck, upper back, and mid-spinal regions. These areas protect the delicate nerves that control latching, swallowing, sleeping, soothing, and digestive motility.
Any neurological interferences that disrupt brain and body communication can make it harder for a child to regulate their stress response and maintain a state of calm and balance.
Other factors that can contribute to “The Perfect Storm” of nervous system dysregulation include:
- Excessive exposure to environmental toxins like heavy metals and pesticides can lead to neurological diseases, as studies have shown
- Chronic inflammation triggered by factors like poor diet, gut dysbiosis, and allergies
- Ongoing physical, emotional, or psychological stress in a child’s home or school environment
- Overuse of antibiotics and other medications that can disrupt the gut-brain axis
While these factors alone may not cause significant dysregulation, the cumulative effect over time can be profound. That’s why at PX Docs, we take a comprehensive, whole-child approach to identifying and addressing the root causes of nervous system dysfunction.
Signs Your Nervous System is Dysregulated
When a child’s nervous system is out of balance, it can manifest in a wide range of physical, emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues.
Some of the most common physical signs of a dysregulated nervous system include:
- Chronic pain and tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back
- Digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, reflux, and food sensitivities
- Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, night terrors, and bedwetting
- Respiratory challenges like asthma, allergies, and frequent colds or infections
These physical signs often go hand-in-hand with physical and mental health challenges, such as:
- Anxiety, depression, and mood swings
- Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty sitting still or focusing
- Frequent emotional outbursts, meltdowns, or tantrums
- Difficulty coping with stress, changes in routine, or new situations
In some cases, nervous system dysregulation can also impact a child’s cognitive development and learning, leading to:
- Attention and focus difficulties, including ADHD-like issues
- Sensory processing issues, such as hypersensitivity to light, sound, or touch
- Delayed milestones in areas like speech, motor skills, or social interaction
- Regression in previously acquired skills or abilities
As a parent, it’s important to remember that these signs do not reflect your parenting or your child’s character. They are often the result of an imbalanced nervous system that needs targeted support to function optimally.
The Limitations of Traditional Approaches
Many parents first turn to traditional healthcare approaches to address nervous system dysregulation in children. They may consult with their pediatrician, seek specialists like neurologists or psychiatrists, or try conventional therapies such as medication or behavioral interventions.
While these approaches can certainly play a role in managing issues on the surface and supporting a child’s well-being, they often fall short when addressing the root causes of nervous system imbalance. Medications like stimulants, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety drugs may provide temporary relief. Still, they don’t resolve the underlying neurological dysfunction, and research shows that they may even lead to physical dependence.
Similarly, behavioral therapies and counseling can help children develop coping strategies and improve their emotional regulation skills, but they don’t address the physical and neurological aspects of nervous system dysregulation.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care: A Key to Restoring Balance Within a Dysregulated Nervous System
This is where Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care comes in. Unlike traditional chiropractic, which primarily focuses on spinal alignment and musculoskeletal issues, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care targets the root causes of nervous system dysregulation, including subluxation and dysautonomia.
At PX Docs, our providers deliver this care using cutting-edge technology called neurosensory INSiGHT Scans to detect and measure these underlying imbalances precisely. By identifying neurological stress and dysfunction areas, we can develop targeted care plans that address each child’s unique needs.
Supporting Nervous System Health at Home
In addition to chiropractic care, there are many things parents can do at home to support their child’s nervous system health and promote balance and resilience. Some key strategies include:
- Studies show that a whole-food diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and high-quality protein sources can support nervous system health
- Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, plastics, and air pollution
- Encouraging regular exercise, outdoor play, and time in nature
- Research has found that stress management techniques like deep breathing can calm the central nervous system
- Creating a consistent, predictable daily routine with plenty of time for rest
By taking a proactive, holistic approach to your child’s health and well-being, you can help to build a strong foundation for lifelong nervous system balance and resilience.
Taking a Proactive Approach to Nervous System Dysregulation
Nervous system dysregulation is a growing problem among children today, contributing to various physical, emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. But while the signs of an imbalance can be overwhelming, it’s important to remember that hope exists.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, combined with lifestyle strategies like nutrition, stress reduction, and environmental awareness, offers a powerful solution for addressing the root causes of imbalance and promoting lifelong wellness.
If you suspect your child may be struggling with nervous system dysregulation, schedule a consultation using the PX Docs Directory today. Our trained providers can help you identify the underlying imbalances contributing to your child’s issues and develop a personalized care plan to support their unique needs.
