You notice it in the small moments—the way your child’s shoulders tense when you mention school, the tears that come out of nowhere at bedtime, the stomach aches that appear every Sunday night. Your once carefree kid now seems to carry the weight of the world on their small shoulders, and you’re left wondering: when did anxiety become such a big part of childhood, and what can you do to help?
If you’re a parent in Madison, Middleton, or the surrounding Wisconsin communities watching your child struggle with anxiety, you’re far from alone. Childhood anxiety has become increasingly common, affecting nearly 1 in 8 children nationwide. But here’s what many parents don’t realize: while anxiety shows up as an emotional challenge, it’s deeply rooted in how your child’s nervous system is functioning. Understanding this connection opens the door to natural, effective solutions that address the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.
At ADIO Chiropractic in Middleton, our doctors work with families throughout the Madison area to help children overcome anxiety by supporting their nervous system’s ability to regulate stress and emotions. Let’s explore why your child might be dealing with anxiety and what you can do to help them find relief and calm.
Table of Contents
What Childhood Anxiety Actually Looks Like
Childhood anxiety isn’t always obvious. While some children vocalize their worries constantly, others show their anxiety in ways that might surprise you.
Common signs of childhood anxiety include:
- Physical symptoms: Frequent stomach aches, headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping
- Behavioral changes: Clinginess, avoidance of activities they used to enjoy, perfectionism, or difficulty separating from parents
- Emotional responses: Excessive worry, irritability, frequent meltdowns over small issues, or fear of making mistakes
- Social challenges: Withdrawal from friends, difficulty in social situations, or fear of judgment
- School-related stress: Refusing to go to school, crying before school, or excessive worry about performance
For many children in Waunakee, Verona, and throughout Dane County, these symptoms interfere with daily life, affecting their ability to enjoy childhood, learn effectively, and build healthy relationships.
“My daughter would have a meltdown every morning before school,” shares Jennifer, a Madison mom whose 7-year-old struggled with anxiety. “We tried everything—earlier bedtimes, special breakfasts, rewards—but nothing seemed to help. I felt so helpless watching her suffer.”
The challenge for parents is that anxiety rarely exists in isolation. Children dealing with anxiety often also struggle with sleep issues, digestive problems, focus challenges, and emotional regulation—all of which can make daily life feel overwhelming for the entire family.
The Neurological Connection: Understanding Anxiety from the Inside Out
To truly understand childhood anxiety, we need to look at what’s happening inside your child’s nervous system. This is where ADIO Chiropractic’s approach differs from conventional methods that focus primarily on thoughts and behaviors.
Your child’s nervous system has two main operating modes:
- The sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight): Designed to respond to threats and danger
- The parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest): Responsible for calm, relaxation, and recovery
In a healthy, balanced nervous system, your child moves fluidly between these states—active and alert when needed, calm and relaxed at other times. However, many anxious children get stuck in sympathetic dominance, where their body remains in a constant state of high alert even when there’s no real danger.
Think of it like a car alarm that’s too sensitive—it goes off with the slightest touch, even when there’s no actual threat. Your child’s nervous system is doing something similar, triggering anxiety responses to situations that shouldn’t be threatening.
Why Children Get Stuck in Fight-or-Flight Mode
Several factors can contribute to nervous system dysregulation in children:
Birth trauma and early life stress: Difficult births, C-sections, or the use of interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction can create tension in the upper cervical spine and nervous system. Even years later, this tension can affect how your child’s nervous system processes stress.
Chronic stress accumulation: Modern childhood involves more scheduled activities, academic pressure, and screen time than ever before. When stress accumulates faster than your child’s nervous system can process it, anxiety develops.
Physical tension patterns: Falls, sports injuries, poor posture from device use, and even the daily backpack load can create misalignments in the spine that interfere with nervous system communication.
Sensory processing challenges: Some children’s nervous systems are naturally more sensitive to sensory input—lights, sounds, textures, or crowds. When they can’t filter or process this input effectively, their system stays on high alert.
Digestive issues: The gut-brain connection is powerful. When children struggle with constipation, food sensitivities, or other digestive challenges, it creates a feedback loop that keeps the nervous system stressed.
Our doctors at ADIO Chiropractic explain it this way: “When we see an anxious child, we’re not just looking at their emotions or behaviors. We’re assessing how their entire nervous system is functioning. Often, these children have nervous systems that are working overtime, unable to downshift into a calm, regulated state.”
Addressing Common Objections: Is This Really About the Spine?
Many parents wonder how chiropractic care relates to anxiety, which seems like an emotional or mental health issue. The connection becomes clear when you understand that your spine protects your spinal cord—the main communication highway between your brain and body.
When vertebrae become misaligned (what chiropractors call “subluxations”), they can create interference in nerve signals. This interference affects how your child’s brain receives information about their environment and body, and how effectively their nervous system can shift between alert and calm states.
Neurologically-based chiropractic care doesn’t treat anxiety directly. Instead, it removes interference in the nervous system, allowing your child’s body to better regulate stress responses naturally. It’s like clearing a clogged drain—once the interference is removed, normal function can resume.
How ADIO Chiropractic Helps Children with Anxiety
At our Middleton office, our doctors take a comprehensive, nervous system-focused approach to helping children overcome anxiety. Here’s what that looks like:
Comprehensive Neurological Assessment
Every child’s anxiety story is unique. We begin with a thorough evaluation that includes:
- Detailed health history: Understanding your child’s birth, early development, stressors, and symptom patterns
- Neurological scans: Using advanced technology to measure how your child’s nervous system is functioning and where stress is concentrated
- Posture and movement analysis: Identifying physical patterns that indicate nervous system imbalance
- Spinal assessment: Locating specific areas of tension or misalignment affecting nerve function
These scans provide objective data that often correlates perfectly with what parents observe at home. “When we saw our daughter’s first scans, they confirmed everything we’d been experiencing,” shares Amanda, a Fitchburg mom. “Seeing the visual proof that her nervous system was stuck in overdrive helped us understand that her anxiety wasn’t just ‘in her head.'”
Gentle, Child-Specific Adjustments
Our pediatric chiropractic techniques are nothing like adult adjustments. We use extremely gentle, precise methods designed specifically for children’s developing bodies:
- Torque Release Technique: An instrument-assisted method that’s so gentle most children don’t even realize they’re being adjusted
- Cranial work: Subtle techniques that help release tension in the skull and nervous system
- Specific upper cervical adjustments: Targeting the area where the brain and spinal cord connect, which has profound effects on nervous system regulation
Many children actually look forward to their adjustments. “My son used to be terrified of doctors,” says Rachel, a Sun Prairie mom. “Now he asks when his next appointment is. The office feels safe, and he knows he always feels better afterward.”
Comprehensive Care Plan
Beyond adjustments, our doctors provide guidance on supporting your child’s nervous system at home:
- Sleep strategies: Creating environments and routines that support nervous system regulation
- Nutritional support: Identifying foods that may be contributing to inflammation or nervous system stress
- Movement and play: Activities that help discharge stored stress and build resilience
- Environmental modifications: Reducing sensory overload and creating calm spaces
This whole-family approach recognizes that when one person in the family is anxious, everyone is affected. We often work with entire families to create a household environment that supports nervous system health for everyone.
Learn more about our Pediatric Chiropractic Care →
The Benefits: What Parents Notice When Children’s Anxiety Improves
When a child’s nervous system begins functioning more optimally through neurologically-based chiropractic care, families throughout Madison and Middleton report significant improvements:
Emotional regulation improvements:
- Fewer emotional meltdowns and faster recovery when upset
- Better ability to express feelings with words rather than behaviors
- Increased frustration tolerance and patience
- More appropriate responses to minor disappointments
Physical symptom relief:
- Fewer stomach aches and headaches
- Improved sleep quality—falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer
- Reduced muscle tension, especially in shoulders and neck
- Better appetite and digestion
Social and behavioral changes:
- Increased willingness to try new activities
- Better peer interactions and friendships
- Reduced avoidance behaviors
- More confidence in social situations
- Improved school attendance and participation
Family-wide benefits:
- Less stress on parents and siblings
- More enjoyable family time without walking on eggshells
- Reduced need for constant reassurance
- Better morning and bedtime routines
“The change in our household has been remarkable,” shares Katie, a Waunakee mom whose 9-year-old daughter struggled with severe anxiety. “We went from daily meltdowns and constant worry to a child who can handle changes in routine and even looks forward to new experiences. She’s still herself—just no longer limited by anxiety.”
Sarah’s Story: From Constant Worry to Confident Living
Sarah was 8 years old when her parents brought her to ADIO Chiropractic. A bright, creative child, Sarah had always been “sensitive,” but over the past year, her anxiety had intensified to the point where it was interfering with every aspect of her life.
“She couldn’t sleep without me lying next to her for hours,” her mom explains. “She’d have panic attacks before school, refused playdates, and cried at the thought of trying anything new. We’d tried counseling, which helped her identify her feelings but didn’t reduce the actual anxiety. We felt stuck.”
After their initial consultation, our doctors showed Sarah’s parents her neurological scans. The results revealed significant tension in Sarah’s upper cervical spine and a nervous system locked in sympathetic overdrive.
“Seeing those scans was eye-opening,” Sarah’s mom recalls. “It explained why she was always ‘on edge’—her nervous system literally was on edge, all the time.”
Within three weeks of starting gentle, specific chiropractic care, Sarah’s parents noticed changes. She fell asleep more easily. The morning meltdowns decreased. Small disappointments didn’t trigger complete breakdowns anymore.
By eight weeks, the transformation was remarkable. “Sarah tried out for the school play—something she would have been far too anxious to do before,” her mom shares. “She’s making friends, sleeping in her own bed, and just seems lighter. She still has normal childhood worries, but they don’t control her life anymore.”
Sarah continues with wellness care at ADIO, and her family has learned to recognize when her nervous system needs support before anxiety spirals.
Additional Natural Strategies to Support Your Anxious Child
While addressing nervous system function through chiropractic care is foundational, these complementary strategies can further support your child:
Create predictable routines: Consistent daily schedules reduce uncertainty and help anxious nervous systems feel safer. Use visual schedules for younger children.
Limit screen time: Excessive screen use, especially before bed, keeps the nervous system activated. Establish screen-free times and spaces.
Encourage physical activity: Movement helps discharge stored stress hormones. Aim for at least an hour of active play daily, preferably outdoors.
Practice deep breathing together: Teach simple breathing techniques your child can use when feeling anxious. Belly breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Reduce sugar and processed foods: These create blood sugar spikes and crashes that can trigger anxiety. Focus on whole foods with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables.
Ensure adequate sleep: Anxious children often struggle with sleep, but poor sleep makes anxiety worse. Create a calming bedtime routine and consistent sleep schedule.
Validate emotions: Let your child know their feelings are real and understandable, even when the situation doesn’t seem objectively stressful to adults.
Avoid reassurance traps: Constant reassurance can actually reinforce anxiety. Instead, express confidence in your child’s ability to handle challenges.
Spend one-on-one time: Even 15 minutes of focused, positive attention daily helps children feel secure and connected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Anxiety and Chiropractic Care
Q: How is chiropractic care different from therapy for childhood anxiety?
A: Therapy and chiropractic care address different aspects of anxiety and work beautifully together. Therapy helps children understand and manage their thoughts and develop coping strategies—which addresses the cognitive and behavioral aspects of anxiety. Chiropractic care addresses the physical, neurological component by helping the nervous system function more optimally and shift out of fight-or-flight mode more easily. Many families in the Madison area find that combining both approaches provides the most comprehensive support. At ADIO, our doctors often work alongside therapists and counselors as part of a child’s wellness team.
Q: At what age can children start receiving chiropractic care for anxiety?
A: Children of any age can benefit from neurologically-based chiropractic care, even infants. Our doctors use age-appropriate techniques for each child—adjustments for infants are incredibly gentle, using no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. The earlier we can address nervous system imbalance, the better, but we’ve seen significant improvements in children and teens of all ages. Whether your child is a toddler experiencing separation anxiety or a teenager dealing with academic stress, chiropractic care can help.
Q: How long does it take to see improvements in childhood anxiety?
A: Every child responds differently based on factors like how long the anxiety has been present, overall health, and lifestyle factors. However, many parents in our Middleton practice notice initial changes within 2-4 weeks of consistent care—things like better sleep, fewer physical symptoms, or slightly calmer responses to triggers. More significant improvements in emotional regulation typically develop over 2-3 months as the nervous system establishes new patterns. Our doctors will discuss realistic timelines during your initial consultation based on your child’s specific situation.
Q: Does insurance cover chiropractic care for childhood anxiety?
A: Insurance coverage for chiropractic care varies significantly by plan. Some insurance plans cover pediatric chiropractic care, while others may have limitations. At ADIO Chiropractic, we focus on making care accessible and offer various care packages designed to fit different family budgets. Our team can help you understand your insurance benefits, and many families find that investing in neurologically-based care reduces other healthcare costs associated with managing anxiety symptoms. We recommend calling our office at (608) 824-0950 to discuss specific coverage and payment options for your family.
Q: Can chiropractic care replace anxiety medication for children?
A: At ADIO Chiropractic, our doctors don’t prescribe or recommend discontinuing medications—those decisions should always be made in consultation with your child’s prescribing physician. What we can do is support your child’s nervous system function, which may help reduce anxiety naturally over time. Many families find that as their child’s nervous system becomes better regulated through chiropractic care, they can work with their doctor to reduce or eliminate the need for medication. However, this is always done gradually and under medical supervision. Our doctors are happy to communicate with your child’s healthcare team to coordinate the best comprehensive care.
Your Next Step: Helping Your Child Find Relief from Anxiety
If you’re a parent in the Madison, Middleton, Waunakee, Verona, or Sun Prairie area watching your child struggle with anxiety, you don’t have to feel helpless. Understanding that anxiety has a neurological component opens the door to natural, effective solutions that address the root cause.
At ADIO Chiropractic, our doctors specialize in helping children’s nervous systems function optimally, allowing them to naturally regulate stress and emotions more effectively. We’ve helped countless families throughout Dane County transform their children’s anxiety from an overwhelming daily challenge into something manageable—or even resolved entirely.
We invite you to schedule a comprehensive consultation to discuss your child’s specific challenges and explore whether neurologically-based chiropractic care might be the missing piece in your child’s anxiety puzzle.
Ready to help your child find calm and confidence? Call ADIO Chiropractic in Middleton at (608) 824-0950 or visit our website to schedule your consultation. Let’s work together to help your child experience the joy and freedom of childhood without the weight of anxiety.
P.S. We know how busy life gets as a mom. Our efficient appointment system respects your time, and we offer flexible scheduling to work with your family’s needs. Your child deserves to feel calm, confident, and free to enjoy being a kid—and we’re here to help make that happen.
References
- Merikangas KR, He JP, Burstein M, et al. “Lifetime Prevalence of Mental Disorders in U.S. Adolescents: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication–Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A).” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2010;49(10):980-989. https://www.jaacap.org/
- McLeod BD, Weisz JR, Wood JJ. “Examining the association between parenting and childhood depression: A meta-analysis.” Clinical Psychology Review. 2007;27(8):986-1003. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2080659/
- Porges SW. “The polyvagal theory: phylogenetic substrates of a social nervous system.” International Journal of Psychophysiology. 2001;42(2):123-146. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167876001001622
- Hawk C, Schneider MJ, Haas M, et al. “Best Practices for Chiropractic Care of Children: A Consensus Update.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2016;39(3):158-168. https://www.jmptonline.org/
- Braverman-Bronstein A, Hessel H, Kaur S, et al. “Adverse Childhood Experiences, allostatic load, and the role of stress-related disease in prevalence of chronic health conditions.” Preventive Medicine Reports. 2021;24:101638. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8646436/
- Beesdo K, Knappe S, Pine DS. “Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Developmental Issues and Implications for DSM-V.” Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2009;32(3):483-524. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2854091/
About the Author
Dr. Eric Kurzinski, DC is the founder of ADIO Chiropractic in Middleton, Wisconsin. He specializes in neurologically-based chiropractic care for children, pregnant women, and families throughout the Madison area. With advanced training in pediatric chiropractic techniques and a passion for helping families achieve optimal health naturally, Dr. Eric has helped hundreds of children overcome anxiety, sensory challenges, sleep issues, and other health concerns by supporting proper nervous system function.
Growing up, Dr. Eric dealt with ADHD and social anxiety, which drives his commitment to providing specialized care and attention to children facing similar challenges. He understands firsthand the direct impact of stress on kids and their families, and believes every parent needs the support of a practitioner who provides answers to underlying problems—not just surface-level treatment of symptoms.
ADIO Chiropractic
Middleton, WI
(608) 824-0950
www.adiowi.com
Last reviewed: January 2025
