FBP

Optimize Your Family’s Health with Chiropractic Sympathetic Nervous System Care

Have you ever wondered why a colicky infant can’t calm down and be soothed? Why it is so hard to redirect a wound-up toddler or young child in the middle of a meltdown? Or why a child with Autism, ADHD, and anxiety struggles for so long to calm and regulate in certain situations? Or how about you, mom and dad – do you ever feel like your heart is constantly racing, your stress levels are maxed out 24/7, and you can’t fall asleep?

In this blog, we’ll be diving into the fascinating world of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), which activates the body’s “fight or flight” stress response and controls things like our adrenal glands, cortisol levels, inflammation, and so much more. If you feel like you or your child has a “gas pedal” and stress response that you can’t get turned off, this information is for you!

 

Flight or Flight – The Body’s Protective Response:

The Sympathetic Nervous System is a crucial part of our body’s defense mechanism, commonly known as the “fight or flight” response. It’s a natural, adaptive reaction that’s essential for our short-term survival and daily life. Imagine it as a biological alarm system designed to be activated when we face a potential threat or danger. When the threat is imminent, it prepares us to respond swiftly.  However, what’s equally important is that it’s also meant to be turned “off” once the stressor or threat has passed.

The ability to switch gears between readiness and relaxation is a critical component of our bodies. It ensures that we don’t remain in a heightened state of alertness indefinitely, preventing unnecessary stress and strain on our nervous system. However, when this balance is disrupted, especially in the context of our children, it can lead to a range of challenges.

 

The Sympathetic Nervous System and Kids

Our children are supposed to spend the majority of their time in parasympathetic “growth and development” mode, not in a constant state of “fight or flight.”  In this state, their bodies are free to grow, learn, and thrive.  The parasympathetic mode is the ideal setting for healthy development. 

However, when the Sympathetic Nervous System becomes persistently “stuck on,” it can have detrimental effects on children. This continuous activation of the fight or flight response often manifests first as colic, making it difficult for infants to settle and sleep. As children grow, the signs of a “stuck on SNS” become more evident, including constipation, frequent tantrums and meltdowns, behavioral issues, sensory challenges, and more.

 

Sympathetics “Stuck On” – Developmental Delays and Other Neurological Challenges

One of the most significant factors contributing to developmental delays and neurological disorders in children is the continuous activation of their sympathetic nervous system. This persistent stuck-on-the-gas pedal state can be likened to having a car with a jammed accelerator – it’s constantly revving in overdrive. 

The results of this overactivity can be profound, exacerbating conditions like Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and anxiety. When children’s nervous systems are unable to switch back to the calm and restorative parasympathetic mode, it places an extraordinary burden on their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. 

In the world of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, we use the term subluxation to describe a situation where the body’s stress response gets stuck in the “on” position. It’s as if the alarm is ringing continuously, and the body remains in a perpetual state of readiness. 

Dysautonomia, then, refers to the imbalance within the autonomic and central nervous system. It’s a condition where the body struggles to maintain equilibrium, often with an excessive sympathetic overdrive. This can lead to a wide range of physical and emotional health challenges, particularly in children who are still developing. 

The connection between these factors is significant, and understanding them is crucial for addressing the root causes of various health challenges in children. 

 

How to Find and Measure a Stuck On Sympathetic Nervous System

To identify and quantify the extent of a dysregulated nervous system, we utilize cutting-edge technology known as INSiGHT Scans. These scans not only pinpoint the presence of sympathetic overactivity but also provide a precise location of major subluxations that may be contributing to the issue.

By understanding the exact areas affected, a Neurologically-Focused Chiropractor can tailor a custom care plan to help the body regain its natural balance. This personalized approach is a game-changer for children and their families who have struggled with the consequences of a continuously activated Sympathetic Nervous System.

To learn more about the Sympathetic Nervous System and its impact on your child’s health, check out the full article on the PX Docs website. If you’d like to get yourself or your child scanned to determine if a stuck sympathetic nervous system is contributing to your current health challenges, reach out to us at ADIO Chiropractic today. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you. 

Don’t let your child’s health be compromised by a persistently activated stress response; there is hope, and we’re here to help you find it. Let’s bring balance back to your family together!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Request an appointment online or contact us by phone at (608) 824-0950

More blog posts

Top Family-Friendly Pumpkin Patches Near Madison

Fall is here, and it’s time to visit some of the best pumpkin patches around Madison! Here are several locations that provide the perfect autumn experience for families: Enchanted Valley Acres – Located in Cross Plains, this spot is a favorite for its giant slides,...

Subluxation, Stress, & Chronic Illness in Children: What Parents Should Know

Have you ever wondered why so many children today seem to be facing chronic illnesses and struggling with their health? And why are so many parents grappling with stress and exhaustion themselves? What if we told you that a single, straightforward concept could be...

Addressing Motor Tics in Children

If you’re a parent who is deeply concerned about your child who is grappling with the challenges of uncontrollable motor tics, rest assured, you’re not alone.  Watching your child struggle with these involuntary movements can be an emotionally draining and perplexing...

The Lasting Effects of C-Section Complications on Your Child’s Health

Meet Jordan and Teo, two fraternal twins who have shown us the profound impact that a C-section delivery can have on a child’s health. While Jordan was born vaginally, Teo’s birth required an emergent C-section, setting the stage for a journey that highlighted the...

Everything You Need to Know About Croup, Cough, and Kicking It to the Curb!

As parents, we understand that your child’s health and well-being are your top priorities. We know how challenging it can be to watch your little one struggle with croup, especially those sleepless nights filled with worry when they start coughing and experiencing...

Overcoming Chronic Ear Infections with Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Are you a parent who's been through the heart-wrenching experience of watching your child suffer from chronic ear infections? If so, you know the sleepless nights, the tears, and the feeling of helplessness that comes with it. The constant congestion, pain, and the...

Healing Begins at Night: How Quality Sleep Supports Your Child’s Health

Parents, no matter what health challenges your child may face, whether it’s acute conditions like the common cold or chronic neurological conditions like anxiety, ADHD, or seizures - there is one crucial first step you must take: prioritize quality sleep.  Sleep is...

Doctors Who Listen: What to Expect From Your Day 1 Consult

Are you a parent who’s ever felt utterly frustrated because your child’s pediatrician or traditional doctors just won’t listen? Have you asked questions about the causes of your child’s illness or challenges, only to be dismissed and told it’s all in their genetics?...

A Comprehensive Guide to Nurturing Your Infant’s Development

The journey of parenthood is both beautiful and challenging. As a new parent, you might find yourself asking, “What are the keys to ensuring my infant’s health and development?”  In a world brimming with conflicting opinions, navigating the intricate path of...

Understanding and Navigating Nervous System Dysregulation

Have you ever found yourself feeling constantly fatigued, on edge, or easily irritated? Are you struggling to decipher your child’s ever-changing moods and behaviors? If so, you’re not alone. Many families today face the daily challenge of living with nervous system...