Decoding Autism: Exploring Genetics, Triggers, and Hope

As parents, we're constantly navigating the unknown, seeking answers and solutions for our children's well-being. One of the most daunting challenges many of us face is understanding autism and its causes. With autism rates skyrocketing, affecting 1 in 36 children today, it's important that we look into the factors contributing to this complex condition.

Trying to understand autism often begins with one burning question: Is autism genetic? Still today, many of us hold onto the assumption that genetics and heritability solely explain the sharp increases in autism diagnoses and the wide variation in symptoms across the spectrum. However, we're here today to contest that assumption and introduce an empowering new perspective.

While genes undoubtedly play a role through genetic predisposition, even traditional medical doctors and media outlets are starting to acknowledge the existence of an "environmental" factor. However, they often stop short of this acknowledgment, leaving the concept of the environment as a vague blanket statement. Here's where we differ – our goal is to take you deep into the real root causes and known triggers of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Today, we understand that there's a full-on environmental "Perfect Storm" brewing for children struggling with autism, and genetics only plays a small part in the bigger picture.

This blog is for you, parents, and caregivers of children anywhere on the autism spectrum seeking clarity, community, and care options that dive deep into the true root cause of autism. Rather than simply attributing it to genetics and hoping to navigate around its challenges, we aim to provide understanding and actionable solutions.

We'll introduce what we call “The Perfect Storm," where accumulated stressors and dysfunctions disrupt nervous system function over months and years, altering childhood development. We want to provide you with drug-free answers that will help your child through their storm.

What “Environmental Factors” Contribute to Autism?

We know without a doubt that genetics alone don't tell the full story when it comes to autism. While over 100 genes contribute to autism risk, mutations account for only 10% of cases. This prompts us to explore the environmental factors that contribute to this condition.

So, what are these environmental factors that matter most?  As Neurologically-Focused Chiropractors, we go way back to the beginning. Prenatal or maternal stress emerges as a significant factor in the development of autism. Pregnancy can trigger the start of the Perfect Storm, where your stress as a pregnant mother can affect your baby’s development. If you're stressed during pregnancy and stuck in a fight-or-flight sympathetic stress response, your baby shares those stress hormones through the umbilical cord, which connects your nervous systems. 

Birth trauma also plays a pivotal role. During childbirth, interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, and c-sections can worsen the storm. They exert great pressure on your baby’s head, neck, and delicate brainstem, potentially causing significant physical trauma, especially to the brainstem and nervous system.  

This leads to subluxation, and when your child’s nervous system is stressed to the max, other challenges arise. Their immune and digestive systems suffer, resulting in frequent illnesses. Traditional pediatricians often prescribe antibiotics and other medications, which can make things worse by disturbing the gut-brain connection. 

And it doesn’t end there.  Factors such as exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), household toxins like mold, chemicals in everyday products, and toxins in medications and medical interventions should all be considered. 

Environmental Factors Lead to a Dysregulated Nervous System

What do these stressors and toxins do to a child's developing nervous system? They create a neurological "tipping point," where the delicate balance is disrupted, and the nervous system becomes locked into a state of sustained fight-or-flight response.

This nervous system dysregulation has far-reaching implications, affecting various aspects of a child's health and development. From compromised gut and immune function to challenges with motor skills, sleep, and inflammation, the ripple effects are profound.

As these challenges accumulate, the brain and nervous system struggle to cope, manifesting in the core elements of autism. Communication difficulties, social interaction challenges, sensory processing issues, stimming, and restricted/repetitive behaviors become apparent indications of this underlying dysregulation.

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care Can Help

So, parents, if your child has been diagnosed with autism and you've been told that there's nothing you can do to help because it's "purely genetic," it's time to go deeper.  Understanding the role that environmental factors may have played will help you discover how your child can truly heal and experience a significantly improved quality of life.

At Pediatric Chiropractic Center, we understand the deep, true neurological reasons behind the rise in autism, and we are able to use advanced technology, INSiGHT Scans, to find subluxation and neurological imbalances. Improvement is possible! By targeting root causes, we can gradually restore nervous system function through gentle chiropractic adjustments. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Pediatric Chiropractic Center today and learn that shifting your framework empowers you to open up new paths to progress for your child.  If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you!

HRV Insights: Understanding Stress Impact on Baby's Nervous System Development

The moment those two lines appear on the pregnancy test, the most joyful journey begins for expectant mothers. It's a time filled with wonder, excitement, and, undoubtedly, a touch of anxiety about your baby's health and future.

As your little one grows within the womb, you might find yourself thinking about the effects of your stress and any potential disruptions that could happen during childbirth. It’s common to wonder if your emotional state could influence your baby's neurological development.

Fortunately, advancements in research and technology now offer mothers a remarkable opportunity to play an active role in shaping their baby's neural health from the earliest stages of pregnancy. Heart rate variability tracking emerges as a cutting-edge insight among these innovations.

So, if you're curious about how your emotional well-being impacts your baby's well-being and resilience, this is for you. Together, we'll dive into the science behind proactive measures for nurturing your baby's nervous system. We want to help mothers eager to nurture nervous system growth in their developing baby by moderating stress.  You’ll learn about the direct impact of maternal distress and anxiety on babies in the womb, affecting their neurological development.

Alex’s Story of Hope

Before welcoming their beautiful baby Boden, Alex and Griffin prioritized preparing Alex's body for pregnancy through Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. Their journey began with preconception chiropractic sessions aimed at optimizing Alex's health.

After conceiving, Alex continued chiropractic care throughout her pregnancy, ensuring her body was well-prepared for labor and delivery. When Boden arrived, they welcomed him into the world with ease, a testament to Alex's proactive approach to wellness.

At just 3 days old, Boden received his first chiropractic adjustment, setting the stage for a healthy start to life. From improving latch to addressing newborn discomforts, chiropractic care has played a crucial role in Boden's early development.

Through their journey, Alex and Griffin have witnessed the profound impact of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care on Boden's health and happiness. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive care in the journey from preconception to parenthood.

Understanding the Science: Nurturing Your Baby’s Development

Alex and Boden’s journey is truly inspiring. To understand how maternal health impacts your baby's development in the womb, let's look into the crucial role of the nervous system during pregnancy.

The autonomic nervous system, anchored by the vagus nerve, orchestrates vital functions supporting fetal growth and regulating conditions in the womb. This intricate "command center" ensures your baby receives oxygen and nutrients and maintains a healthy heartbeat and development.

Your nervous system serves as the "mission control," driving the proper development of your baby’s brain, organs, and tissues. Remarkably, your baby’s nervous system remains connected to yours via the umbilical cord, sharing not just DNA but also stress signals.

Research reveals that maternal anxiety and distress can activate fight-or-flight responses in your baby, impacting developmental milestones. Chronic tension can interfere with emotional regulation and sensory processing even before birth, potentially leading to birth complications.

Emerging prenatal assessments, like heart rate variability (HRV) tracking, offer insights into nervous system health. HRV scans measure variability between beats, providing clues about your baby’s neurological growth and stress resilience.

Advanced HRV tracking now offers insights into nervous system patterns in pregnant women, with higher readings indicating balanced signaling benefiting the baby's growth, while lower readings are associated with pregnancy, birth, and future challenges.

With this knowledge, expectant mothers can implement tailored interventions like, most importantly, consistent Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, and also breathing exercises, mindfulness training, and stress relief regimens to benefit both mother and baby.

Learn More About HRV Technology

So, if you’re intrigued by how HRV technology can empower you as an expectant mother, please reach out to Pediatric Chiropractic Center today! If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a local PX Doc near you.

Understanding the Impact of Individualized Care Plans on Your Child's Health

As parents, one of the most profound responsibilities we have is safeguarding the health and well-being of our children. When faced with challenges - whether physical, developmental, or emotional - our search for answers and solutions becomes all we think about. Central to this journey is the question: “When will I see the results I’m looking for?” It’s a natural concern rooted in our love and desire to see our kids grow up healthy and thriving.

The truth is, the answer isn’t always straightforward. It depends on so many factors, starting from your child’s struggles at birth to their current developmental stage and the severity of their current challenges. And even then, there are objective measures and test findings that can influence the timeline of improvement.

As Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractors with extensive experience in neurology, pediatrics, and confronting tough conditions, we understand the urgency and need for clarity in your child’s healing journey. We can often predict, with a fair degree of accuracy, when and how healing will occur. 

Our ability to make these predictions stems from years of working with children facing similar struggles, understanding neurology, and leveraging scientific knowledge. We take your child’s story and key neurological metrics into account to craft what we call “Your Child’s Care Plan.”

This isn’t just any plan; it’s a tailored roadmap to your child’s recovery. It’s personalized, grounded in neurology and science, and shaped by our collective experience - all providing insights into your child’s unique healing journey. 

So let’s dive deeper into what constitutes a Care Plan and why it holds the answers to the burning question: “When will I see results in my child’s care?”

Understanding the Science Behind Your Child’s Care Plan

Every single aspect of care we provide at Pediatric Chiropractic Center  is focused on the nervous system and promoting what’s called neuroplasticity. It’s a big, nerdy word, but its essence is quite simple and important, especially for little ones and for us as parents navigating the demands of everyday life. 

Neuroplasticity is all about ensuring that the body’s most critical system - the nervous system - can do what it does best: rest, relax, heal, grow, and adapt. These five elements are the cornerstones of well-being, from the tiniest infant needing ample sleep to parents and children alike requiring resilience in our chaotic, stressful world.

When we craft a Clinical, Science-based Care Plan for your child, every aspect revolves around nurturing neuroplasticity. It begins with our doctors taking the time to genuinely listen to your concerns, setting goals collaboratively, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to assess the state of your child’s nervous system.

We use advanced tools like the INSiGHT Scans, a remarkable set of three scans that dive deep into your child’s central nervous system. These scans help us identify and measure stress, tension, and dysfunction that might be lurking within the autonomic nervous system. Terms like subluxation, dysautonomia, and vagus nerve dysfunction may sound daunting, but they simply point to an overstressed, fatigued, and malfunctioning nervous system. 

From there, our team constructs a precise, customized Care Plan tailored to your child’s specific needs. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach: it’s a personalized roadmap designed to optimize your child’s neurological function and well-being. Our Clinical Care Planning system, utilized by our PX Docs network worldwide, integrates your child’s history, neurological examination, and INSiGHT Scan findings to determine the ideal frequency and duration of care. 

At the Report of Findings visit, we sit down with you to review the scan and exam results, presenting your child’s personalized care plan. It’s an empowering moment - a clear action plan to guide your child’s journey toward health and healing. This visit marks a pivotal moment for families, offering clarity, direction, and hope.

The Incredible Power of Care Plans

The incredible miracles we witness daily at Pediatric Chiropractic Center all begin with a Care Plan. These initial changes set the stage for even greater transformations. Here’s where the beauty of chiropractic shines through: we address neurological interference and imbalance naturally without reliance on drugs. Once we restore balance to a child’s nervous system, remarkable shifts occur: 

• Better sleep

• Improved digestive regularity

• Reduced symptoms tied to ADHD and anxiety

• Enhanced ability to manage sensory processing challenges

• Increased energy levels

• Decreased emotional and behavioral stress

These incremental yet significant changes provide the momentum the nervous system needs to achieve major milestones and results, such as improvements in speech, behavior at school, immune balance, developmental challenges, and beyond. 

There’s nothing more powerful than parents seeking hope, answers, and help for their children. Never cease pursuing those avenues; it’s always worthwhile. 

For your next steps, reach out to us today and connect with one of our dedicated Care Advocates to have all your questions addressed, especially those concerning the timeline for neurological healing and restoration. Your child’s healing journey starts at Pediatric Chiropractic Center. 

If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find a trained and ready PX Doc in your area.

Colic: Insights and Solutions for Exhausted Parents

As a parent, nothing can prepare you for the distress of seeing your baby cry inconsolably for hours on end. If your little one is crying for more than three hours a day and seems impossible to comfort, there is a good chance they are experiencing colic - a diagnosis that affects about 25% of infants, leaving many families feeling overwhelmed and helpless.

It’s important to understand that colic isn’t just regular fussiness or tummy troubles that babies outgrow. It’s not just gas pains, food sensitivities, or issues with tongue and lip ties. Instead, colic often stems from deeper neurological imbalances and disruptions in your baby’s nervous system signaling and digestion. 

Research has shown that colic isn’t something babies grow out of and is a condition that requires attention and more understanding. It is in no way your fault as a parent, nor is it a reflection of something you’re doing wrong. Understanding colic as a neurological imbalance and dysfunction that disrupts aspects of an infant’s well-being, including sleep, digestion, and soothing mechanisms, can help you find the right care for your baby. 

So, if you’re a parent who is overwhelmed by your baby’s persistent crying and you suspect there’s more to it than just typical infant behavior, this is for you. We’re here to offer insights beyond traditional medicine and to introduce drug-free solutions - Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care - that have helped numerous families find relief for their little ones. 

Exploring Colic’s Root Causes

As mentioned, colic often originates from something called subluxation and vagus nerve dysfunction rather than just gas pains or food sensitivities. Subluxation refers to areas of misalignment and tension in the spine, while vagus nerve dysfunction can disrupt vital functions such as digestion, immune response, and relaxation. Understanding these underlying issues is crucial for effectively addressing colic and promoting your baby's well-being.

The Science Beyond Surface Symptoms

Colic affects approximately one in four infants, leading to prolonged crying episodes and challenges with traditional soothing methods. The origins of this neurological dysfunction can often be traced back to pregnancy. Maternal inflammation or a high-stress pregnancy can shift a baby's nervous system into a state of dysautonomia—where the fight-or-flight response dominates, affecting crucial functions like sleep and digestion.

During childbirth, birth trauma and interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, or C-sections can further exacerbate these issues. The upper neck and mid-back area, which house and protect the vagus nerve—a vital nerve responsible for sleep regulation, digestion, and relaxation—can experience misalignment and tension. This leaves your child's nervous system trapped in sympathetic fight-or-flight mode, hindering their ability to find comfort and calm.

The Road to Relief From Colic

The journey to understanding and addressing colic can be daunting, especially when conventional wisdom may suggest that colic is a passing phase. The truth is that unresolved colic can lead to other health challenges, such as constipation, ear infections, and developmental delays. However, there is hope! 

Specialized care protocols, including advanced technology like INSiGHT Scans, can guide precise care plans. These scans provide invaluable insights into your baby’s nervous system function, pinpointing regions of dysfunction and subluxation and guiding the development of a precise care plan tailored to your child’s needs. 

Once armed with this comprehensive assessment, we start with gentle Neurologically-Focused adjustments aimed at restoring proper nervous system function while activating the vagus nerve and alleviating digestive issues associated with colic.

Taking Action for Your Baby's Well-Being

If you find yourself exhausted, yearning for real answers to the root causes of your child’s colic, we’re ready to take that next step with you. Please reach out to Pediatric Chiropractic Center today to schedule a new patient consultation and exam for your baby. By scheduling a consultation, we can then explore Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic to address it. 

Restoring nervous system function brings fast relief, helping your baby thrive. If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find a trained and ready PX Doc near you. 

Recognizing and Addressing Teen Burnout

As you know, being a parent is quite a journey filled with joy and challenges. Unfortunately, the stress, burnout, and exhaustion we experience as parents are not exclusive to us. In today's fast-paced world, our teens and young adults are also wrestling with mental, emotional, and physical health issues. The demands of school, sports, social media, and various relationships can take a toll on our teens, making it crucial for you parents to actively engage in supporting them.

If your teen is struggling in any way and you’re not sure how to help them, this is the blog for you.

Understanding the Perfect Storm

It's important to recognize that the challenges your teen may be facing is not solely a result of their current stressors. Recent research suggests that our modern environment and lifestyle create a "Perfect Storm," affecting neurological and physiological development from an early age. If your teen is struggling with health and neurological issues in their formative years, they may find it increasingly challenging to cope with stress as they enter adolescence.

Recognizing the Early Signs

Before burnout and exhaustion set in, your teen has experienced two distinct stages of stress and what we call subluxation: sympathetic fight or flight overload and Neurological Dysfunction. Identifying these stages early can help you to take proactive steps to support your teen.

The 5 Signs of Burnout + Exhaustion in Teens Today:

• 1. Sleep, Gut, and Immune Health Challenges:

• Addressing basic physiological functions is crucial to prevent constant wear and exhaustion, ensuring a healthy brain and autonomic nervous system regulation.

• 2. Physical Pain, Posture, Headaches:

• Recognizing signs of neurological exhaustion, such as poor posture and frequent injuries, can aid in early intervention.

• 3. Irritability, Agitation, and Big Mood Swings:

• Acknowledging the impact of exhaustion on teens' emotional well-being is essential to understanding their struggles.

• 4. Mental and Emotional Dysregulation:

• Identifying impulsive behaviors and difficulty concentrating as signs of neurological exhaustion allows for targeted support.

• 5. Poor Lifestyle Choices + Eating Habits:

• Monitoring and guiding teens towards healthier choices can mitigate the impact of exhaustion on their overall well-being.

Taking Proactive Steps: How Parents Can Help Their Teens

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Adjustments are a specialized form of care that specifically targets the autonomic nervous system. These adjustments serve as a crucial initial step towards achieving better health by directly stimulating the nervous system. This approach recognizes the integral role the autonomic nervous system plays in regulating all bodily functions and seeks to optimize its functioning.

Prioritizing healthy sleep patterns is emphasized as a key component in promoting overall well-being for your child. The understanding here is that improved sleep can have a significant positive impact on their energy levels and contribute to better overall health. This highlights the importance of incorporating good sleep habits into your teen’s lifestyle as a fundamental aspect of maintaining and enhancing physical well-being. This is one of the biggest things we hear from our patients once they start care; their sleep greatly improves.

Understanding the connection between gut health and mental well-being and promoting a balanced diet is crucial.  Chiropractic adjustments help to activate the vagus nerve, which is sometimes called the rest and digest nerve, because of the crucial role it plays in those functions. Recognizing the relationship between the digestive system and mental health, the approach could also encourage your teen to adopt dietary practices that support both gut and immune health. 

Empowerment, engagement, and health education are highlighted as crucial strategies, particularly for your teen. Actively engaging with your teen, understanding their interests, and providing education on the link between physical health and mental well-being are identified as powerful initial steps. This approach seeks to empower teens with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about their health, fostering a sense of responsibility.

Lastly, as Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractors, we love to connect and collaborate with other health professionals. We encourage it, and it can end up being a very well-rounded strategy for your teen.

Addressing the Root Cause

While medication may be necessary in some extreme cases, addressing the root cause of your teens’ challenges involves understanding the neurological imbalances and dysfunctions contributing to burnout and exhaustion.

As parents, our role is pivotal in supporting our teens' mental health. By recognizing the signs of burnout, taking meaningful actions, and collaborating with healthcare professionals, we can empower our teens to lead healthier, more balanced lives.

To dive deeper into supporting your teen's mental health through Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, explore PX Docs' Clinical Process and cutting-edge technology like the INSiGHT Scans. These tools help detect and address neurological dysfunction at the core of teen burnout and exhaustion, ensuring a drug-free approach to their well-being.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us today at the Pediatric Chiropractic Center to schedule a consultation. We want to strive towards a future where teens are not only healthier but also equipped with the knowledge and support needed to navigate their well-being with confidence. We are here to support you every step of the way!  If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find a local office near you.

A Comprehensive Approach to Alleviating Fight or Flight Stress in Children

As parents and dedicated pediatric chiropractors at the Pediatric Chiropractic Center, we have witnessed the struggles that countless children face – battles against unresolved anxiety, poor sleep, low immunity, and inflammation, despite the tireless efforts of you parents striving to support your child’s health. This struggle leaks into their behavior, marked by frequent meltdowns and an inability to self-calm or regulate. These persistent challenges may be indicative of a constant activated stress response causing struggles for their delicate nervous systems.

The alarming truth is that over 77% of today's youth suffer from chronic health conditions, with neurological and mental health disorders standing out as the most prevalent. The latest clinical research points to dysfunctional nervous system patterns that serve as the main drivers when it comes to these conditions.

Specifically, when your child becomes stuck in "fight or flight" mode, the cascade of stress hormones disrupts vital processes like digestion, immunity, and development. The restorative parasympathetic "rest and digest" activation becomes suppressed, spiraling into a relentless cycle known as the "Perfect Storm."

If your child is stuck in the "Perfect Storm" of symptoms, leaving you feeling helpless in your pursuit of solutions - rest assured this is a scenario that resonates with so many parents, and it's crucial for you to recognize that you are not alone. Understanding that these challenges are linked to the nervous system is pivotal in navigating the journey toward better health for your child.

How Kids Get Stuck in a Fight or Flight Stress Response:

Your child’s nervous system, like a switch, goes between active and relaxed modes. When there's a short-term danger, it goes into "fight or flight" mode. But problems happen when the stress reaction stays for too long.

The Vagus Nerve's Function

At the heart of nervous system regulation is the vagus nerve, controlling the activation of the body's "rest, digest, and regulate" parasympathetic nervous system. This critical nerve regulates digestion, breathing, heart rate, and inflammation and is more tied to restoration. We also know that the vagus nerve is essential to social and emotional regulation, speech, and so much more. 

Impaired vagal tone traps your child in fight or flight, leading to a condition called dysautonomia. Dysautonomia (or out-of-balance autonomic nervous system) can then lead to a host of other chronic health challenges in kids.

What Getting Stuck in Fight or Flight Looks Like in Kids

Here are signs that your child may be stuck in fight or flight mode: 

• Heightened baseline anxiety, worry, and panic responses

• Frequent emotional meltdowns and outbursts

• Disrupted sleep and nightmares

• Loss of appetite or overeating

• Increased food sensitivities and allergies

• New onset headaches or body aches

• Overreaction to minor frustrations

• Poor focus and concentration troubles

• Frequent illnesses and decreased immunity

• Persistent fatigue or hyperactivity

When your child’s nervous system gets overloaded and stuck, churning out stress chemicals, it turns into a range of symptoms that can disrupt health and development. Leading to: 

• Anxiety and Mood Changes

• Cognitive and Behavioral Challenges

• Physical Hurdles (including): Headaches, body tension, abdominal pain, low energy, and immune weakness

• Growth and Development Delays

How to Get Our Kids Out of Fight or Flight Long Term

Parents, you hold immense power in nurturing your child's well-being at home. It’s always a great idea to engage daily in breathing exercises, helping with the relaxation response. You can try gentle movements like yoga to process cortisol. Ensure optimal nutrition to replenish drained reserves, and consider natural supplements for gentle inflammation modulation. Prioritize restorative sleep for holistic health.

However, time and again, we meet parents who have tried everything under the sun to help their child learn to calm, regulate, and balance their emotions and nervous system, but to no avail. 

In cases where the nervous system seems stuck in fight or flight, the crucial first step is Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. 

These adjustments target vagus nerve stimulation and release pent-up stress within the sympathetic nervous system, proving way more impactful than traditional methods.

As adjustments start to help restore better sleep patterns and enhance neurological health for your child, you can then introduce breathing exercises, calming activities, and nutritional programs. 

So, if your child is expressing symptoms tied to a stuck-on, fight-or-flight nervous system, and you’ve exhausted every avenue without success, consider addressing nervous system dysregulation and subluxation as the missing link. 

Please reach out to the Pediatric Chiropractic Center today. If you are not local to us, check out our PX Docs directory to find a local office near you. We want to help empower you to guide your child toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Unlocking Torticollis: INSiGHT Scans and Chiropractic Care

As a parent, when you’re told your baby has something called torticollis, it can often leave you feeling helpless and unsure where to turn. As pediatric chiropractors specializing in infant care, we empathize with the challenges and uncertainties that come with a torticollis diagnosis. In this blog, we aim to empower parents with the knowledge and understanding they need to navigate this journey successfully.

Nathan’s Story

Let's dive deep into the journey of Nathan, a resilient little guy whose early life was marked by the impact of torticollis. Traditional treatments fell short, leaving his mom, like many others, desperate for a solution. It was during a late-night research session that Nathan's mom discovered the transformative effects of chiropractic care specifically designed for pediatric cases.

The Rise of Torticollis and Birth Trauma

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in birth interventions, leading to an alarming increase in torticollis cases. Unfortunately, traditional medical approaches often lag behind in understanding the root causes and effective treatments. Birth trauma, a major contributor to torticollis, results from interventions like forceps delivery, vacuum extraction, and C-sections, subjecting the baby's delicate neck and head to undue strain. Try not to let your child's challenges go unnoticed.

Unresolved torticollis in your child can also increase their risk of ear infections. Tight muscles in the upper neck region affect the Eustachian tube, leading to fluid buildup and bacterial growth. This connection extends to respiratory issues, including croup, chronic cough, and RSV, as torticollis limits your baby’s body’s ability to drain fluid and move secretions. 

Prioritizing your child’s torticollis care now is essential for a healthier, happier future.

Understanding Subluxation

At the heart of torticollis lies subluxation, a complex phenomenon with three primary components:

• 1. Misalignment and abnormal positioning: Subluxation found within the neurospinal system.

• 2. Fixation and reduced range of motion: Restriction in movement in the affected region.

• 3. Neurological interference: Imbalance caused by altered proprioception and increased nociception, impacting communication to the brain.

In simpler terms, the more severe the torticollis, the more pronounced these subluxation patterns become, which can affect your child's development, temperament, and overall well-being.

Why Pediatricians Might Miss Mild to Moderate Cases:

Pediatricians, while experienced at performing physical exams, may not possess the specialized training and experience required to detect subtle neuromuscular challenges such as torticollis. 

Even when diagnosed, the traditional path of referral to physical therapy and helmets often falls short, with reported discomfort and limited effectiveness in many cases. They can even aggravate the condition because it would leave your child in a sustained state of fight or flight tension, something known as dysautonomia. Put simply, these methods do not get all the way to the root cause.

The Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Approach

Parents are increasingly turning to Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic for a more natural and effective approach - that gets right down to the root cause. Our three-step methodology involves:

• 1. Locating subluxations: Utilizing advanced tools like INSiGHT Scans for a detailed examination.

• 2. Safe neuro-tonal adjustments: Gently addressing tension/stress and correcting subluxations.

• 3. Monitoring and collaboration: Encouraging parents to remain vigilant during growth spurts, teething, illnesses, and other stressors.

In fact, if you put Pediatric Chiropractic as the foundation and first choice for your child’s torticollis, it then makes all the physical therapy stretches and positioning work easier and far more effective. As PX Docs, we love to work in conjunction with your child’s therapy team for maximum results!

The Role of INSiGHT Scans:

INSiGHT Scans offer a deeper understanding of the neuromuscular system, allowing us to identify stress and dysfunction within your child’s nervous system that may be overlooked by traditional methods. This sophisticated technology aids in crafting precise and tailored care plans.

Results often become evident within a few visits, but each child's journey is unique. Join us for a personalized care plan discussion during the Report of Findings visit to understand the duration and specifics of your child's care plan.

One month into Nathan’s care plan, his digestive issues and eczema cleared up. In month two, his mom saw a huge difference. His mobility improved drastically, he started hitting milestones, and said goodbye to ear infections!

If your mom or dad's “gut” is telling you there is more going on than your pediatrician or therapist can fully explain and address, then Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is perfect for you. We specialize in diving deeper and doing a more thorough assessment than anyone else out there, making sure we get to the true root cause of your child’s torticollis. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out today to the Pediatric Chiropractic Center to schedule your initial consultation for INSiGHT Scans. As you navigate the path to healing for your child, remember you are not alone. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Together, let’s ensure your child experiences the joy of unhindered development and well-being as they grow. If you are not local to us, be sure to check out the PX Docs directory to find a local office near you!

Understanding and Addressing Speech Delay in Children

Like so many other developmental challenges in kids, witnessing your child struggle with speech delay can be such a heartbreaking and frustrating experience. It not only affects their communication skills but also leads to social and emotional challenges as they find it difficult to express their needs and emotions. 

Whether your child has been diagnosed with a speech delay or you suspect one, this blog aims to shed light on the science behind speech delays. Additionally, if your child is receiving speech therapy services but is still struggling or has plateaued with their results, we’ll get into how often traditional therapy is fantastic but not able to fully address the root cause. We’ll break down the neurology behind speech delays in kids and provide actionable steps to address the root cause. 

Understanding Speech Delay

As parents, your child’s first words are so eagerly anticipated. Few things can compare to first hearing your little one say “Mommy,” “Daddy,” and “I love you.” So as time goes on, and those milestones are missed, disappointment and confusion set in. This is a common scenario for parents dealing with speech delay. 

Speech delay occurs when a child’s language and communication skills develop more slowly than expected, which is actually an indication of stress or interference within their brain and nervous system. Children with speech delay may have individual words but struggle to string them together and form clear sentences. 

Traditional pediatricians often attribute speech delay to “bad luck” without providing a comprehensive explanation. Speech delays are most commonly an issue with the “physical” formation and execution of speech, especially once other neurological disorders or hearing challenges are ruled out. 

The Role of Birth Interventions (Trauma) and Speech Delay

By far and away, the most common but massively overlooked correlation we see with speech delays in our practice is the connection between birth interventions and trauma. Birth interventions such as forceps, c-sections, vacuum extraction, and induction can contribute to speech delays, especially in severe cases like apraxia of speech.  Chronic ear infections, torticollis, and plagiocephaly, often linked to birth interventions, play a crucial role in understanding the root cause.

These types of delivery methods put tremendous pressure and physical tension on the cranial nerves, brainstem, upper neck, and vagus nerve. This results in a neuromuscular dysfunction known as subluxation. Subluxation is a neurological dysfunction that creates interference or disrupted communication between the brain and body, specifically affecting the nerves and muscles that control speech perception, formation, and execution. 

The Role of Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Speech Delay

At the Pediatric Chiropractic Center, our chiropractic approach doesn’t aim to treat or cure your child’s speech delay. Instead, our focus is on addressing the root cause - neuromuscular dysfunction and interference. We collaborate with you and other providers to create personalized care plans rather than recommending and doing the same thing for each child simply based on their delay or diagnosis. We know that each child is unique.

While witnessing your child struggle with speech delay can be disheartening, addressing the root cause with Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care can be so rewarding. To learn more and ensure your child gets back on track, schedule a consultation with our PX Doc at the Pediatric Chiropractic Center. If you are not local to us, be sure to check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you. We are ready to help you unlock your child’s full potential by getting to the root cause of their speech delay.

5 Must-Haves for Choosing the Right Chiropractor

If you are a parent who is part of our community, whether on socials, the website or have physically been in our practice, you’ve undoubtedly witnessed the heartwarming sight of numerous children running through our office. However, what truly distinguishes us as a pediatric-focused chiropractic office extends far beyond the array of toys, snacks, and upbeat atmosphere we intentionally cultivate (even though we love it all!).

In this blog, we want to dive in and explain to you the five fundamental elements that set us apart from traditional chiropractic offices. This knowledge will not only equip you with the insights needed to make informed decisions regarding your child’s health but also position you as a guiding force for friends and family seeking similar care. 

The 5 Must-Haves in a Pediatric Chiropractor

1. Advanced Pediatric Education + Training

We understand that education is just one part of being truly knowledgeable, especially when it comes to caring for your child. That's why we are wholeheartedly dedicated to going above and beyond by seeking additional and advanced training, an absolute must when it comes to handling pediatric cases.

Our team puts in a minimum of 80-100 hours in ongoing training, ensuring that we are always up-to-date with the latest advancements in pediatric chiropractic care. We believe that continuous involvement in advanced training is essential for delivering the best care to your little ones.

A skilled Pediatric Chiropractor that you want on your care team is someone who is constantly learning, improving their skills, and striving for better clinical outcomes. We not only meet these criteria but go the extra mile by investing in monthly training sessions. We are actively part of a network facilitated by PXDocs, which includes hundreds of pediatric chiropractors. This network provides us with the most advanced and specialized training in Pediatric and Family Care within our profession.  We are committed to staying at the forefront of pediatric chiropractic advances for your child’s benefit. 

1. High Level of Clinical Experience

At our practice, we also want to assure you that it’s not just about the number of years we’ve been around - it's about the quality of experience we bring to the table.  Our Pediatric Chiropractors have gone through rigorous training and specialized programs, focusing on addressing the unique challenges your child and other children often face. 

We believe that the proficiency of a Pediatric Chiropractor isn’t solely determined by age. Some of the most accomplished Pediatric and Family Chiropractic practitioners are relatively young. What sets us apart is our commitment to concentrated training and hands-on experiences in high-level pediatric programs and offices.

At our practice, pediatric care is a priority, dedicating a significant percentage of focus to children. This includes handling complex neurological cases such as Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Seizures, Sensory Processing Disorder, and more. This deliberate focus allows us to excel in providing specialized care for your child. 

1. Incorporates Advanced Neurological Examinations

Is your pediatric chiropractor using INSiGHT scanning technology, or are they relying solely on basic exams like posture and palpitation?  What sets us apart is our utilization of cutting-edge INSiGHT scanning technology. Going beyond standard exams, we delve into the intricate functions of the central and autonomic nervous systems.  The NueroThermal, EMG, and HRV scans included in this technology provide invaluable insights that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of your child’s health. This approach provides a comprehensive baseline for creating personalized care plans and allows for continuous progress evaluation. 

If you’ve experienced a lack of continued progress assessments with other chiropractors, it’s important to consider the incorporation of scanning technology. If your child’s adjustments seem repetitive and identical every time, it’s likely because your chiropractor is not utilizing scanning technology. Your child deserves the best, and we’re dedicated to providing the highest level of care through innovative and effective methods.

1. Utilizes a Multitude of Adjusting Techniques

We understand that every child is unique, and, as parents, you always want the best for your little ones. That’s why our team has dedicated time and expertise to master all available chiropractic techniques. Our focus is on choosing the right techniques tailored to the specific needs of your child rather than relying on personal preference.

While delving into the details of chiropractic methodology may seem complex, the core concept is simple – each case is unique. In pediatric chiropractic care, factors like birth trauma, exposure to toxins, illnesses, and emotional stress contribute to an individualized case history for every child. We carefully consider these diverse factors. Failing to do so and not customizing the adjusting technique and approach to each child's specific needs may hinder positive clinical outcomes.

Instead of sticking to personal preferences, our team follows a singular guiding principle – figuring out exactly what your child needs for the best possible care.

1. Recommends a Customized Care Plan

When we are caring for your child, how often and for how long we tailor their care plan is crucial. Our care plans are backed by science to ensure your child gets the right adjustments at the perfect times, promoting positive, lasting neurological changes.

Unlike some general family chiropractors who offer generic or sporadic care plans, these might not be effective in making neurological improvements in stressed and subluxated children. What really matters is a personalized approach - care plans that are driven by data and shaped by experience. That’s what your child needs for best results. 

Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

If you're feeling unsure about what to do, know that we're here to support you. Our team consists of parents who get your worries, and they're ready to talk about how chiropractic care has made a positive difference for their families. We want to share our experiences and have open conversations with you.

Engage with Us: Post questions, leave comments, or send us a direct message. Your curiosity fuels our commitment to providing the information you need.

Share the Knowledge: Extend a helping hand to other parents by sharing this post within your social circles, family, and relevant online communities.

Take Action: Dive deeper by reading associated articles on our website, registering for workshops or events, or downloading our informative guides.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Pediatric Chiropractic Center today!  If you are not local to us, check out our PX Docs directory to find a trained and ready PX Doc near you. Remember, the well-being of your child rests in your capable hands, and we're here to help, empower, and support you along the way!

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 closely linked to almost every health challenge that families are confronting in today’s fast-paced world?

In this blog, we will dive into the incredible power of addressing subluxation and stress on the nervous system, offering a game-changing health solution for you and your children. If you’ve tried everything it seems to get your family healthy, and it hasn’t clicked just yet, this is for you!

The Rising Tide of Chronic Conditions in Children

One troubling trend in our current world is the surge in chronic health conditions among children. From allergies and asthma to autism, anxiety, and ADHD, these conditions are on the rise, largely due to the stressful and toxic environment in which we live. While modern medicine often attributes these issues to genetics and bad luck, research points to a “Perfect Storm” of factors and stressors affecting our children’s health from as early as pregnancy and early childhood. 

The culmination of these factors results in an overburdened and unbalanced nervous system, triggering an overactive sympathetic fight or flight response. This state is known as subluxation, and it’s pivotal to comprehend how our children’s health can be negatively impacted.

Subluxation doesn't confine its impact to a single facet of health. It permeates the core elements of well-being, affecting sleep, gut health, immune function, and motor development. As the condition progresses, it sets deeper into the brain and nervous system, influencing cognitive and emotional health, behavior, focus, concentration, speech, and more. 

Identifying Subluxation in Kids and Families

Subluxation can manifest differently in children of various age groups: 

• Infants: struggles with latching, sleeping, soothing, eating and digestion.

• Toddlers: chronic ear infections, respiratory challenges, constipation, gross motor delays, sensory issues, meltdowns, tantrums, speech delays, and more.

• Grade School: challenges with focus, concentration, behavior, emotional regulation, anxiety, chronic gut issues, and more. 

• Teens and Adults: chronic fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, exhaustion, and depression. 

At Pediatric Chiropractic Center, we leverage an extraordinary piece of technology called INSiGHT Scans that’s transforming healthcare. This groundbreaking technology empowers us to detect and measure subluxation, sympathetic dominance, and neurological imbalances throughout your entire family.  Our scans are safe for infants as young as a few days old, and within minutes, you can finally uncover the true root cause of your family’s health challenges. Take that vital first step towards a healthier, happier family by addressing subluxation. 

If you are ready to schedule a consultation at the Pediatric Chiropractic Center, please give us a call or send us a direct message today! If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office local to you.

In a world where children’s health is increasingly challenged, this is the knowledge parents deserve to have.  Please share this message with fellow parents who may be on a similar journey. Together, we can empower families to take control of their children’s health and well-being, forging a brighter future for the generations to come.  

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 experience. However, knowledge is power, and understanding the root causes of motor tics can be the first step towards empowering yourself as a parent to take proactive, drug-free measures that can make a profound difference in your child’s overall well-being. 

Understanding Motor Tics

Motor tics, at their core, are involuntary movements that arise from built-up neurological tension. They are a common feature of a neurological condition called Tourette syndrome, although they can occur in other disorders like chronic motor tic disorder and transient tic disorder. These movements can take various forms., from subtle facial twitches and shoulder shrugs to more complex actions that might include neck bending, mouth opening, clenching, and even vocal tics accompanied by sounds, grunting, and more. 

Recognizing symptoms of motor tics is important. They can manifest in a wide range of ways, from seemingly inconspicuous eye blinks to more pronounced and complex movements. These movements, at times, can become noticeable to the extent that they affect your child’s daily life. 

The Root Causes of Motor Tics

A key piece of the puzzle is understanding the root causes of your child’s motor tics. Subluxation, a term referring to misalignment, tension, and dysfunction within the neuromuscular system, is often a significant contributor to the development of motor tics. 

Imagine your child’s nervous system as a complex network of communication pathways, like a web of electrical wires. When subluxation occurs, it’s akin to a kink in one of those wires, which disrupts the flow of communication within the nervous system. This disruption can result in heightened stress and tension within the nervous system. The accumulation of this stress and tension can, in turn, manifest in your child as motor tics. Similar to a pressure cooker, where the internal tension builds up and eventually finds an outlet through involuntary muscle movements. 

Understanding the connection between subluxation and motor tics can be pivotal because it can shed light on potential solutions. By addressing and alleviating subluxation, you can help relieve underlying stress and tension on the nervous system, which is often the core of motor tic development. 

What Makes Motor Tics Worsen?

Motor tics tend to exacerbate when external stressors come into play. Factors like growth spurts, seasonal changes, immune challenges, or emotional distress in your child’s life can intensify motor tics. These events can act as triggers, amplifying the underlying stress and tension (subluxation) in the nervous system. 

The Connection with Other Conditions

Motor tics frequently co-occur with other conditions such as ADHD, Autism, and anxiety. Interestingly, all these conditions share a common thread - they are rooted in excessive stress and tension in the nervous system. The correlation highlights the importance of addressing the core issues.

Conventional medical treatment options for motor tics often involve prescription medications like Clonidine and Guanfacine. Unfortunately, these medications can bring a host of side effects with them, including sleepiness, fatigue, mood changes, headaches, and gut issues, leaving many parents searching for alternative solutions. 

If you are a parent who seeks natural solutions and wants to explore options beyond medications, consider delving deeper into the role of subluxation and neurological tension in motor tics. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic may hold the answers you’ve been searching for. It empowers you with drug-free action steps to help your child regain control over their health and well-being.  

To learn more about subluxation, neurological tension, and how Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic may be the natural solution you’ve been looking for, reach out to us at  Pediatric Chiropractic Center today. It is a vital step in your journey towards helping your child overcome the challenges of motor tics and nurturing their overall health and happiness. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you!

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 Pediatric Chiropractic Center 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!