A SOLUTION FOR YOUR CHILD’S SENSORY PROCESSING ISSUES
Imagine you are learning to juggle. You start with one ball tossing it up and catching it before it hits the floor. Over and over. Then you add another ball. Adding only one more elevates the difficulty level tremendously. But you find you can still focus on the two. And now, when you start to get the hang of it, someone tosses five balls at you. Wait. Too much! Too soon!
How can you be expected to handle seven balls when you’ve only begun to try with two? How do you make sense of it all? There’s so much confusion. You have yet to master two and now you have seven!
It seems a child with sensory issues experiences life as if it’s tossing way too many “balls” their way. So, in our overly simplistic example, the child’s system might feel like their choices are to overreact or to under-react to the problem at hand. And certain children might even be told by their system when handed just one ball, that’s it is too much and that might stimulate an overreaction when no real challenge or crisis is present.
If your child has sensory processing issues, life may feel like “too many balls” for them. Their compromised nervous system is calling the shots and making life very difficult.
Sensory processing issues limit a child’s ability to lead a life filled with calm and joy. And it not only affects them, but every person in their world.
WHAT IS SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER (SPD)?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain processes sensory information. This condition leads to challenges in daily life for children and their families.
Sensory Processing Disorder occurs when the brain has difficulty processing sensory information from the environment around them, which results in atypical responses to stimuli.
Babies, toddlers, or children with SPD may be over-responsive or under-responsive to sensory input, which leads to challenges in motor skills, interactions with others, and emotional regulation. Common symptoms of SPD include difficulty with coordination, sensitivity to touch, sound, or light, and difficulty adapting to new situations. And when you’re young, most of life is new!
WHAT CAUSES SPD?
SPD can be caused by genetic and environmental factors or prenatal and birth trauma, issues in early life, or poor prenatal care.
WebMD explains that Sensory Processing Disorder is not recognized as a distinct medical diagnosis or disorder. (But many experts think it should be.) SPC was formerly referred to as Sensory Integration Dysfunction.
HOW IS STIMULI PROCESSED IN THE BODY?
The nervous system is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain.
Imbalances, mal-alignments, or dysfunction in the nervous system can contribute to the development of SPD.
SPD impacts the vestibular system, which spreads throughout the base of the brain, spine, and inner ear. Without a clear communication channel, the brain may struggle to accurately process and respond to sensory input.
HOW DO PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTORS HELP SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER?
Experienced chiropractors help to restore balance and improve the brain’s ability to process sensory information by focusing on the nervous system and its role in sensory processing.
Gentle, experienced chiropractic adjustments can help to improve the function and regulation of the nervous system, allowing for better communication between the brain and the body. This improved communication can alleviate or reduce SPD symptoms and improve motor skills and coordination, as the brain becomes better equipped to process and respond to sensory input.
Gently adjusting the spine, particularly in the cervical spine (neck area), can potentially lead to a calmer nervous system and better sensory integration.
A healthy nervous system is critical for processing sensory information.
OTHER HELPS
In addition to adjustments, a chiropractor can also recommend optional lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and stress management techniques, to further support the nervous system and overall health.
By understanding the role of the nervous system in SPD and seeking the help of an experienced chiropractor, you can find a natural, drug-free solution to help your children better manage and improve their SPD symptoms.
Children with SPD may experience feelings of anxiousness, depression, and fear.
Pediatric chiropractic care can have a calming effect for some children with SPD. Some children with sensory issues may find the gentle touch of chiropractic adjustments soothing.
Pediatric chiropractors utilize adjustments, advanced techniques, and innovative technology to help improve neurological function by strengthening the relationship between the brain and spinal cord.
Identifying the source of neurological stress is critical to improving sensory processing challenges.
EXPERIENCED CARE
If you are considering pediatric chiropractic care for sensory issues, I’d recommend you find a chiropractor specifically trained in addressing sensory processing disorders in children. I have over fifteen years of experience in pediatric chiropractic and have had the pleasure of helping many, many families relieve sensory processing symptoms.
And my pediatric chiropractic care can be a critical part of a combined plan including other therapies like occupational therapy.
We love children and families and feel blessed to be able to help. Please reach out. We’re here for you.