Why Are So Many Kids Struggling With Their Health?

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If you’ve been searching for answers about your child’s health but feel like nothing is working, you’re not alone. Many parents sense something is off with their child, even when told it’s “just a phase” or that they’ll grow out of it. But what if they don’t? What if the underlying cause is being missed entirely?

More kids than ever are dealing with chronic health challenges, and it’s happening at an alarming rate. Recent studies indicate that approximately 27% of children in the United States are affected by at least one chronic health condition. These conditions encompass a range of physical and mental health issues, including:

  • Anxiety and emotional disorders
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • Chronic digestive issues, such as constipation and reflux
  • Allergies and immune system-related conditions
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Sensory processing difficulties

These challenges aren’t just random. Something is driving this increase, and it’s time we start asking the right questions.

The Common Explanations—And What They Miss

When parents start looking for answers, they often come across two common explanations: genetics and environmental toxins. While both play a role, neither fully explains why so many kids today are struggling with their health. So, let’s take a closer look at these two “explanations.”

1. “It’s Just Genetics”

Many people believe that health is determined by the genes we inherit. But if that were the whole story, we wouldn’t be seeing such a dramatic rise in childhood health issues in just a few generations—our genes simply don’t change that fast. Something else must be triggering these conditions.

2. “It’s All the Chemicals in Our Environment”

There’s no doubt that kids today are exposed to more toxins, processed foods, and environmental stressors than ever before. While these can contribute to health problems, many parents who go all-in on detoxing, organic eating, and supplementing still find their kids struggling. There’s another key piece missing.

The Overlooked Factor: Stress & Nervous System Overload

Stress and how it affects the nervous system is one of the biggest yet least discussed factors in kids’ health. We don’t often think of kids as “stressed,” but their nervous systems are constantly working overtime, starting from birth. How a child’s nervous system handles and processes stress plays a huge role in everything from digestion to sleep, behavior, and immune function.

Consider this:

  • Maternal stress during pregnancy can affect a baby’s nervous system before they’re even born.
  • Birth interventions like C-sections, forceps, or vacuum extractions can create tension in the nervous system that lingers into childhood.
  • Early health struggles—like colic, reflux, ear infections, and sensory sensitivities—are often signs that a child’s nervous system is out of balance.
  • As these stressors build up, a child’s body can get stuck in “fight or flight” mode, leading to chronic health challenges that don’t resolve on their own.

If stress and nervous system dysfunction are at the root of the problem, then the solution isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about helping the nervous system function properly again.

At Highest Health Chiropractic, we take a neurologically-focused approach to chiropractic care, helping kids’ bodies naturally regulate and heal. Our process includes:

  1. A detailed case history to understand your child’s health challenges and triggers.
  2. State-of-the-art INSiGHT scans to measure how well their nervous system is functioning.
  3. Gentle, targeted chiropractic adjustments to help restore balance and promote healing.

By improving nervous system function, many parents see dramatic improvements in their child’s mood, sleep, digestion, immune health, and overall well-being—without the need for medications or invasive treatments.

We’ve worked with countless families who have tried everything—medications, special diets, therapies—only to feel like they’re still missing something. The reason? Most approaches focus on symptoms rather than addressing the root cause: nervous system dysfunction.

If your child is struggling and you’re ready to take a new approach, your Sioux Falls chiropractor is here to help. Book your appointment with our caring team today.