As you watch your child battle daily with behavioral challenges, your heart tends to ache. You know there’s an amazing personality waiting to shine through, but constant defiance and emotional struggles seem to overshadow everything else. If you’ve found yourself avoiding social gatherings, dreading restaurant visits, or canceling family vacations due to fears of public meltdowns, you’re not alone on this journey- we promise you that!

Understanding ODD: Way More Common Than You Think

Up to 11% of children and adolescents experience Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). This number continues to RISE in our increasingly stressful world. Parents with children displaying persistent patterns of angry, argumentative, vindictive behavior. As a parent, you might feel isolated, but there’s a whole community of families facing similar challenges—and more importantly, there’s hope for positive change.

Let’s dive into the neurological roots of ODD and explore how imbalances in the autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve contribute to the development of this tough condition. Discover how Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a promising and drug-free approach to address the underlying causes of ODD.

What’s Really Happening in Your Child’s Body?

To understand why your child struggles with persistent argumentative behavior, we need to look beneath the surface at what’s happening in their nervous system. Think of your child’s body as having two major operating modes:

1. The “Fight or Flight” Response (Sympathetic Nervous System)
2. The “Rest, Regulate, and Digest” Response (Parasympathetic Nervous System)

In children with ODD, there’s often an imbalance between these two systems. Imagine a car stuck in high gear—that’s what’s happening in your child’s body. Their “fight or flight” response is constantly running on overdrive, while their calming system struggles to engage effectively.

The Missing Piece: The Vagus Nerve Connection

At the heart of this imbalance lies the vagus nerve—a crucial component responsible for helping your child:

• Regulate their emotions
• Maintain a steady heart rate
• Effectively process stress
• Remaining calm in challenging situations

Research has shown that children with ODD often have reduced vagal tone, meaning their body’s natural calming system isn’t functioning at its best. This helps explain why your child might have trouble:

• Controlling their emotions
• Adapting to changes in routine
• Responding appropriately to stress
• Self-soothing when upset

Understanding the Perfect Storm

Your child’s nervous system challenges didn’t appear out of nowhere. Several factors can lead to this imbalance:

• High-stress pregnancy experiences
• Birth trauma or complications
• Early exposure to environmental toxins
• Chronic inflammation
• Previous medical interventions

These factors can contribute to the cycle of nervous system dysfunction, dysregulation, and imbalance that keeps your child stuck in a pattern of challenging behaviors.

A Natural Approach to Help Your Child

Luckily, many parents are seeking drug-free alternatives to help their children thrive. Neurologically focused pediatric chiropractors dive deep into this nervous system dysfunction in kids struggling with ODD and behavior issues and find what’s called subluxation – which simply means stress stuck on. This means that even at rest, your child’s nervous system is constantly wound up, easily agitated, and overstimulated

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care focuses on:

• Identifying specific areas of nervous system stress
• Addressing underlying imbalances
• Supporting natural regulation
• Promoting healthy vagal tone
• Helping your child’s body find its natural balance

As a parent, you’ve likely tried numerous approaches to help your child. You’ve probably received plenty of well-meaning advice and maybe even felt blamed for your child’s struggles. But understanding that your child’s behaviors stem from real physiological imbalances—not poor parenting—is the first step toward finding effective solutions.

Consider these questions:

• Does your child seem stuck in a constant state of fight or flight?
• Do they struggle to calm down even in peaceful situations?
• Have traditional approaches provided only temporary relief?
• Are you looking for a more comprehensive understanding of your child’s challenges?

Moving Forward with Hope

You don’t have to continue feeling helpless in the face of your child’s struggles. Through advanced neurological assessments and natural approaches to care, many families have found new hope in supporting their children’s emotional and behavioral health.

Remember: Your child’s challenging behaviors aren’t a reflection of your parenting skills or their character. They’re often signs of a nervous system crying out for support and balance. By understanding the root causes of ODD and exploring natural solutions, you can take confident steps toward helping your child find greater emotional regulation and peace.

Want to learn more about how neurological assessments could help identify the root cause of your child’s struggles? Reach out to Highest Health Chiropractic, and our team can help you understand your child’s unique needs and create a personalized care plan for support. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you.

Your family’s journey toward healing and balance starts with understanding. You’re taking an important step by educating yourself about ODD and exploring natural solutions to support your child’s well-being.

As a parent, you have an ability to sense when something isn’t quite right with your kiddo. Maybe you’ve noticed a persistent cough that won’t go away, or your little one seems fussy which isn’t normal for them and they’re uncomfortable after eating. You’ve consulted your pediatrician, only to be told it’s “just a phase” or that they’ll “grow out of it.” But… what if there’s more to the story?

Understanding Silent Reflux

Silent reflux, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a condition that’s often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. It’s commonly associated with a wide variety of symptoms, including colic, constipation, breathing difficulties, and general discomfort. However, it’s crucial to understand that these symptoms don’t tell the whole story – they’re just barely the tip of the iceberg.

What IS Silent Reflux?

Silent reflux happens when acid and other fluids from the stomach flow back into the throat and voice box, causing irritation and inflammation. Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), silent reflux often doesn’t present with obvious symptoms like heartburn or vomiting, making it particularly challenging to diagnose, especially in infants.

The Signs and Root Cause of Silent Reflux

As a parent, you’re in the best position to observe changes in your child’s behavior and health. Some common signs of silent reflux in children include:

1. Hoarseness
2. Chronic cough
3. Difficulty swallowing
4. Recurrent ear infections
5. Asthma-like symptoms

It’s really important to remember that these symptoms alone don’t paint the full picture. To truly understand and address silent reflux, we need to look deeper at the root causes.

While symptoms provide valuable clues, they’re just the beginning of the story. To effectively address silent reflux, we need to examine which bodily systems might be struggling. Is it primarily a digestive issue? A respiratory problem? Or does it stem from something even more fundamental – the nervous system?

The Perfect Storm

In many cases, silent reflux can be traced back to what we call “The Perfect Storm.” This refers to a combination of factors that can lead to nervous system dysregulation:

1. Prenatal maternal stress
2. Birth interventions
3. Early life trauma

When those factors come into play, they can shift the nervous system from its natural rest-and-relax state (the parasympathetic nervous system) into a fight-or-flight mode (the sympathetic nervous system). This dysregulation, also known as subluxation, can significantly impact digestive function through:

• Impaired motility
• Altered secretion
• Inflammation

The result? A cascade of issues that can manifest as silent reflux.

Taking Charge of Your Child’s Health

As a parent, you have the power to advocate for your child’s health and seek solutions that address the root cause of their discomfort. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Trust your instincts: If you feel something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or explore holistic approaches.
2. Look beyond the symptoms: While addressing immediate discomfort is important, consider options that dive deeper into the underlying causes.
3. Consider a neurological approach: Specialized chiropractic care that focuses on the nervous system can offer a unique perspective on silent reflux and its treatment.
4. Explore non-invasive diagnostic tools: Advanced technologies like Neurological INSiGHT Scans can help identify nervous system dysfunction related to silent reflux.
5. Embrace a holistic view of health: Remember that your child’s body is an interconnected system. Addressing nervous system imbalances can have far-reaching effects on their overall well-being.

A Path Forward

At Highest Health Chiropractic, we understand the frustration and helplessness parents often feel when dealing with silent reflux. Our approach focuses on restoring balance to the nervous system through gentle, neurologically-focused adjustments. By addressing the root cause, we aim to not only alleviate the symptoms of silent reflux but also optimize your child’s overall health and development.

Remember, you don’t have to wait for your child’s condition to worsen. Take the first step towards finding relief and long-term solutions for your little one. Reach out to our office today to learn more about our unique, drug-free approach to addressing silent reflux and other childhood health concerns. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you.

By seeking answers, exploring root causes, and considering holistic approaches, you’re taking an active role in ensuring a happier, healthier future for your little one!

As a parent, there is nothing more heart-breaking than watching your child struggle with chronic health issues. You have likely been down a very long road of doctor’s appointments, treatments, and therapies, searching for answers that seem out of reach. If you’re feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, you are certainly not alone. 

The Overlooked Culprit: Birth Trauma

Birth trauma is a term that many parents have never heard, yet it could be the missing piece in your child’s health puzzle. This refers to physical injuries that can occur during the birthing process, often as a result of common interventions like utilizing forceps, vacuum extraction, or cesarean sections. These injuries, while often dismissed as “normal” by medical professionals, can have huge effects on your child’s developing nervous system.

Did you know that approximately 30% of babies in the U.S. are born via C-section? And that’s just one type of intervention! When we factor in assisted deliveries using forceps or vacuum extraction, the numbers climb even higher. In our practice, we frequently see children with chronic health issues that can be traced back to complications during birth.

The Domino Effect and Understanding It

To understand how birth trauma affects your child’s health, let’s break down the process:

1. Physical Injury: The trauma occurs in the delicate upper cervical spine and brainstem region.
2. Nervous System Disruption: This injury causes a shift in the central nervous system, putting it into a stressed, “fight-or-flight” state.
3. Vagus Nerve Impact: The trauma affects the function of the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in regulating digestion, immune function, and overall well-being.
4. Subluxation: The misalignment and dysfunction of the vertebrae in the upper cervical spine create ongoing stress on the nervous system.
5. Chronic Health Challenges: As long as this subluxation and nervous system dysfunction remain, your child may continue to struggle with various health issues.

The “Perfect Storm”

Birth trauma doesn’t exist in isolation. It combines with other stressors and environmental factors to create what we call the “Perfect Storm.” This combination can overwhelm your child’s developing nervous system, leading to a wide range of chronic health challenges, including the following:

• Colic and Digestive Issues
• Sleep Disturbances
• Developmental Delays
• Sensory Processing Difficulties (SPD)
• Weakened Immune Function
• Behavioral Issues
• Learning Difficulties
• Chronic Ear Infections
• Asthma and Allergies

The Emotional Component

It’s important to note that birth trauma isn’t just physical. The emotional stress experienced by both mother and baby during a difficult birth can also have lingering effects. Separation immediately after birth, difficulties with bonding or breastfeeding, and the stress of medical interventions can all contribute to the overall impact of birth trauma.

Is YOUR Child Affected by Birth Trauma

While every child is unique, here are some common signs that might indicate your baby or child is dealing with the effects of birth trauma:

1. Difficulty nursing or latching as a baby
2. Preference for turning the head to one side
3. Chronic digestive issues or reflux
4. Frequent ear infections
5. Delayed developmental milestones
6. Sensory sensitivities
7. Sleep disturbances
8. Behavioral challenges or mood swings
9. Difficulty concentrating or learning

If you recognize any of these signs in your child, it might be worth exploring whether nervous system dysregulation that began with birth trauma could be a contributing factor.

Breaking the Cycle: A New Approach to Healing

If you’ve been feeling frustrated with conventional medical approaches that seem to only address symptoms, it’s time for a paradigm shift. As a parent, you have the power to take charge of your child’s health by addressing the root cause of their challenges.

The Power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

At Highest Health Chiropractic, our approach to pediatric care focuses on identifying and correcting subluxation in the upper cervical spine and brainstem region. Using advanced technology like INSiGHT scans, we can assess your child’s nervous system function and provide gentle, precise adjustments tailored to their unique needs.

This neurologically-focused care aims to:

• Restore proper alignment and nervous system function
• Promote the body’s natural healing abilities
• Address the root cause of chronic health issues
• Support overall development and well-being

Remember, you are your child’s BEST advocate. By addressing the often-overlooked effects of birth trauma, you’re taking a powerful step toward unlocking your child’s full potential for health and well-being.

Are you ready to start your child’s journey to optimal health? Reach out to Highest Health Chiropractic today. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you. Together, we can help your child thrive!

Are you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and even a little hopeless when it comes to your kiddos chronic health issues? If you’ve tried everything from medications to natural remedies, swapping out diets, and even completely changed your lifestyle, but still haven’t seen the improvements you’re longing for, you’re not alone. As a parent myself and a PX Doc, I’ve seen SO many families in your shoes, and I’m here to share some very important information that could change everything for you and your child.

The Alarming Reality

Did you know that an alarming 40% of school-aged children today suffer from at least ONE ongoing health problem? From digestive issues and respiratory challenges to neurological conditions like ADD/ADHD and anxiety, our children are facing an unprecedented epidemic of poor health. It’s enough to make any parent feel helpless.

But… what if I told you there might be a common underlying issue of these seemingly unrelated conditions? A root cause that, when addressed, very likely would unlock your child’s innate potential for healing and thriving?

Beyond Toxins: The Real Culprit

When we talk about chronic health issues, many of us immediately think about the toxins and chemicals in our environment. And while that’s certainly a valid concern, there’s something even more fundamental at play – something that not enough people are talking about.

The biggest culprit? Chronic stress and its impact on your child’s nervous system.

Introducing Subluxation: The Hidden Disruptor

This is where we need to talk about a super important word- subluxation. It’s a term you might not have heard before, but understanding it could be the key to transforming your child’s health.

Subluxation refers to a complex neurological dysfunction within the body, characterized by three main components:

1. Misalignment in the neurospinal system
2. Restricted motion and tension
3. Neurological interference and imbalance

When subluxation occurs, it shifts the entire nervous system into “sympathetic dominance” – essentially, a state of constant stress or “fight or flight.” This imbalance, known as dysautonomia, can wreak havoc on your child’s overall health and well-being.

The Far-Reaching Impact of Subluxation

The effects of subluxation can manifest in various ways, often showing up first as:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Gut and digestive issues
• Weakened immune system
• Behavioral and emotional dysregulation
• Motor challenges and developmental delays

If you’ve been puzzled by what seems like your child’s unrelated symptoms or their resistance to various treatments, subluxation could be the missing piece of the puzzle!!

Subluxation: It’s Not Just About Kids

Something that might surprise you is that subluxation doesn’t just affect our kiddos. As adults, we’re susceptible to its effects, too. In fact, if you’re a parent struggling with your own health issues, subluxation might be the root cause you’ve been overlooking.

Adults with subluxation often experience:

• Sleep disturbances
• Digestive problems
• Weakened immune function
• Mental and emotional challenges
• Chronic tension and headaches
• Persistent exhaustion

Does this sound all too familiar? If you’ve tried every workout, yoga class, massage, supplement protocol, diet change, detox, and meditation app out there and still can’t seem to get healthy, it’s highly likely that subluxation and an imbalanced nervous system are at the core of your health challenges, too.

The Perfect Storm: Birth Trauma and Beyond

Now, let’s talk about where subluxation often begins – at BIRTH. One of the most overlooked triggers of subluxation and nervous system dysregulation in children is birth intervention and trauma. This includes:

• Forceps delivery
• Vacuum extraction
• Induced labor
• Epidurals
• C-sections

These interventions, while often life-saving, can put immense pressure on the delicate nerves and tissues in the brainstem and upper neck area, especially affecting the vagus nerve. This crucial nerve plays a vital role in regulating sleep, digestion, immune function, and behavioral or sensory regulation.

But birth trauma is just one piece of what we call “The Perfect Storm.” Other factors that can contribute to subluxation in children include:

• High levels of stress and anxiety during the fertility and pregnancy journey
• Overuse of antibiotics early in life
• Exposure to numerous chemicals and toxins in infancy and early childhood

Understanding these factors can help us take a more comprehensive approach to your child’s health.

Taking Charge: Your Next Steps

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you might be wondering, “What can I do about it?” Here’s where you can take charge and make a real difference in your child’s health:

1. Recognize the signs: Pay attention to sleep issues, digestive problems, frequent illnesses, and behavioral challenges. These could be indicators of subluxation.
2. Consider the whole picture: Remember that your child’s health is interconnected. What seems like separate issues might have a common root cause.
3. Explore Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care: This specialized approach can help address subluxation and restore balance to your child’s nervous system.
4. Get a proper assessment: Look for a practitioner who offers Neurological INSiGHT Scans. These scans can reveal subluxation and nervous system imbalances that other tests might miss.
5. Don’t give up: If you’ve tried everything else, this could be the breakthrough you’ve been searching for.

The Power of Neurological INSiGHT Scans

One of the most frustrating aspects of dealing with chronic health issues is the feeling that you’re shooting in the dark. That’s where Neurological INSiGHT Scans come in. These advanced scans are essentially a “stress test” for you or your child’s nervous system.

Here’s why they’re so crucial:

• They take just 15-20 minutes to complete
• They can detect subluxation and neurological imbalances that don’t show up on traditional medical tests
• They can uncover the root cause of a wide range of symptoms, from sleep challenges and sensory issues to chronic gut problems and weakened immune responses

Most importantly, when all other medical testing and specialist visits fail to find the root cause, it’s almost a guarantee that subluxation and nervous system dysregulation are at play. In these cases, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care could be the solution you’ve been desperately searching for.

You are not alone in this journey. The path to better health for your child (and yourself) might have been challenging, but there is hope. By understanding the role of subluxation and taking steps to address it, you’re opening up new possibilities for your family’s health and well-being.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Are you ready to find the root cause of your family’s health challenges? It’s time to find out if you or your child are affected by subluxation. Please don’t wait to schedule a consultation and Neurological INSiGHT Scan at Highest Health Chiropractic. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you. 

Don’t let another day go by wondering why your child is struggling or why you can’t seem to get healthy. Let’s work together to help your child – and you – thrive!

Raising healthy, happy kids in today’s fast-paced world is no small feat. From growth spurts to seasonal sniffles, our little ones face a constant stream of challenges that can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed. But what if I told you there’s a secret weapon in your parenting arsenal that could help your child navigate these challenges more smoothly? Enter boost adjustments – the game-changer in pediatric chiropractic care that you might not know about yet, but that could transform your family’s approach to health and wellness!

As family chiropractors, one of the most important things we discuss in our practice is knowing when it’s the right time to utilize boost adjustments for your kids, yourself, or the whole family. These extra adjustments are designed to provide additional support during those extra busy or stressful seasons of life. They’re like a turbo boost for your child’s nervous system, helping them adapt and thrive in the face of life’s many challenges.

Understanding Boost Adjustments

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a moment to understand what boost adjustments really are. In essence, they’re additional chiropractic adjustments that go beyond your regular care plan. They’re strategically timed to provide extra support when your body needs it most. They help the body process and adapt to new challenges more effectively, whether that’s fighting off a cold, dealing with a growth spurt, or managing the stress of a new school year.

The Top 10 Reasons for Boost Adjustments

Now, let’s break down the top 10 reasons why your child might benefit from a boost adjustment:

1. Immune Challenges: When your little one is fighting off a cold or infection, boost adjustments can optimize their neuro-immune system, helping them recover faster. Did you know children experience an average of 6-8 colds per year? That’s a lot for their little bodies to handle! Boost adjustments can give their immune system the extra support it needs to fight off those pesky bugs more effectively.
2. Growth Spurts: Kids grow about 2 inches and gain about 6 pounds annually on average. These rapid periods of growth can stress the neurospinal system, sometimes leading to growing pains or temporary clumsiness. Boost adjustments help the body adapt more smoothly to these changes, potentially easing discomfort and improving coordination during these crucial phases of development.
3. Teething: We all know how disruptive teething can be! This process can affect sleep and mood by disrupting the nervous system. Extra adjustments can help balance the system during this time, potentially leading to better sleep for your little one (and for you!), improved mood, and a smoother teething experience overall.
4. Injuries and Falls: Kids are active, and accidents happen. Whether it’s a tumble on the playground or a sports-related injury, boost adjustments can aid in recovery and prevent long-term issues. They help ensure that the body heals properly and that compensatory patterns don’t develop, which could lead to problems down the road.
5. Seasonal Changes: Weather shifts can throw off the nervous system, especially in sensitive kids. Proactive adjustments can help maintain balance during these transitions, potentially reducing the frequency of seasonal sniffles and supporting more stable moods.
6. Busy School Seasons: The stress of school, sports, and activities can overwhelm the nervous system. Regular boost adjustments can improve resilience during these hectic times, helping your child manage stress more effectively and maintain their energy levels.
7. Work Stress for Adults: Yes, boost adjustments are great for parents too! They can help you perform better at work and maintain that all-important work-life balance. When you’re at your best, you’re better equipped to support your family’s health and happiness.
8. Big Life Changes: Major life events like moving homes, changing schools, or welcoming a new sibling can cause emotional stress for the whole family. Boost adjustments help regulate the nervous system during these times of transition, potentially easing anxiety and supporting smoother adaptations to new circumstances.
9. Medical Interventions: If your child needs medication or vaccinations, boost adjustments can help minimize side effects and support overall health. They can help the body process and integrate medical interventions more effectively, potentially reducing adverse reactions and supporting the treatment’s efficacy.
10. Starting New Therapies: When beginning new treatments or protocols, boost adjustments can help the body integrate these changes more effectively. This can lead to better outcomes and a smoother adjustment period.

The Science Behind Boost Adjustments

Now, you might be wondering, “How do boost adjustments actually work?” Great question! Each of these situations is likely to cause extra stress on the nervous system, potentially throwing health and quality of life off track. For patients already under regular chiropractic care, often all they need to get back on track quickly is to come in for a boost adjustment or two.

By providing additional adjustments that help quickly optimize nervous system function, we’re not just treating symptoms – we’re enhancing the body’s ability to heal and regulate itself. This builds resilience and adaptability, setting your child up for long-term health success.

The nervous system is the master control system of the body. It governs everything from immune function to mood regulation, from physical coordination to stress response. When the nervous system is functioning optimally, the body is better equipped to handle whatever challenges come its way.

Unlike medications that may suppress symptoms temporarily, boost adjustments aim to leave the body stronger and more resilient in the long run. It’s about empowering your child’s body to handle life’s challenges more effectively.

Making Boost Adjustments Part of Your Family’s Wellness Routine

If you’ve never scheduled a boost adjustment before, don’t worry – it’s easy! You can:

• Talk to your doctor or care advocate at your next appointment and book it on the spot
• Use SKED on your phone to book a boost adjustment appointment
• Give us a call or send us a text to set up your boost adjustment

We know that life is unpredictable, and that’s okay! We’re here to support you and your family’s health journey every step of the way, whether you plan ahead or need a last-minute appointment.

Don’t let busyness or illness slow your family down. By incorporating boost adjustments into your wellness routine, you’re investing in your child’s ability to stay healthy and strong all year long. It’s not about treating problems as they arise – it’s about building a foundation for lifelong health and resilience.

Are you ready to supercharge your child’s health? Give Highest Health Chiropractic a call today to learn more about how boost adjustments can benefit your family. If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you. Let’s work together to help your kids thrive, no matter what life throws their way!