How to Overcome Constant Meltdowns, Tantrums, and Behavioral Outbursts

Have you had enough dealing with your child’s constant tantrums, meltdowns, and emotional outbursts? Do you find yourself tiptoeing through the day, never knowing what might trigger the next explosion? If you’re shaking your head ‘YES,’ take a deep breath – you’re not alone.. In fact, according to Johns Hopkins, one in five children have a diagnosis where they struggle mentally, emotionally, and/or behaviorally. That’s an enormous number, and it doesn’t even account for the many families silently struggling without a formal diagnosis.

The weight of these challenges can feel crushing. You’ve likely tried everything – from reward charts to time-outs, from parenting books to endless Google searches. Maybe you’ve even consulted with numerous professionals, hoping for a solution. But what if we told you that these challenging behaviors often stem from an imbalance in your child’s nervous system? Also, that there is a way to address these issues without relying on medication. We’re going to explore an approach that could be the missing key to your child’s behavioral challenges: Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care.

A Story of Hope + Healing: Jake’s Journey

To show the potential of this approach, here is a story about Jake, a patient who came to our clinic. At just 2.5 years old, Jake transformed from a sweet and smiling little boy into a child plagued by tantrums, crying spells, and explosive angry reactions and they occurred often. When triggered, his anger would escalate quickly. He would yell, stomp, call himself stupid, and at times even hit himself.

Jake’s family tried everything. They had so many conversations with their pediatrician, attended weekly sessions with a child therapist, held meetings with school teachers, counselors and social workers, and participated in 504 meetings. Despite their best efforts, they felt a growing sense of desperation and heaviness in their home.

After an extremely explosive event at a martial arts competition, Jake’s family knew they needed a completely different approach. They decided to try Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. With consistency and time, we worked to regulate Jake’s nervous system. The results were nothing short of remarkable.

After about 3-4 months, Jake’s parents began to notice so many changes. He appeared calmer and began to use words to express his feelings instead of lashing out. He became less anxious, less combative, and less intense. His smile returned, and he started joking around with his family again.

While Jake still has bouts of frustration, he’s learned to recognize when he’s feeling heightened and apply calming strategies. His nervous system is now communicating effectively with the rest of his body, allowing him to regulate his emotions better. The biggest accomplishment? Jake returned to competitive karate and even won two gold medals at the AAU National Karate Tournament!

Understanding the Root Cause: More than Behavior Modification

Jake’s story is not unique. Many children struggle with similar issues, and parents often find themselves trapped in a cycle of traditional behavior modification approaches that produce limited results. So why does Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care work when other methods often fall short?

Traditional approaches typically focus on managing symptoms or altering behavior through rewards and punishments. Behavior specialists often speak about learned behaviors or skill deficits, working hard to alter the external environment to support the child and teach them new skills. But what happens when the environment is already full of modifications, and all sorts of parenting strategies and professional help fail to get results?

This is where our approach differs. Instead of focusing solely on external behaviors, we look deeper to find the root cause of why a child is reacting this way. Often, it comes down to two crucial factors: sensory overload and nervous system dysregulation.

The Science Behind the Struggle

To understand this better, let’s dive into the science:

1. Sensory Overload: Sensory overload is when your child’s brain is overwhelmed by excessive sensory stimuli, leading to a state of constant “noise” and confusion. This disrupts the normal regulation of the nervous system, particularly affecting the balance between the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) responses.
2. Nervous System Dysregulation: When the nervous system is constantly bombarded with sensory input it can’t process effectively, it becomes dysregulated. Your child’s brain struggles to cope with the sensory chaos, leading to increased anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and those dreaded emotional meltdowns.
3. The Role of Subluxation: Here’s where chiropractic care comes in. Subluxation is a misalignment or dysfunction in the spine that can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to process sensory information effectively. By addressing these subluxations, we can help clear the path for better nervous system function.
4. The Vicious Cycle: Sensory overload leads to nervous system dysregulation, which is often exacerbated by subluxation. 

Breaking the Cycle: How Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care Helps

By addressing these root causes through Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care, we aim to restore nervous system balance. This approach can:

1. Reduce sensory overload by improving the brain’s ability to process and integrate sensory information.
2. Improve nervous system regulation, helping your child transition more smoothly between “fight or flight” and “rest and digest” states.
3. Address subluxation to enhance overall nervous system function.
4. Alleviate associated behavioral issues by creating a more balanced internal environment.

The result? Better overall functioning for your child, fewer meltdowns, improved emotional regulation, and a more peaceful home environment for your entire family.

There is hope. Your child’s challenging behaviors are not simply a reflection of your parenting skills. They’re not something your child is doing on purpose or can simply “grow out of.” More often than not, they’re a sign that your child’s nervous system needs support. Just like Jake’s story, your family’s story can have a positive turning point with the right approach and support.

So, if you’re tired of feeling helpless in the face of your child’s struggles, if you’re exhausted from trying every behavioral strategy in the book with little success, it might be time to consider. Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care. By focusing on balancing the nervous system, we can help create a foundation for better behavior, improved emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

Let’s work together to restore balance to your child’s nervous system. The journey might not always be easy, but with patience, consistency, and the right support, remarkable changes are possible. If you are not local to Highest Health Chiropractic, please check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you. 

Why Too Many Treatments can Impede your Child’s Healing

Parents, we see you!!! We understand the journey you’ve been on, trying to help your child overcome health issues. It’s a path filled with hope, disappointment, determination, and sheer frustration. You’ve consulted countless doctors, explored various therapies, changed diets, and tried natural remedies. Perhaps you have even traveled across the country or maybe even internationally, seeking that one specialist or treatment that might make all the difference in the world.

The emotional and financial toll is intense. You’ve likely spent thousands on insurance deductibles, copays, vitamins, supplements, and therapies. Sleepless nights have become your norm as you research any possible solution. It’s more than exhausting – it’s all-consuming!

But…..what if we told you that the answer isn’t about trying MORE, but about doing things in the right order? We want to dive into why your child might not be healing despite your best effort and reveal a “hidden in plain sight” missing link in most treatment approaches.

The Frightening Reality of Childhood Chronic Illness

First, let’s look at some out-of-this-world statistics that highlight the magnitude of the problem we’re facing:

• Chronic illness affects approximately 27% of children in the United States – that’s more than 1 in 4 kids.
• 1 in 6 children have sensory issues.
• Autism rates have skyrocketed to 1 in 36 children.
• ADHD affects about 9.4% of children.
• Childhood anxiety disorders impact 7.1% of children aged 3-17.

These numbers are staggering, and they’re only increasing. It’s clear that something is missing in our approach to children’s health. The traditional medical model often falls short when it comes to addressing chronic conditions in children. It tends to focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing root causes.

The Missing Piece: Understanding the Nervous System

Here’s what many parents and even many health professionals overlook: everything starts with the nervous system. Your child’s nervous system develops first in-utero and controls every other bodily function. It’s the master control center for sleep, digestion, immune function, and even includes behavior.

Many children experience what we call the “Perfect Storm” – a series of stressors early in life that can derail their neurodevelopment:

1. Stress during pregnancy: This could be physical and/or emotional stress, or exposure to toxins.
2. Birth interventions or trauma: Forceps, vacuum extraction, induction, or C-section can put a lot of stress on a baby’s nervous system.
3. Early exposure to antibiotics and other toxins: Whether through medical procedures, food, or environmental factors, these can disrupt the developing nervous system and microbiome.

When the nervous system is thrown off becoming dysregulated, it can lead to a number of health issues. This is why children with one condition often struggle with multiple symptoms across the body.

The Domino Effect of Nervous System Dysregulation

Think of your child’s nervous system like the conductor of an orchestra. When the conductor is off-beat, the entire performance suffers. Similarly, when the nervous system is dysregulated, it can affect:

• Sleep patterns: Leading to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep.
• Digestion: Causing issues like constipation, diarrhea, or food sensitivities.
• Immune function: Resulting in frequent illnesses or autoimmune issues.
• Behavior and mood: Leading to anxiety, irritability, or difficulty with emotional regulation.
• Sensory processing: Causing over- or under-sensitivity to stimuli.
• Motor skills: Affecting coordination and fine motor development.

You’ve likely explored many avenues of healing – and you get kudos for doing so. Focusing on gut health, microbiome, inflammation, and immune system is important, but there’s one layer deeper we need to address: Nervous System Dysregulation.

When the nervous system is out of balance, it affects everything else. It can disrupt gut function, immune response, and even motor coordination. By addressing nervous system dysregulation first, we create a foundation for all other healing to occur more effectively.

Think of it like building a house. No matter how beautiful the walls, roof, and interior design are, if the foundation is off, the entire structure is at risk. Your child’s nervous system is that foundation.

A New Approach: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

For many families struggling with chronic illness, the real missing link could be addressing nervous system dysregulation with Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. 

This approach can lead to improvements across multiple areas of health at the same time. Parents often report:

• Better sleep
• Improved digestion
• Stronger immune response
• Easier transitions
• Better mood and behavior regulation
• Sensory processing improvements

If you’re feeling stuck and frustrated with your child’s healing journey, it might be time to explore this approach. The best part? At Highest Health Chiropractic, we use cutting-edge technology called INSiGHT Scans that can help find and pinpoint nervous system dysregulation with incredible accuracy.

We can actually quantify and locate areas of dysregulation within your child’s nervous system, then sit down at what we call our “Report of Findings” visit and show you exactly what’s been holding your child back from optimal healing!

There’s hope, and there are answers. Sometimes, they’re just hiding in plain sight. Don’t let another day go by watching your child struggle. Consider exploring Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care – it could be the missing piece in your child’s health puzzle.

Take that first step. Reach out to us here at Highest Health Chiropractic to learn more about how we can assess your child’s nervous system function and create a personalized care plan. Your child deserves to thrive- not just survive. Let’s work together to unlock their full healing potential.  If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you. 

Does my Child Struggle with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and enjoying various events like going to the lake, attending parades/carnivals, and going on vacation. However, for children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), this season can be full of challenges and stress. Many families first recognize the signs of sensory issues in their children during this time, noticing that they are easily overwhelmed in large crowds, struggle with loud noises, have trouble with transitions, and find it challenging to stay calm and regulated in the heat.

Sensory Processing Disorder affects an alarming 1 in 6 children, with numbers continually rising. Despite the commonness, SPD is frequently overlooked and misunderstood by healthcare providers. Children with SPD have a nervous system that struggles to filter and regulate normal input, leaving them in a constant state of sensory overload. Sadly, pediatricians often dismiss parents’ concerns, saying, “It’s just a phase.” However, early intervention is crucial for children with SPD to thrive- these interventions must address the root cause of the disorder, not just recommend temporary “band-aids.”

Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) in Children

1. Oversensitivity to touch, clothing, sounds, smells, lights, and trying new foods: Children with SPD may experience discomfort with certain fabrics/textures, avoid being touched, or become distressed when clothing feels too tight or itchy. They may also cover their ears in response to normal sounds or fear loud noises like vacuum cleaners, sirens, or alarms.
2. Seeking or avoiding sensory input: Some children with SPD may constantly touch objects, seek strong tactile sensations, or engage in rough play, while others may avoid activities that involve physical contact, such as hugging, or become distressed by activities like haircuts or teeth brushing.
3. Difficulty with fine and gross motor skills: Children with SPD may struggle with tasks such as buttoning clothes, using utensils, writing, running, jumping, or riding a bike.
4. Balance and coordination issues: Frequent tripping, falling, or appearing clumsy can be signs of SPD.
5. Poor body or spatial awareness: Children with SPD may have difficulty knowing where their body is in space, leading to bumping into objects or people.
6. Feeling overwhelmed in crowded places: Distress or anxiety in crowded environments like malls, parks, or parties is common among children with SPD.
7. Difficulty transitioning between activities: Meltdowns or anxiety may occur when changing from one activity to another or moving between different environments.
8. Emotional outbursts and difficulty self-calming: Children with SPD may have frequent tantrums or meltdowns in response to sensory overload or frustration and struggle to soothe themselves when upset, often needing external help to calm down.
9. Hyperactivity or inactivity: Depending on the sensory input they seek or avoid, children with SPD may be excessively active or lethargic.
10. Difficulty sleeping and poor attention span: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep due to sensory sensitivities, and difficulty focusing on tasks are common among children with SPD.
11. Repetitive behaviors: Engaging in repetitive motions or actions as a way to self-soothe or manage sensory input can be a sign of SPD.

What’s Really Happening with the Nervous System in kiddos that have SPD? 

Sensory processing is a three-part process:

1. Sensory input enters through the sensory nerves and the sensory aspect of the spinal cord, reading information from both internal (body) and external environments.
2. The brain and central nervous system process or interpret sensory information, determining what is important to pay attention to and react to and what should be filtered out or ignored.
3. The brain and nervous system send information and “actions” or “impulses” to various parts of the brain and body to react and respond to the incoming sensory input.

When the sensory nerve pathways into the brain and nervous system are altered and interfered with, the brain and nervous system receive “bad information.” This leads to poor decision-making or interpretation and, ultimately, challenging actions and outputs. The root cause of SPD is a neurosensory communication and connection problem called subluxation or nervous system dysregulation.

The Perfect Storm: Factors Contributing to the Development of SPD

Several factors may contribute to the development of Sensory Processing Disorder, creating a “perfect storm” that leads to the onset of sensory issues. These factors include:

1. High-stress pregnancy: Stress during pregnancy can impact brain development and increase the risk of sensory processing difficulties.
2. Birth interventions: Forceps, vacuum extraction, induction, and cesarean section can physically alter the function of the brainstem, the crucial area of the brain that processes and interprets sensory information.
3. Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins, pollutants, and other environmental stressors can impact neurodevelopment and contribute to sensory processing issues.
4. Genetic predisposition: Some children may have a genetic vulnerability to developing SPD, which can be triggered by environmental factors or other stressors.

Understanding these factors can help parents and healthcare providers better identify children at risk for SPD and intervene early to provide the necessary support and care.

The Path Forward: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care 

While the root cause of Sensory Processing Disorder may not be found using common medical diagnostic testing, Neurological INSiGHT Scans are designed to find subluxation, nervous system dysregulation, and dysfunction. These scans can help you see exactly what’s causing your child’s tantrums, meltdowns, and sensory difficulties.

If you feel like you’ve already tried months or even years of OT and made various sensory “workarounds” part of your everyday life, and you just want things to be easier and less “modified” for your child and family, it’s time to learn more about how Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care works.

This specialized form of chiropractic care can do wonders for children struggling with sensory issues. By addressing the root cause of SPD, chiropractic care can help your child and entire family experience an easier, calmer, and more consistent quality of life.

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic benefits children by addressing subluxations and nervous system dysregulation. This leads to improved sensory processing and responses to sensory input. As the nervous system begins functioning better, children may experience better emotional regulation, resulting in fewer emotional outbursts and easier self-regulation. Additionally, a balanced nervous system can help with focus and attention and improve sleep. 

If you suspect your child may have Sensory Processing Disorder, please reach out to us here at Highest Health Chiropractic today! Early intervention and the right care can make all the difference in your child’s development and overall well-being. If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find a local PX Doc near you.

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a drug-free, non-invasive approach to addressing the root cause of SPD. By understanding the signs, causes, and available care options, you can take the first steps toward supporting your child’s sensory processing and creating a more pleasant family environment.

Here’s Why You’re Not Healing

As a parent, there’s nothing more heartbreaking than watching your child suffer from chronic health issues. You’ve tried every diet change, supplement, and therapy out there, but nothing seems to provide a lasting solution. Your child struggles with inflammation, gut problems, sensory overload, and mood swings, and you feel like you’re putting all the pieces together on your own. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and emotionally draining.

But what if we told you that there’s a crucial aspect of your child’s health that may have been overlooked? What if we said that addressing this one factor could be the missing link in your child’s healing journey? Enter nervous system regulation and vagus nerve function.

The Nervous System: Master Controller of the Body

The nervous system is the master controller of the body, coordinating every major system and keeping everything working in harmony. When the nervous system becomes dysregulated and out of balance, it can wreak havoc on your child’s health, shutting down and altering gut function, gross motor coordination, immune system function, and inflammation. If your child struggles with sleep, digestion, sensory processing, and behavior issues, it’s time to take a closer look at their nervous system.

Nervous system dysregulation refers to a malfunction or imbalance within the nervous system that affects its normal functioning and capacity to regulate responses to stimuli, control and coordinate various organ systems, and keep the body working well altogether. 

Common signs of nervous system dysregulation in kids include sleep disturbances, gut and stomach problems, frequent respiratory and immune challenges, gross and fine motor problems, sensory overload, and behavior problems such as tantrums and meltdowns.

While conventional pediatricians may blame genetics and natural health or integrative physicians may focus on gluten and dairy sensitivities or toxins, nervous system dysregulation and vagus nerve dysfunction are often overlooked root causes that can’t be ignored. When every other form of traditional and integrative testing has failed to find the root cause of your child’s challenges, it’s almost guaranteed that nervous system dysregulation and subluxation are at play.

Identifying Nervous System Dysregulation and Vagus Nerve Dysfunction

So, how can you find out if your child has nervous system dysregulation and vagus nerve dysfunction? The first place to look is within the “basics” of neurophysiological function – sleeping, eating, digestion, staying healthy, regulating emotions, and sensory processing abilities. If your child struggles in any of these areas, it’s a red flag that their nervous system may be out of balance.

The next step is to visit Highest Health Chiropractic  and have the Neurological INSiGHT Scans run. These scans provide a detailed look “inside” the nervous system, determining how well (or not well) it is functioning and regulated. With this information, we can then create a personalized plan to help your child’s nervous system heal and function optimally.

The Power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is a powerful tool in helping your child’s nervous system regulate and function at its best. By addressing subluxations and restoring proper communication between the brain and the body, chiropractic care can help your child’s body heal from the inside out. It may sound “too good to be true” that one thing can have so many various benefits, but that’s simply how the nervous system works. When it’s functioning optimally, the whole body can thrive.

As a parent, you are your child’s greatest advocate. By educating yourself on the importance of nervous system regulation and vagus nerve function, you’re taking a crucial step in helping your child heal. Don’t give up hope, and know that you’re not alone in this journey. With the right support and guidance, your child can experience the healing they deserve.

It’s time to stop chasing symptoms and trying a new medication or supplement for each and every issue. Instead, let’s address “everything at once” by getting your child’s nervous system regulation and function back in order. By focusing on the root cause of your child’s health challenges, you can help them truly heal from the inside out and get back on track.

Please reach out to Highest Health Chiropractic to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find a local PX Doc near you. Your love and dedication to your child’s well-being will make all the difference. Keep learning, keep advocating, and keep believing in your child’s ability to heal!

Experience Miracles with Chiropractic

As a parent, there’s nothing more heart-wrenching than watching your child struggle with chronic neurological issues like Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety, and Epilepsy. The search for answers and explanations can be frustrating and often leaves you feeling hopeless, especially when the traditional medical system fails to provide the support and solutions you desperately need.

We want to dive into what’s really causing your child’s chronic health issues. We want to help you finally uncover the hidden sequence of stress, physical injury, and exposure to toxins that happens during “critical” and “sensitive” periods of development that still continue to be overlooked and dismissed by conventional doctors. You will get the answers you’ve been searching for and find a like-minded community through the Experience Miracles Podcast.

The Rising Tide of Chronic Health Challenges in Children 

The statistics surrounding chronic health challenges in children are alarming. Approximately 27% of children in the U.S., around 22 million, are affected by chronic health issues. ADHD affects around 9.4% of children aged 2-17, which equates to about 6.1 million children. Autism Spectrum Disorder now affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S., with the numbers projected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Anxiety disorders affect approximately 7.1% of children aged 3-17 in the U.S., suggesting about 4.4 million children, with a massive uptick since 2010 and 2012 when smartphones and social media became more accessible. Learning disorders, sensory processing disorder, asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases also affect millions of children across the country.

The Perfect Storm: Overlooked Triggers of Chronic Illness in Kids 

Despite these staggering numbers, many parents find themselves dismissed by pediatricians, watching helplessly as their children fail to “grow out of” early life challenges such as colic, constipation, chronic ear infections, and missed milestones. What conventional doctors often overlook is what we call “The Perfect Storm” – a combination of early life stressors that can lead to chronic health issues in children.

This “Perfect Storm” often begins with prenatal stress, which can hardwire a developing baby’s nervous system for stress and anxiety. The umbilical cord acts as an electrical “power cord,” transmitting stress hormones from the mother to the baby. Birth interventions, such as C-sections, forceps, and vacuum extraction, can cause physical trauma to the delicate upper neck and brainstem, leading to neurological dysfunction and subluxations. Overuse of antibiotics and constant exposure to toxins early in a child’s life can disrupt the gut microbiome, causing inflammation and a host of additional issues.

Empowering Parents with Knowledge and Understanding 

To help parents navigate this Perfect Storm, we’re excited to introduce “The Experience Miracles Podcast” hosted by Dr. Tony Ebel, a world-renowned Pediatric Health Expert. This podcast is designed to arm parents with the knowledge and understanding they need to make informed decisions about their child’s health.

In each episode, Dr. Tony breaks down important terms and concepts such as Vagus Nerve Dysfunction, Nervous System Dysregulation, Dysautonomia, Subluxation, Sympathetic Dominance, and more. He also introduces incredible technologies and neurological healing options like HRV and Neuro-Tonal Chiropractic Adjustments. These are topics that no other doctor or pediatric health expert is discussing, but they hold the key to safe, effective, natural, and drug-free healing options for your entire family.

What sets “The Experience Miracles Podcast” apart is Dr. Tony’s unique ability to explain complex neurological concepts in a simple, entertaining, and engaging way. As a father to four children, including his own “Perfect Storm” and “miracle” son Oliver, Dr. Tony addresses chronic illness in kids from both a doctor and parent perspective.

One mother shared her experience with the podcast, saying, “I have learned an immense amount from this podcast, and I look forward to new episode releases! Dr. Tony explains complex neurological concepts in a simple and entertaining way while also helping me connect the dots and answer questions that no one else has been able to for our kids.”

Your Journey Towards Hope and Healing Starts Here 

If you’re ready to start your journey towards hope, answers, and drug-free healthcare options for your child, subscribe to “The Experience Miracles Podcast” with Dr. Tony Ebel today. Not only will you gain a deeper understanding of the root causes behind Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Seizures, and Sensory Issues in kids, but you’ll also have access to interviews with world-renowned pediatric natural health experts like Dr. Josh Axe.

The Experience Miracles Podcast is more than just a source of information; it’s a community of like-minded parents who are tired of being dismissed by the traditional medical system and are ready to take control of their children’s health. By subscribing to the podcast, you’ll join a supportive network of parents navigating the same challenges and seeking the same solutions.

Don’t wait another day to start your child’s journey towards optimal health and well-being. Subscribe to the Experience Miracles podcast now and take the first step towards transforming your child’s life. With Dr. Tony Ebel as your guide, you’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and support you need to help your child thrive and reach their full potential.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. The Experience Miracles Podcast is here to empower you, inspire you, and provide you with the hope and answers you’ve been searching for.