Back To School Balance: Harnessing The Power of Reset, Rest, And Routine With Pediatric Nervous System Chiropractic Care

To understand the power of our nervous system for our children, let’s recap how important it is and why it is key to our success with helping our little ones when heading back to school. The first day back to school is the beginning of a new academic year, with each class and activity orchestrated to create a harmonious routine. At the center of this busy environment is our nervous system, the principal guiding every movement, from our hurried footsteps to our focused thoughts during lessons.

A key player in thriving in the back-to-school craziness is the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Imagine it as the school’s main go-to coordinator, ready to jump into action when you’re feeling stressed about an upcoming test, running to catch the bus, or excitedly participating in gym class. It accelerates your heart rate, improves your breathing, sharpens your focus, and even pauses your hunger so you can concentrate fully on the tasks ahead.

What is Nervous System Dysregulation and 

Why does it hinder our kids’ success in school?

Nervous system dysregulation is like having a broken thermostat in your house—it can’t properly adjust the temperature, leading to uncomfortable extremes. This imbalance can show up in various ways, affecting everything from your physical well-being to your emotional and cognitive health.

In everyday life, nervous system dysregulation can be the hidden culprit behind why so many kids (and adults) feel overwhelmed by even minor stressors. It can cause neck pain, headaches, sleep problems, gut issues, and even behavioral and emotional challenges. When the nervous system can’t maintain balance, it struggles to return to a state of equilibrium after responding to stimuli, leading to a host of problems.

Recognizing the Problem

• Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, muscle tension, headaches, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system are common physical symptoms. These problems often persist without clear medical explanations.
• Cognitive and Emotional Signs: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli are telltale signs. Anxiety, depression, and irritability may also arise as the nervous system struggles to regulate emotions effectively.
• Behavioral Changes: Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or not enough), appetite, and stress-coping mechanisms can indicate nervous system dysregulation. Some children may withdraw from social interactions due to heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli.

We recently had a 12-year-old girl in the office. Her mother said she was struggling in school especially when she had to concentrate in math class. The mother informed us she said,”that all the noises in the classroom bothered her.” For instance, when another student tapped their pencil, and even the birds twittering outside disrupted her concentration. After a series of adjustments, the other noises in the classroom just seemed to fade away. She could finally focus better and her math grade improved. 

The Game-Changer: Neurological INSiGHT Scans 

Caring for nervous system dysregulation starts with an important step—getting your child into Dr. Angela or Dr. Ariel for Neurological INSiGHT Scans. These scans offer three unique benefits:

1. Detection: They can spot subluxation, dysautonomia, and nervous system dysregulation.
2. Measurement: They show the severity of dysregulation.
3. Localization: They pinpoint the exact subluxation patterns disrupting neurological communication and function.

These scans are a part of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, and provide a foundation for accurate, personalized care. With the data from these scans, we tailor treatments to each of our little student’s needs.

What is Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care?

This specialized form of chiropractic care doesn’t just treat symptoms; it tackles the root causes of subluxation, dysautonomia, and vagus nerve dysfunction head-on. Patients often report amazing improvements in their quality of life once care begins and neurological healing kicks into high gear. Improvements often include better sleep, less tension, improved gut and immune health (so important for those cold and flu months in school), better mood and emotional stability.

The Power of Reset, Rest, and Routine

As the new school year approaches, the importance of reset, rest, and routine becomes even more important for our kiddos. Let’s explore how these three steps can help children thrive academically, emotionally, and physically.

Reset

Resetting the nervous system is like hitting the refresh button on your computer. It helps clear out the clutter and allows for a fresh start. Chiropractic care plays an important role by addressing subluxations and restoring balance to the nervous system. Regular adjustments can help your child reset their nervous system. This helps them handle stress and may help their immune system to respond correctly to threats.

Rest

Rest is essential for a healthy nervous system. Adequate sleep allows our body to repair and restore, ensuring that our nervous system functions optimally. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is so important. Make sure your child has a calming bedtime routine, free from screens and stimulating activities, to promote restful sleep. Chiropractic care can also help by alleviating physical discomfort that may interfere with sleep, such as neck or back pain.

Routine

Routine provides a sense of stability and predictability, which is crucial for a child’s nervous system. A consistent daily schedule helps regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier for children to adapt to changes and manage stress. Include regular chiropractic visits into your child’s routine to maintain nervous system health and address any imbalances before they become an issue. 

Example Routine for School Days:

1. Morning:

• • Wake up at the same time each day
  • Have a nutritious breakfast
  •  Engage in a few minutes of physical activity (like stretching or a short walk)

2. School Day: 

• • Take regular breaks to stand up and move around (recess is fun and helps them focus for class) 
  • Healthy snacks to maintain energy levels

3. Afternoon:

• •    A calming after-school routine, like reading or quiet play after any homework

4. Evening:

• •   Consistent dinner time
  •    Limited screen time before bed
  •    Relaxing bedtime routine (bath, storytime, and lights out at the same time each night)

Chiropractic Care Enhances Brain Functioning

One of the lesser-known benefits of chiropractic care is its ability to enhance brain function. Research by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Roger Sperry found that 90% of the brain’s stimulation and nutrition comes from spinal movement. This connection highlights the importance of maintaining proper spinal alignment through regular chiropractic adjustments.

Regular chiropractic care can decrease interference within the central nervous system, improving focus and concentration across different age groups. These treatments can also eliminate pain caused by poor posture (caused by heavy backpacks), low back pain, and neck pain, providing a drug-free alternative for those who want to remain focused and improve concentration.

Conclusion

Harnessing the power of reset, rest, and routine through pediatric nervous system chiropractic care can make a world of difference for children as they gear up for a new school year. By addressing the root causes of nervous system dysregulation and incorporating these three essential steps, we can help restore balance, enhance brain function for those study times, and improve overall quality of life. And don’t forget about improving the immune system! So, whether it’s a pillow fight or a stressful day at school, remember that your nervous system is your body’s best friend, always striving to keep things moving in harmony.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule an INSiGHT Scan today for your student at Escondido Hills Chiropractic and discover the benefits of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care for yourself and your family. To schedule an appointment, call 1.760.740.9799 or click here to schedule it online.

For more information on our nervous system regulation, see our article titled: Chiropractic Care – Your Nervous System’s Pitstop